That put them into a Saturday quarter-final in which they knocked out the Palmerston North Pumas, McGee crossing the line first for the Gladiators.
It set up a semi-final against Rotorua Rascals, who led with one lap to go only for Ethan Rees to take the lead, and despite being smashed, getting his car over the line for the win.
Simpson, Barker and the Rees brothers took the track for the final against Canterbury Crushers, who had never won the title.
Simpson had the lead with four laps to go only for his engine to catch fire. He pulled into the infield and got out of his machine safely, but while the fire was put out quickly by track safety officers, his car was badly damaged.
Ethan Rees was rolled at one stage in the final, but his car righted itself. He was looking to proceed only for marshals to pull him from the race, ruling it was because he lost his goggles during the rollover.
In their semi-final victory over the Rotorua Rascals, 126G Asher Rees takes 5R Dion Henderson to the wall, as Ethan Rees looks to charge past. Photo / Graham Hughes, Sportsweb Photography
Canterbury had a healthy advantage late into the race and despite the Gladiators’ best effort, the title went south and will be held in Christchurch for the first time next season.
On their Facebook page the Gladiators posted: “What a weekend we have had on and off track. To all our crew, supporters and sponsors we can’t thank you enough for getting us here. We will be back.”
Gisborne Speedway Club applauded their result.
“We couldn’t be prouder of them,” the club said on social media. “They put their cars and their bodies on the line.
“Thank you for the incredible effort you all put in to represent our club on a national stage over the weekend. We are truly grateful for all that you all do for our club.
“To your families and crew, thank you for all of your support. We know they couldn’t do it without you all.
“Also a massive thank you to all of the sponsors. Without them it wouldn’t be possible.
“Lastly, thank you to everyone who showed their support for our team and congratulations to the Crushers for taking the win.”
Club president Sam Hughes said it another great effort by the team.
“Unfortunately the luck did not go their way. But they certainly put 120% into it, no doubt about it, and the club is proud to call them our clubmates.”
With the Gisborne Giants winning the superstock teams’ championship last month, the Gisborne club has No 1 and No 2 national status in these respective classes.