Photo from http://www.sprintcarworld.co.nz/default.asp

Noise limit takes Jonathan Allard out of contention in opening NZ race

By Gary Thomas

Chico, CA's Jonathan Allard competed in his first event since making the trip to New Zealand over this past weekend and had a great night of racing going, until officials deemed that he was exceeding the Speedway NZ noise limit in the 30-lap feature.

Allard was in action at the Western Springs Speedway and timed-in third fastest overall, before scoring third in his heat race and fifth in the dash. As the race got underway Allard battled right around the fifth position and then began to make his way around a couple cars to get up into third.

The former two-time King of California then set his sights on the top-two cars, which happened to be World of Outlaw veterans Joey Saldana and Craig Dollansky. As Allard was chasing down the duo, the black flag was waved at him due to what officials said was the 95db limit.

Allard was very upset with the call as it came right around the time he looked to be making his move on the two leaders. "We had a great car and it was getting better as the race went on so we're really dissapointed," he said. "Not very often do you see someone get black flagged for noise in a main event and obviously we don't agree with the call so we'll just come back next time and try to get some redemption."

The next race at Western Springs Speedway will be on December 26 and will be the opening round of the international sprint car series. Joining Allard at the event will be fellow American's Sammy Swindell and Ricky Logan.