Fireman races

Ruapehu Bulletin, 8 September 1992, Page 16

Fireman races

J By

Jan

Savell

Rushing to fires won't be the only time Waiouru Firemaster John Sparks is ■ driving to the limit. He's been modifying a ■ 1974 Holden and is looking forward to driving in the first race of the HQ Holden series starting 18 ■ October at Pukekohe. WOl Sparks spent three weeks full-time and another six weeks after work building the car. Now he says it "handles real good" with good pick I* up through the gears and a top speed of 180km/h. He is a member of the Taihape Car Club and has raced an Escort and a Cortina previously. He changed to HQ's because I he believes the regulations encourage close, competitive racing. "It is better racing when the cars are equal. The race is decided on driver ability and the risks they

are willing to take," said WOl Sparks. "The car looks nice right now and I hope it stays that way," he said but he isn't going to let that stop him taking risks to win. "We do have some spare panels and there's a couple of the guys here at the fire station with Holdens, if I need parts!" WOl Sparks is grateful for the help he has had from a number of sponsors. Stu Caisley and Doug Montgomery from the Shell garage are providing fuel and mechanical expertise. Stevie Vine from Waiouru Motors has supplied parts and Murray Bert from Waiouru Panel and Repairs has done the work on the outside of the car. Tyres are donated by the Taihape Tyre Centre. "I didn't look for sponsors. People offered to help" said WOl Sparks.