RaceFit Athlete Jeremy Webb secures his Fourth National TQ Title, Teammate Leversedge Claims Auckland Sprintcar Championship
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 01/02/21
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After his struggles in the New Zealand TQ Grand Prix at Ruapuna the weekend prior, many thought the Webb TQ Era was on its last legs. Young guns such as Liam McCoubrey, Kaleb Currie and Ben Morgan looked to capitalise on the dwindling momentum of Webb heading into the National Title and get their own name on the prestigious New Zealand title silverware.
Webb was down but not out. In true champion form, Webb shrugged off his 4th place finish at the Grand Prix the weekend prior, and set his sights on the biggest TQ meeting of the year: The New Zealand TQ Title at Greenstone Park, Greymouth. Friday Qualifying rolled around and Webb, along with Currie, Morgan, and rising star young Sam McCreanor all picked up heat wins. With a solid run by most front runners on Friday, there were not many points separating the pack heading into the finals on Saturday. The Saturday itinerary included two more qualifying heats, and the 25 lap winner-take-all feature.
With a first and second place in his final two heats, Webb did enough to secure pole position for the 25 lap feature. Aucklander Peter Hunnibell was to start beside him, with McCoubrey in grid three and Currie outside him on grid four. The feature was drama-filled, with Webb getting into an early lead with Hunnibell hot on his tail. Hunnibell tried a move around the outside of Webb going into turn one, and they made contact. Hunnibell claimed that the contact caused the car stall, while the race officials deemed him to have stopped purposely to bring on a caution and claim his spot back, ultimately resulting in Hunnibell being sent to the rear of the field. Hunnibell dug deep and managed to drive back through the field to 7th place.
Webb saw the chequered flag and claimed an unprecedented fourth consecutive New Zealand TQ title along with his status as the greatest to ever step foot in a NZ-style TQ Midget. Fellow Cantabrian McCoubrey stormed home in 2nd place to secure his career best finish with Ryan Barry coming home in 3rd. Currie and Morgan came home respectively in fourth and fifth; a career best finish for the ever-improving Morgan.
Here’s what Webb had to say about his victory:
“I am pumped. The boys and I have put so much effort into racing over the years, we have lived and breathed this sport and to win my fourth title – a feat that no other TQ driver has come close too, is unreal. I am stoked to be able to reward all my crew and sponsors for all the hard work and support over the years and I’m absolutely grateful to be able to run the #1NZ for another year. The car was fast and I felt great, I felt fit and fresh the whole race and was able to keep my decision making sharp. Big thanks to RaceFit for getting me in the best shape of my career”
While Webb was acquiring another major title, RaceFit Athlete Matthew Leversedge was doing the same at Western Springs, Auckland. Leversedge, finishing second in both heats, lead the feature from start to finish to claim the Auckland Sprintcar title ahead of New Zealand Speedway Great Michael Pickens. Matt commented on his performance:
“Western Springs put on a great track, it was nice and wide with room to move and pass. The car was on rails and I felt great, I fatigued less than I usually would in feature races and it allowed me to keep a clear head, stay calm and just focus on hitting my marks. When I first started in Sprintcars, there were times where I fatigued and you could see it in my lap times, the boys at RaceFit have me feeling fit and strong and I’ve never felt better. I’m looking to keep the momentum going for the Gold Cup at Ruapuna Speedway this coming weekend”
Updates to come.