Slick roads, even slicker results | Taranaki Sport | Surfing, Rugby, Soccer, Football, Cricket in Taranaki

RAIN, foreboding skies and slick roads greeted the participants in the New Zealand Clubsport Championship in Taranaki last weekend.

Thirty-six entries battled it out for the points in the Hillclimb, Motorkhana and Autocross, with the overall crown of New Zealand Clubsport Champion being won by Adrian Curtis of Nelson.

One of the more notable drivers was Adrian's son Ethan Curtis (17) of Nelson, who excelled last year as NZ Clubsport Junior Champion and is one of the country's most promising prospects in the motorsport arena.

Ethan drives his Dad's highly modified Honda CRX and despite being told by his Dad to 'take is easy' on the hillclimb, clocked up an astonishing time of (1.0654) one minute six seconds and eventually clinched the NZ Clubsport Junior Championship for the second year running, alongside taking third place in the overall competition.

Asked of his future Ethan said he's currently building a drifting car based on a Nissan S13, has fitted a 2.0 turbo engine and would love in the next few years to be The New Zealand Drifting Champion. Beyond that he has his eyes firmly set on the World Drifting Championship.

Ethan's Dad Adrian, the winner of the overall event is understandably very proud of his son, however when asked about his performance versus Ethan's on the day, Adrian said 'I expect to beat him', Ethan then quickly announced 'That sounds like a challenge'. Adrian of course won through in the end, but for how long. The two display the friendly competition that was evident throughout the day.

The South Taranaki Car Club hosted this year's event and all involved were extremely impressed with the facilities during their visit to Taranaki. An awards dinner was held at the TET Multisports Centre in Stratford on Sunday night following which Helen Cameron of Midhirst (secretary/treasurer, STCC) said 'the whole event has been a resounding success, put together by one of the smallest car clubs in New Zealand'.