In 2002 a conversation over the internet between Waikaraka Park (Auckland) Ministock Rep, Steve Clout, and president of the Kwinana Youth Sedan Association, Des Alfirevich, triggered the beginning of an exchange between the two traditional, international rivals, Australia and New Zealand. Discussing their shared passion for Youth Dirt Track racing The Trans Tasman challenge was formed has become a fixture on the calendar of the respective countries Youth categories. In March of 2003 the first international event was held at the Perth Motorplex, since then over 30 New Zealand drivers have competed in the challenge. Drivers like former New Zealand Sprintcar champion Ben Finemore, Current Waikato Wanderers team member Karl Ross, Current and former New Zealand Minisprint runners-up Jamie Larsen and Daniel Thomas respectively and other well known drivers such as Ricki and Chloe Corban, Jason Larsen and Graeme Peter are all products of this exchange.
The exchange is based around providing the opportunity for both New Zealand and Australian drivers to compete internationally in an environment where leadership and teamwork are developed to grow the class in both countries. Selection for the team is based on all round performance, not just results on the track. Selectors look at ability to respect officials, respect other crew members and all round ability to relate to others in the team. All aspects of the driver are taken into account through a strict selection process through which the team is handpicked to provide the best representation of the Ministock class.
This year, the series will be contested at Wellington’s Te Marua Speedway, a change from the usual Waikaraka Park. Coming off the back of the first away win by either team in Perth, the New Zealand Invitational Team charged with carrying on the good form on home soil is as follows:
4w Blake Ellet- Running the Retko Haulage/Larsen Racecars Datsun Winner of the recent Ministocks in Paradise, unofficial National championship, as well as multiple regional and track championships.
13w Todd Jenkins- Running the Century Distributors/Larsen Racecars Datsun also the Co-Captain. Currently in his 3rd season of racing, and was part of the team who won in Perth last season.
57a Aidan Eustace- Running the No. 8 sponsored Datsun and winner of multiple track championships and runner up at Wellington’s Cook Strait challenge, Aidan is a 3 time member of the team and will look to continue his good run for the team.
58r Cory Holmes- Running the South Auckland Crane Hire Datsun currently also racing Formula Ford. Cory is also a previous member of the team who won the series in Perth last season.
77r Hilary Dahm- Running the Shell, Mike and Oze Tyres and Valvoline Datsun, Hilary is one of the two first time drivers to the team, currently in her 5th and final season of racing.
89a Luke Brown-Campaigning his 3rd season of Ministock racing, 14 year old Luke Brown has come on leaps and bounds over the last season which has been recognised by the New Zealand Invitational Team selectors. Winning his first race in 2008/09 season and has gone on to place at the Auckland champs the following season. Expect big things from this name.
And the Australian team taking on the Kiwis to avenge their loss on home soil last challenge is:
3 Tom Payet- Currently in his 6th season of racing, and part of his second challenge.
5 Jack Alfirevich- Running the Fremantle Towing/ Northern Auto Recyclers Victoria Daihatsu Charade, Jack is a multiple time member of the team. Currently in his 6th season of racing, beginning at age 10, Jack has multiple championship wins, Including 1st in All Star Points and 2nd in the top stars points.
7 Josh Martinelli- Racing the Ultra Tune Malaga Daihatsu Charade, Josh is also a multiple time member of the team. Currently 15 years of age and racing in his 5th season of speedway, Josh’s career highlight is listed as being winning the Sedan Muster. In the 2009 challenge in Auckland, Josh was placed highest in the Trans Tasman challenge.
10 Johnny Terriaca-Running the Park Automotive/Sanwell Plumbing Daihatsu Charade, he is a multiple winner of championships in the Western Australia area, 6 state titles and 2 Prince of the road titles Johnny is a very successful driver. Holds ambition to race Speedcars, or Midget cars.
27 Laura Byrnes- Racing the Callcott and Downey Engineering Daihatsu Charade, in her 6th season of racing out of Fremantle, Perth. Has been part of the Australian team for one challenge now and after the loss on home soil will be looking to inflict similar pain on the Kiwi’s. Describes career highlight as being the first girl to win the Kalgoorlie Open Championship.
62 Brandon Hine-Campaigning the NRW Corolla out of the Perth Motorplex, Brandon is in his third season of racing, explains his career highlight as rolling recently.
Article by Christian Hermansen
