The first double header weekend was greeted with excitment about our return to Waharoa after rain meant only a couple of visits last year. 

Seven cars rocked up to the Springs.  The questions on everyones lips were could Ryan Barry and Hayden Guptill repeat their opening night wins or would Andrew Hanson on his return challenge them.  Race one saw Ryan take off to an early lead.  The rest of the pack followed Ben LeCren who looked like he was going to back up his opening night second placing.  Again and again Hayden and Nathan Howard tried to take the placing off him but Ben was holding a true LeCren line on the pole.  On the final corner Hayden managed to make a pass for second and Nathan made a dive to try and gain third place.  Ben managed top hold onto third with a photo finish with Nathan close behind.  They were followed home by Andrew and Melissa Baker.

Race two saw the back row of Ryan and Hayden dive around the field early and take off to a good lead. Andrew stayed in third to the line followed home by Nathan, Ben, Melissa and Morgan McHugh.

Sunday dawned cloudy and after passing through a few showers on the way down thoughts turned to the rain outs from last year.  As we got closer to the track the weather cleared and it looked like the return to Wahaora was complete.  Nathan, Ryan and Hayden were doing double duty after the Springs the night before were joined by local lad Nicholas Wells who is doing his opening season at CTRA tracks. 

The draw was done and the long awaited opening race was underway.  Hayden took and early lead  followed by Nathan.  Ryan got closer and closer to Nathan as the race went on.  Nicholas was doing a great job slowly picking up speed.  Hayden got his first Wahaora win (duely rewarded with a bucket of water).  Nathan came in next followed by Ryan and Nicholas.

Race two saw Hayden and Ryan battle into the first corner with Ryan getting away and Hayden and Nathan battling for second.  The race finished with Ryan winning followed by Hayden, Nathan and Nicholas.  This set up a great final race with Hayden and Ryan tied on points.

Race three did not fail to disapoint, but not between Hayden and Ryan but between Hayden and Nathan.  Off the start Hayden made a great start and was heading into second place coming into turn three when he went in a bit hot an clipped the rear of Ryan and turned himself around.  He managed to keep the car going and as Ryan and Nathan took off he set out after them.  A couple of laps later he was on their tails.  From this moment on this race turned into and absolute ripper.  With Ryan running away out in front Hayden managed to bump his way through past Nathan but Nathan was not taking that and past him back in the next turn.  Hayden then chose to then try the outside and Nathan and Hayden spent a couple of laps running side by side unti Hayden was caught out coming off the turn and turned it around again.  He restarted to follow Ryan and Nathan across the line with Nicholas following Hayden.  If this race shows the level of competion between these new drivers, we are in for a great season of racing.  It was great to see the crowd really getting into this final race.

This meant that Ryan took out the opening Wahaora meeting followed by Hayden,Nathan and Nicholas.  We are back at Waharoa on November 29 for the Les Behere trophy.  This involves two qualifying heats and a 15 lap feature.  We are looking forward to a bigger field to put on an even better show.

Next is Rosebank Rd on Sunday November 22 and a return to Springs on November 28.