Midget grand prix attracts North Islanders | Canterbury Sport | Surfing, Rugby, Soccer, Football, Cricket in Canterbury

A big team of North Islanders including new national champion Scott Joblin (Auckland) is contesting tomorrow night's New Zealand TQ midget grand prix at Ruapuna Speedway.

Joblin dropped only one point in three heats in winning the title at Nelson last week. Runner-up Paul Le Cren (Auckland) and third-placed Steve Todd (Napier) ? a veteran of more than 30 years in TQs ? are among the North Island drivers.

Ruapuna is also breaking new ground with its first races for quarter midget cars.

The nippy little cars have launched the careers of many Auckland drivers, and an Auckland team is racing here to help establish the class in Christchurch.

With 200cc engines, they're expected to slash around the quarter mile in 17 to 18sec.