It was Andy’s brother Derin who toped the time sheet after qualifying. Derin’s Ford Mustang lapped Pukekohe in 60.69 seconds ahead of Andy’s Chev Camaro. Next fastest was Harry Dodson’s Nissan Skyline followed by the 6 Litre V8 Commodore of Geoff Washbourne and the elegant Porsche GT3 of Grant Dalton. For many of the drivers, it was their first time racing at Pukekohe and the racing saw significant improvements in their lap times.

Derin Greenslade was unable to convert his pole position in to race results due to mechanical problems. Potential front runners, Tony Oliver and Cameron Jones also suffered from mechanical problems. Tony blew a Turbo in his Subaru WRX and Cameron struggled with a browed Turbo that was way too small when he was unable to source a replacement in time for the Turbo he damaged at the Teratonga round. These problems, however, in no way reduced the quality the racing in the large competitive field.

Race one was all Andy Greenslade with him finishing 14 seconds ahead of the pack. The next group of seven cars fought hard for the whole race and in the end they were covered by less that 10 seconds. Second was Geoff Washbourne followed by Dalton, Dodson, Munt, Brent Stratton in the Sierra Cosworth RS500, Ian Booth, Toyota Altezza V8 and Jones.

Race two was a reverse grid race with a 10 second split in the middle of the field. Andy Greenslade had to fight his way through the field from the back of the grid and only took the lead at the back straight on the final lap. The top 11 finishers were covered by only 10 seconds. Dave Agnew from Christchurch in the Volvo C70 Turbo was second from Graham Barnes Capri V8, Washbourne, Stratton, Booth, Munt and Chris Coleman in the Rotory Turbo powered Mini.

The final race was a handicap. Chris Hatton was first across the line in his Toyota Levin but was subsequently relegated to 13th after he was found to have broken out of his handicap on two laps. This left the race win to Brian Gray in his RX7. Brian is a former two times OSCA North Island Champion but surprisingly this was his first win in the class. Graham Barns was second followed by Stratton, Dalton, Agnew, Munt, Washborne and Greenslade.

The final round of the PRINTSTOP OSCA New Zealand Championship will be held at Manfeild on 4th and 5th of February at the V8 Ute meeting. Organisers are expecting a field of over 30 OSCA Super Saloons which will certainly deliver some very close racing.

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