Phipps on Manawatu podium | Taranaki Sport | Surfing, Rugby, Soccer, Football, Cricket in Taranaki

It came down to winning a three-way run-off for Stratford driver Mark Phipps  to place second at the Manawatu adult ministock championship on Saturday night.

There's nothing like standing on the podium at another track and Phipps says it's one of the hardest championships to place in.

Phipps, along with four other Stratford drivers, was part of the 37-strong field vying for the top position.

Although  he is one of the top drivers in Stratford and was third on points, he thought his chances were slim.

``It was good to be able to go to a different track and come second against some of the locals.

``I didn't think I had a chance starting off grid 37 in the last race, but then I ended up placing fourth in that race.''

A run-off was required to separate Phipps, Glen Redmond (7c) and Ross Travers (34v) who were tied for second on 100 points, only one point off first place, which Brett Whiting secured.

With four clean laps, Phipps secured second place, fighting off Redmond.

Stratford's other high achiever on the night was Alex Patterson (83s), who placed third in the last race.