Local driver[b] [/b]Jamie Duff[b] [/b]became the first South Islander to win the prestigious Sprintcar Gold Cup when he led home an international field at the Holland Collision Centre Ruapuna Speedway on Saturday evening. Duff delighted the large crowd,winning from Australian Allan Woods with another local driver Matt Honeywell grabbing third place. The evergreen Ian Easton (Palmerston North) was fourth with American Barry Martinez securing fifth place. It was the tenth running of blue ribbon event which had attracted a field of 20 cars from all over New Zealand, australia and the USA. Duff always looked in control of the 25 lap Gold Cup Feature leading out from the opening lap until the chequered flag. The 21 year old was pleased with the win two weeks out from the New Zealand title which also be staged at Ruapuna. “It is great to be the first local to hold the cup and it is good for the confidence with the New Zealand title just around the corner. I was not confident of the win tonight until the final lap due to the quality of the field”, said Duff after the race.

 Coons Jnr set to light it up at Midget Triple Crown”

This Friday night Holland Collision Centre Ruapuna Speedway will host a 'shakedown' and practice for participants in the CJ Phillips Construction Gold Cup,which is on Saturday. Friday nights activities include an official Time Trial session which will seed the drivers into their groups for the Gold Cup, as well as Quarter Midgets and the Canterbury Six Shooter Championship. Admission is by a Gold Coin with the pit, and public entrances (from 6 PM) open as well.

Please note- the Free Family passes are NOT VALID for January 27 (Midget Triple Crown), or February 3 & 4 (New Zealand Sprintcar Championships) OR Any raindate relating to either of those events. They are valid for the Sprintcar Gold Cup on January 21