Southland Kids Tops On Grid

115 Southland children participated in the Grid Kids Duathlon before Sunday’s NZV8 racing at Invercargill’s Teretonga circuit.

In near perfect conditions, the children ran and cycled under the watchful eye of NZV8 drivers and Kiwi motor racing legend Greg Murphy.

“It was our largest Grid Kids so far – some children were so eager to start they rode a warm-up lap around the track before the event and others had an opportunity to get an autograph and photo with Greg Murphy!” said Event Director Shanelle Barrett, a two-time NZ Elite National Triathlon Champion

“20 of the children were selected to join the NZV8 drivers and their cars on the grid prior to the start of the races, which just added to their enjoyment of the day.

“The early start time of 7.50am kept Kerry Cooper (General Manager of The Motorsport Company) busy making coffee for parents in need of a caffeine fix.”

The duathlon consisted of suitable and achievable distances for 3 different age groups - 7-9 year olds ran 500m and cycled one lap of the 2.6km Teretonga track, 10-13 year olds ran 1km and completed 2 laps of the track on their bikes. The teens aged 13 – 15 ran 1.5km and also cycled 5.2kms.

Southland now has the honour of having the highest number of entries beating Christchurch and Pukekohe – the next Grid Kids round will be held at Timaru on Sunday 24th January.

Winton Primary won $500 of sporting equipment as it had the highest number of entrants as a percentage of its roll call.

For further information or to register, please go to www.gridkids.co.nz

2010 Grid Kids schedule
Timaru – 24th January
Manfield – 14th February
Taupo – 21st March
Hampton Downs – 6th June

Photo: Some of the Grid Kids were lucky enough to meet motor racing legend Greg Murphy and others were chosen to be on the grid with the NZV8 cars and drivers prior to the start of the race.