The Cromwell track's been a bit of a bogey for Paddy but on the night that really counted, everything went right. The car set up was spot on for the opening race and on a track that held together remarkably well over the entire night, a hard charging Paddy qualified top of Red Group; a group that included Shane McIntyre, Brent Emerson and Martin Halcrow. I don't recall ever seeing a better drive from Paddy.

In Heat 1 starting off grid 4 four on a greasy track Paddy was quickly into second behind Brent Emerson and followed Emerson to the finish for a second and 11 points.

In Heat 2, starting near the back of the field, on a track that was rough, but beginning to give good drive, Paddy passed a couple of cars and finished sixth for 7 points and 18 points in total.

In Heat 3, starting from mid field, on a track giving great drive, those prepared to go high and trust the rough surface passed cars, exactly what Paddy did. Paddy made up five places to finish in third behind Martin Halcrow and Shane McIntyre. Sitting on 28 points, a finish in Heat 4 should see Paddy through to the finals, but in his final heat, Paddy didn't just want to finish.

Starting from grid four, Paddy muscled his way forward, slipping under Mike Verdona mid race to run to the finish for first place and top qualifier in Red Group.

   Dave Clarke

   blackout.co.nz