Thousands of speedway fans were treated to a New Zealand first at the Central Motor Speedway in Cromwell on Friday and Saturday nights.
The 40th annual New Zealand sprint car championship was held at the clay track, and included two US drivers, the first time any United States competitors had taken part in a speedway event south of Christchurch.
Ricky Logan, of Iowa, and Jonathan Allard, of California, were second and third respectively behind new NZ1 champion Rodney Wood, of Tauranga.
The three competed against 29 other drivers from throughout New Zealand in the two-night event, which culminated in a 25-lap feature race for titles.
Production and A-grade class saloons, youth ministocks, sidecar demonstrations, and the Central Otago streetstock championships also entertained crowds.
Speedway promoter Phil Burgess said it was the first time the sprint car championship had been held in Cromwell, and organisers were delighted to have two world-class US racers competing against New Zealand's best.
Despite more than a decade of racing in the United States, Mr Allard said he found the Cromwell track "challenging".
"I like it.
You have to get used to the dirt type, the track shape, and learn the new cars and drivers you are racing against," he said.
Mr Allard (32) said the atmosphere at Cromwell was great, both for drivers and spectators.
It was his third trip to New Zealand but the first time he had competed in the South Island.
The Cromwell championship was also his only scheduled race in the South Island while in New Zealand, where he has been since mid-November.
Last month, Mr Allard won the New Zealand grand prix sprint car event at Western Springs, and credited a longer racing season to his success.
At home, he typically competed in about 80 races each season, and managed to race year-round as a driver for New Zealand and Australian-owned cars.
The most races a New Zealand driver could compete in during a home season was about 30.
rosie.manins@odt.co.nz