With their distinctive wings front and rear, sprintcars are the world's fastest speedway class. Even on Cromwell's relatively short 500m clay oval, spectators can expect to see these 750hp to 900hp, 3.5m cars achieve speeds of more than 160kmh.
Last season's champion, California-based New Zealander Peter Murphy, is unable to defend his title, as he is still recovering from a major accident. The United States will be represented, however, by professional sprintcar driver and 2010-11 champion Jonathan Allard.
Otago will be represented by two drivers - Queenstown's Jason Scott, the South Island sprintcar champion and War of the Wings series leader, and Andy Erskine, newly crowned Central Motor Speedway sprintcar club champion, of Arrowtown.
Erskine, who is also club president, was thrilled with the calibre of drivers and teams taking part in the weekend's event.
''This is the second time Central Motor Speedway has hosted the New Zealand sprintcar championship and, although as a circuit we are well known to drivers, I'm sure the increased publicity neighbouring Highlands Motorsport Park has brought to Cromwell helped increase interest in competing in the championship,'' he said.
Racing began last night with qualifying heats, which continue from 6pm today before the 25-lap title race.
