Hydraulink War of the Wings

The Hydraulink War of the Wings (also known as WOW) is a New Zealand based dirt track racing series, with championship rounds held throughout the South Island. Founded in 1997, the tour has grown to become a consistent fixture on the New Zealand Speedway calendar and has attracted numerous drivers from international racing backgrounds. In 2016 and again in 2018 the War of the Wings was the winner of the 'Best Speedway Series' category at the New Zealand Speedway Awards.

Hydraulink War of the Wings
CategoryDirt track racing
CountryNew Zealand
Tyre suppliersHoosier
Drivers' championUnited States Joel Myers Jr
Teams' championNew Zealand Daniel Anderson Motorsport
Official websitehttps://www.warofthewingssprintcars.co.nz
Current season

Origins

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In 1997 Sprint Car Racing in the South Island was in a perilous state. Just a handful of cars could be depended on to 'hit the track'. A group of enthusiasts headed by Brian Barclay, Alistair Kelso and Allan Batt put there energy into forming a 'mini' series that would run at Ruapuna, Dunedin, Ellesmere and Ashburton. Slowly but surely the numbers and enthusiasm grew and in time Cromwell became a destination as did Nelson, Invercargill, Blenheim and Woodford Glen.

There have been a couple of seasons when the War of the Wings has been sideline, primarily by the cessation of the original South Island Sprint Car Association, and the 2010-11 events fell victim to the Christchurch earthquakes.

In 2007 the Sprint car Association was re-ignited and plans were put in place to 'grow' the series by putting up an irresistible amount of prize and travel incentives.[1]

Sporting regulations

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War of the Wings is run at venues licensed by Speedway New Zealand, the major governing body of Speedway in NZ, as well as venues licensed by the Circle Track Racing Association (CTRA).

Race day format

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War of the Wings race day formats go as follows: 30 minutes before racing begins, Time Trials are held to determine the lineups of the heat races along with giving out points for the fastest time. The program then continues as scheduled, with War of the Wings Heat Races 1,2 and 3 mixed in amongst the support classes. Eventually, the meeting generally rounds off with the War of the Wings Feature race.

Championship points system

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Cars

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The Hydraulink War of the Wings series currently includes the Winged Sprintcar class. This class features a 410ci Engine.

Tracks

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War of the Wings tracks
Track Surface Type Length Location Region Season(s) Races held

Records

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Champions

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Season
Winner Race No. Second Place Third Place
2023-24   Joel Myers Jr 46USA   Connor Rangi   Dyllan Forsey
2022-23   Joel Myers Jr 46c   Matt Anderson   Jacob McIntyre
2021-22   Connor Rangi 57n   Stephen Taylor   Steve Duff Jr
2020-21   Jamie Duff 19c   Connor Rangi   Caleb Baughan
2019-20   Caleb Baughan 59c   Alicia Hill   Paddy North
2018-19   Jamie Duff 19t   Connor Rangi   Sam O'Callaghan
2017-18   Jamie Duff 19t   Connor Rangi   Daniel Anderson
2016-17   Jamie Duff 19t   Matt Honeywell   Luke Keegan
2015-16[N 1]   Allan Woods 28   Ray Baughan   Matt Honeywell
2014-15[N 2]   Matt Honeywell 64   Jason Scott   Brett Sullivan
2013-14   Jason Scott 88    
2012-13   Ray Baughan 95c    
2011-12   Barry Martinez    
2009-10   Jamie Duff 19t    
2008-09   Danny Mayson    
2007-08   Kevin Freeman    
2004-05   Jeremy Harley    
2003-04   Kevin Clive    
2002-03   Kevin Freeman    
2001-02   Nigel Brown    
2000-01   Jeremy Harley    
1999-00   Daryl Wright    
1998-99   Steve Duff    
1997-98   Bruce Pluck    
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All figures correct end of 2023-24 season.

Key
Bold Hydraulink War of the Wings Champion
Hydraulink War of the Wings Feature Race Winners
Rank Country Driver Wins Active
1   New Zealand Jamie Duff 30 2009–present

Awards and nominations

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Year Award Category Result
2018 New Zealand Speedway Awards Series of the Year Winner
2016 New Zealand Speedway Awards Series of the Year Winner

Notes

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  1. ^ Woods, Baughan and Honeywell tied on points.
  2. ^ Scott & Sullivan tied on points.

References

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  1. ^ "WAR OF THE WINGS". Hydraulink. Retrieved 25 January 2024.