Fun, Sport and Safety were the key aims when local Police and Speedway Stars joined 12 Youth with disabilities at Pro Karts in Tahunanui for a family fun race day on Sunday, July 29.
Police officers came along in their free time to support the event, they are often called by members of the public that are unaware of some of the medical conditions can arise from time to time with some of the youth. The police are keen to work with the families to understand and support them when situations do happen and how best to deal with each individual, a real benefit for all involved.
The Speedway Stars were only too happy to put up their hand, the Speedway is a favourite passion for many of the youths and to race against real drivers was a huge highlight for them. The Nelson Speedway Club has been strong supporters of youth in the community over the years.
The format had the youth in blue colour shirts racing against each other while the police and speedway drivers were in red. They had three heats each with eight cars per race, there were a few warning flags and the odd crash, but after all the heats eight went through to the grand finale with sprint car driver Alicia MacLauchlan winning ahead of youth driver Josh Thomas.
Afterwards, a pairs-race matched a youth driver with a speedway and police driver for a final fun race before a bbq with family, friends and support volunteers. A great day was had by all, with plans for another race next year. The event was put together with the help of Paul Nelson and Tom Burson who would like to thank Gill Burson, IHC, NZ Police, Nelson Speedway and Nick and the staff at Pro-Karts for all their support.
Winners on the day from the youth were Josh Thomas 1st, Jason Hogarth 2nd and Alex Butzbatch 3rd while the speedway and police team winner was Alicia MacLauchlan 1st with Alex Hill 2nd and Daniel Ewers 3rd.