NZ SuperTourer Series attracting more Aussie drivers

Media statement: Thursday 15 January 2015.

NZ SuperTourer Series attracting more Aussie drivers

The BNT NZ SuperTourer field looks to grow, with a host of Australian drivers having tested cars at Hampton Downs yesterday.

V8 Supercar development series drivers Marcus Zukanovic and Renee Gracie, current NZ and Australian V8 Ute champion Kris Walton and fellow V8 ute driver Mason Barbera took part in the NZST organised test day.

Twenty-year old Gracie looks set to become the first female driver to join the NZ SuperTourer series. Having just completed two seasons in the Australian Porsche Carrera Cup Championship, Gracie is moving onto the V8 Supercar Dunlop Development series in Australia and is looking to campaign a car in NZ SuperTourers as well.

“We’re working towards getting on the NZ SuperTourer grid in 2015,” says Gracie.

“When I chose to enter the Dunlop series I decided that NZ SuperTourers was also something I wanted to do. Mainly because it gives me twice as much racing in a season. The aim is to learn as much as I can.”

Gracie completed a full day on the track in the Hydraulink Holden of her partner, Andre Heimgartner.

“They’re quite sporty and ‘Porsche’ like to drive, you have to be smooth with the throttle. They’re light and don’t feel as heavy as a V8 Supercar, they seem more nimble. I really enjoyed it.”

Former 2006 Australian V8 Ute champion Zukanovich who also campaigns a FPR Ford Falcon in the Australian Dunlop Series says he was pleased with how the day went and said it wasn’t too dissimilar to his regular ride in Australia.

“I really enjoyed it and managed to do around 40 laps. One of the biggest differences is the torque of the engine and managing the throttle. Tyre grip was also really good, and would only get better as you learn more about where the limits are,” says Zukanovich.

“It was a great experience, the circuit was fantastic, the car’s a great concept, and I’d love to get over here and race in it, possibly the enduro’s later in 2015.”

Current V8 Ute champion on both sides of the Tasman, Kris Walton says he was impressed by the performance of the NZ SuperTourer and is aiming to compete in the class in the near future.

“It was my first ever go in a V8 powered touring car, and it is very different to a V8 Ute, in fact there are no similarities. You have to drive it so differently, but is a fantastic car to drive, everything is better.” says Walton.

“Sure you have more power, but it’s very manageable as you have more grip and better brakes to go with it, they are an awesome car.”

“I’m only going to race a V8 Ute in the Australian series this year, it’s all pretty open at the moment with racing here in NZ. I’d like to think we’ll try and do a couple of rounds in the SuperTourers, it’s a great championship with some good racing and top drivers.”

Kiwi and Australian drivers aspiring to enter the V8 Supercar championship see the NZ SuperTourer series as a proven pathway to progress their racing career.

Young stars like 19 year old Andre Heimgartner, who gets his break into Australian V8 Supercars with the new kiwi SuperBlack team in 2015, has learnt his touring car race craft in the series.

“NZ SuperTourers are perfect for young and experienced racers because they are similar to the cars in Australia and help fast track their development,” says BNT NZ SuperTourers Sales & Marketing Manager Mike Marsden.

“We are focused on growing the SuperTourer field and it’s no secret the Australian drivers love racing these cars,” says Marsden.

“There are many other drivers looking at the series from across the ditch and today’s test day is the first of several planned for the earlier part of this year where drivers from both sides of the Tasman will test themselves in New Zealand’s best touring cars.”

“NZ SuperTourers is a cost effective development platform for young drivers wanting to improve their driving skills and further their careers.”

“Having drivers like Renee Gracie seriously looking to enter the series is a clear indication of this.”

The next round of the 2014-2015 BNT NZ SuperTourers championship is at Hampton Downs January 30-Feb 1.

ENDS

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