Andy Booth, a two-time New Zealand V8 touring car champion and former winner of the New Zealand Grand Prix, commences a brand-new season of racing in his all-new #23 Holden V8SuperTourer with the support of new naming rights’ sponsor Woodstock.
Booth says: “The V8SuperTourer series is the most exciting development I have seen in New Zealand motorsport in the twenty plus years I have been involved. Carrying the white and black livery of Woodstock - New Zealand’s number one bourbon and cola brand – on the AV8 Motorsport-prepared V8SuperTourer adds yet another level of credibility to the new series.
“As a team, I can tell you, we are very excited to have a truly dynamic New Zealand brand like Woodstock on board as part of our inaugural season of V8SuperTourer racing. We’re also really looking forward to the extensive marketing campaign that Woodstock is developing around this partnership – kiwi V8 fans should look out for this soon!”
Tim Beck, Woodstock marketing manager says the brand is proud to be the title sponsor of Andy Booth’s car in what is to be an exciting series.
“Many people that enjoy cracking a Woody are into V8s and motorsports, so this opportunity seemed a very good fit. We are delighted to be teaming up with Andy, and we are looking forward to the new series kicking off, and the action at tracks all round the country,” says Beck. “ Woodstock has had a long association with motorsport in New Zealand . The Woodstock brand will feature on the car, driver, transporter, signage, website and merchandise.”
Booth appreciates the continued loyal support of a number of sponsors. “We welcome Holden, Wynns, Advanced Transactions, Precision AutoWerk and New Balance to the new era of V8SuperTourer racing and we’re also delighted to have the support of SG Fleet, Toptul and McDonald & Co Accountants.”
In recent seasons of New Zealand V8 racing, Booth has consistently been among the front-runners, but admits the new V8SuperTourers championship brings a completely new level of competition.
“We have these incredible purpose-built race cars and a two-part championship which will see a sprint race champion crowned after four events and an endurance race champion crowned after the final three events,” says Booth who’s based on Auckland’s North Shore.
“In preparing for the V8SuperTourer series AV8 Motorsport has expanded and restructured, maintaining our core experienced team members and adding further mechanical and technical expertise.”
“It’s also been great to have André Heimgartner onboard. One benefit for the team is that we have a second V8SuperTourer for data sharing and personally, it’s been great to be able to give André a hand with his career and learning more about driving touring cars.”
Booth, Heimgartner and the team from AV8 Motorsport, based in Kumeu, have had one test day at Hampton Downs Motorsport Park with Heimgartner’s #22 VE Commodore V8SuperTourer at the end of January, where Heimgartner completed 75 trouble-free laps in his new car.
“Based on André’s early performance in the car, he’s certainly got plenty of pace,” says Booth. “I was also able to do a handful of laps in André’s car which was productive.”
Booth’s #23 Woodstock car hits the track for the first time tomorrow (10 February) for the official V8SuperTourer test day.
“It’s a very important day for me and the team as the car turns a wheel for the first time in anger. It’s going to be great!”
