Beachlands Speedway is going to be petrolhead heaven this weekend.
The Dunedin raceway is bracing for a huge crowd for its biggest event of the year.
It hosts the New Zealand super saloon championship, a collection of 40 drivers who will show off all the power and pace of their 800hp V8s in a series of thrilling races.
"We’re going to see the best in New Zealand, and by the end of the weekend, someone will get to run the ‘1NZ’ on the door, and I guess that’s why anyone races.
"It’s a massive meeting and we’re really excited about it."
Drivers were flocking to Dunedin from as far away as Auckland, Stewart said.
Super saloons are relatively lightweight custom-built race cars with tubed frames and fibreglass panels.
"These guys are the best of the best," Stewart said.
"Racing will be nice and close, and really fast, and everyone will be trying really hard, so you might see the odd mistake and fibreglass flying around and the odd wheel hanging off.
"They’re loud and they’re awesome to watch."
Local motorsport fans will have some contenders to follow.
Dunedin drivers Terry Soper and Ricky Boulton were in good form and would be gunning for the top prize, Stewart said.
Tauranga driver Chris Cowling, runner-up at the last New Zealand super saloons, was tough to beat, and fellow Bay of Plenty man Sam Waddell was also in good nick.
Stewart said probably 25 of the 40 drivers could win the race on a given day.
"It will be a case of whoever has the best luck on the night."
The drivers have been split into three groups for qualifying tonight.
Six drivers from each group qualify automatically for tomorrow’s finals. The rest go into repechages with the two winners making the final.
There is plenty of other racing at Beachlands this weekend.
Youth saloons, streetstocks and the Otago productions championship will also entertain the crowd.
