Invercargill’s Treacherous Teretonga Track

A mixed bag of Southland weather made for a varied two days of racing during the fourth round of the Premier Motorsport Championship at the Tereronga Race Track during the weekend.

While Saturday was mild and provided an exciting race, placing 6th, Sunday was a different story.

On Sunday the treacherous Teretonga track lived up to its reputation. “It rained all Saturday night and all Sunday, with the temperature reaching just 10 degrees,” says Geoff ‘SOS’ Spencer, driver and Coresteel Buildings Manawatu/Whanganui operator.

“Trying to get 400 horsepower off the line in the pouring rain is not easy. My tactic was to reduce the revs and get off the line – just like taking off at the traffic lights. Unfortunately, that didn’t work, as I stalled the ute, along with another ute in front – lucky the guys behind avoided us!”

The slow start put Geoff back to the rear of the field, yet he managed to finish 8th. “Race 3 was also wet, and a matter of survival. I came home with a 7th placing overall while managing to keep it on the track and bring it home straight!”

Geoff also took competition winner Matt on a hot lap around the course, reaching speeds of 220kph on Teretonga’s long front straight.

The next round is at Manfield – Geoff’s home track, alongside the NZ Grand Prix weekend, 10-12 February.