The modifiedsprint class continues the trend of bringing new faces to the Ruapuna Speedway scene and acting as a major stepping stone into other open-wheel classes.This Summer most eyes will no doubt be focused on the high-profile arrival of former Black Cap cricketer Nathan Astle as he makes his Ruapuna debut,however he is not the only new face to both modifiedsprints and Ruapuna.Also stepping into the class is new driver Alastair Ford. Ford snapped up the car of the departing Anthony Dawson who is heading off into the sprintcar division. James Doyle also joins the fray and will no doubt be under the watchful eye of former competitor Matt Honeywell as he pedals the ex-4c machine of Chris Parker.A last minute exchange deal between Keith Brough and Allan Daly has seen Brough get the green light to head into the sprintcar ranks this season, and in return the 26c Raceworks machine will see track time under the control of Brendan Daly.Astle, Ford and Doyle have all taken in some laps at Ellesmere over the off-season and look to be coming to grips with the modifiedsprint class well.Adding to the local scene is the introduction of the class to Riverside Raceway in Invercargill. With track maintenance/upgrading likely to hold up the start of the Southern tracks season, we may see some of the faces from the deep south take in a few meetings at Ruapuna in preparation for the third running of the Modifiedsprint Clay Cup.