• Third Autumn Nationals superstock title a carrot for Ryan

Third Autumn Nationals superstock title a carrot for Ryan

Expect members of the Hawke's Bay Hawkeyes superstock team to be on a redemption mission during Saturday night's Autumn Nationals event at Meeanee.

Their title defence at last weekend's Auckland Team Nationals didn't go well with two losses from as many races. For one member of the team, Quinn Ryan (pictured above, photo, John Faulkner), he will have a couple of extra incentives to win the 36-car event.

The first is the fact he has a chance to become a three-time winner of the title after winning in 2017 and the last time it was staged in 2019. The second is the fact it is sponsored by his main sponsor BJs Bakery & Cafe, Hastings.

"We haven't really talked about a teams approach but we will see what happens closer to the time," Ryan said earlier this week.

He pointed out two members of the Hawkyes team who competed in Auckland, former 1NZ Randal Tarrant and Hayden Hart, won't be racing this weekend because of engine issues collected in the Big Smoke. However with the likes of Clayton Hagen and Regan O'Brien, who raced in Auckland, as well as Zach Lawrence, 2NZ Jason Long, Quentin Butcher and Adam Groome, who all boast plenty of teams racing experience, there is plenty of potential for host-track drivers to work together and stop the title from going out of the Bay.

"I'll definitely be giving it a good crack. Obviously my main goal this season was something a lot bigger, getting a number on my car, but bad luck stopped that.

"You're right ... the Autumn Nationals title would be a good way to end the season," Ryan explained.     

Ryan, who is just as well known for his exploits on the television programme The Bachelorette as he is on the speedway track, pointed out with $1000 up for grabs for the winner of the Top 10 Shoot Out and $1500 for the winner of the 20-lap final it's easy to see why Saturday night's event has attracted a quality field.

He also pointed out he will be available for the Hawkeyes again next year.

"James [Buckrell of BJs Bakery & Cafe, Hastings] will be back as manager which will allow Mike McLachlan to focus more on racing which will be good. I'll definitely be putting my hand up again."

The 14-car East Coast Streetstock champs and a Demolition Derby will be Saturday night's other feature events. Stockcars, ministocks and sidecars will provide the support class action.