Trucks Return to the Track at Teretonga

MEDIA RELEASE
27 NOVEMBER 2012

Trucks Return to the Track at Teretonga

Trucks, or more specifically Super Trucks, will make their long awaited return to the track at Teretonga Park near Invercargill over the weekend of 12/13 January next year.

Truck racing has been absent from the country's southernmost circuit for many years but the exciting machines make their return as one of the headline acts at Teretonga's traditional January Premier Series race meeting. That means spectators at Teretonga have a weekend of super sized action in store. Those that have not seen truck racing previously will be impressed with the straightline speed of the huge rigs while they make an amazing sight as they lurch through corners while battling for position.

While news of the trucks return is enough to cause a flurry of excitement add in the fact that the Super Trucks will be taking part in a Trans Tasman clash and it just gets better.

Several trucks are expected to cross the Tasman to do battle with the kiwis for what will be a five round series with Teretonga Park being the opening round.

Add in a fantastic programme of other classes including the popular NZV8s, the classy international Toyota Racing Series field, Formula Ford, Sports GT plus Production GT and another fantastic weekend of motorsport is in store for motorsport fans.

Truck racing is as exciting as it gets on the track and the trucks have a huge following at other New Zealand circuits where they race.

While the Australian contingent is still being finalised, what is known is that the highly rated SRZ Racing outfit will be one of Australia's representatives. Driver Steven Zammit of Oakdale NSW, a former Australian Super Truck Champion and the current New Zealand and Trans-Tasman champion, will be one of the men to beat. While the rest of the Australian squad is unknown at present they should present a formidable challenge. It is also hoped that some Class 3 trucks from Australia will cross the Tasman. While they are smaller trucks those that have seen the Class 3 vehicles in action in Australia say they will provide awesome action.

New Zealand will provide stiff competition for the Aussies with Shane Gray of Lower Hutt one of the leading lights in his Team Quality Kenworth 408 SAR. Gray was on target to win the New Zealand Championship last season until a frost plug blew at the final. Gray had only needed a finish to clinch the title.

John McGinty has given his very successful W900 Kenworth a tidy up in readiness for the season although it is unknown at present who will be behind the wheel,. Meanwhile Troy Wheeler of Papakura has experienced plenty of success over the years in his Scania T114. The Wheeler truck has some history too featuring the chassis used by New Zealand's only Formula 1 World Champion, the late Denny Hulme, in his foray into truck racing.

Other prominent kiwis expected on track at Teretonga are Peter Tangney of Wellington in the ex-Murray Cooper Bedford which has had some extensive work put into it since last season, veteran Colin Hooper of Taupo in the Mack R700 and Brent Jones of Ashburton in another Bedford.

Other possible kiwi entries include Ken Rowe of Hamilton in the Eagle Spares Kenworth, Terry McGee of Wellington in the ex Hilton Haulage Mack and the Class B Champion from 2009/10, Darren Thompson of Wellington in his Western Star.

President of the Truck Racing Association New Zealand, Shane Gray says all the competitors are looking forward to racing at Teretonga. While the Super Truck racers may be looking forward to racing at Teretonga there is little doubt that southern fans, starved of truck racing for an awfully long time, are looking forward to the return of truck racing at Teretonga.
ends

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