While rain postponed the first round of the Porter Hire International Sprint Car Series scheduled for Saturday, November 28, the following day saw the action the crowds had gathered to witness.
While it was living legend Steve Kinser that the crowd came to see, it was the man many would see as the reigning ‘King of the Springs’ who stole the show on Sunday, November 29 at WXC Speedway at Western Springs. The #0 Narellan Pools–backed Jonathan Allard was simply a class above as he drove away from his challengers, including local stars Jamie McDonald (71), Daniel Thomas (55), and 3NZ Daniel Eggleton, while fellow American Brad Loyet, in the #5USA, had a rough start to the night before charging to third place from a grid-18 start in the feature.
Sporting a tribute to the ‘other’ number 11, one Jonah Lomu, Kinser and the Daltons Racing team created plenty of excitement amongst fans both young and old in the pits — the living legend of the sport more than happy to sign posters, caps, and T-shirts, while crew chief, and retired former New Zealand sprintcar champion, Peter Murphy used his local knowledge to set the car up. With 20 World of Outlaws championships to his name, the Hall of Famer is worthy of all accolades, and while the ‘Salute to the King’ tour is indication that Kinser is well into the twilight of his career, the crowd was appreciative of seeing someone who has shaped sprint car racing over the years.
Kinser, Allard, and Loyet move on to Palmerston North Speedway on Wednesday, December 2, and will again take on the top-three qualifying Kiwi drivers in a test-match race before returning to WXC Speedway on Saturday night (December 5) to conclude the tour.
If you’re a fan, then get on down to the track and see a true legend of the sport and salute the king.
