Teachers to drive for schools' honour

Waitati School principal Heidi Hayward prepares to do battle with (from left) Logan Park High School teacher Andy Parsons, Mornington School principal Brent Caldwell, Big Rock School principal David Grant and Green Island assistant principal Aaron Warrington, at Beachlands Speedway. Photo by Gregor Richardson.

Throwing caution - and their pride - to the wind, Big Rock School principal David Grant, Concord School principal Steve Turnbull, Green Island assistant principal Aaron Warrington, King's High School teacher Richard McNaught, Logan Park High School teacher Andy Parsons, Mornington School principal Brent Caldwell, Palmerston School principal Gareth Taylor and Waitati School principal Heidi Hayward have confirmed they will be in the starting line-up. However, it appears some are treating the race more seriously than others.

Defending champion Brent ''Born to be Mild'' Caldwell said, despite his nickname, he was relishing another opportunity to get behind the wheel and create mayhem on the race track.

''The secret to my success is a lead foot. I've always been a driven person. I think if I'm being followed by someone in a car from National Standards or Novopay, I'm going to drive like a madman.''

At the other end of the spectrum is Miss Hayward.

In the past, she was known as ''Crash Bandicoot'' for her driving skills. She was not looking forward to driving a racing car.

''I'm not looking forward to it at all. I'm going to be clutching the steering wheel. You're not allowed to wear nylon underwear or footwear, just yucky old overalls. So that's scary in itself.

''This is a nightmare for me.''

Beachlands Speedway vice-president Matt Stewart said the educators would be driving stripped-down six-cylinder Holden Commodores and Ford Falcons, equipped with roll cages, which were capable of reaching 100kmh on the small oval dirt racetrack.

Hundreds of pupils and parents are expected to watch their school's representative in the annual event, he said.