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This event took place at the Arena Manawatu Speedway in Palmerston North around 6 1/2 hours drive south of Auckland. The track is extremely narrow for Sprintcars but can produce good racing with a quality field.
Unlike Round #1 there were no USA vs NZ test races with all drivers having to qualify for the A-Main via two heats. The USA drivers dominated round 1 but would come unstuck on a remarkable night. Jonathan Allard collided with the track water truck prior to the second heat, putting him out for the night. Craig Dollansky would also miss the A-Main. Not sure why as he completed both his heats but Dollansky did have mechanical issues in round 1 that regulated his performance. Kraig Kinser was the best placed of the US drivers running fourth into the last corner until contact with NZ's Dean Brindle (who was challenging for position) caused Kinser to roll. In the end Brad Loyet was the only USA finisher in 5th place.
Michael Pickens, more known for his Midget exploits, won the A-Main from the in form Jamie McDonald and local star Jamie Larsen. I've covered the A-Main and the water truck incident on my website Percys NZ Speedway
The third and final round is back at Auckland's Western Springs Speedway this coming Saturday night NZT.
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