One of the most admired cars at the Southland Sports Car Clubs race meeting at Teretonga Park last weekend was not competing in any of the races.
The meeting presented by Downer saw the first appearance of Teretonga Park's new pace car - a late model Ford Mustang GT. The car will be used at all Teretonga Park meetings in future.
The Mustang has been donated to the club by Evolution Motorsport and Sievwright Auto. The signage on the spectacularly presented car was applied by Advantage Advertising.
A visit by Southland Sports Car Club President Noel Atley to the Anderstorp circuit in Sweden, scene of Denny Hulmes 1973 Swedish GP win, was the catalyst for the acquisition of the car. The Swedish circuit used a Le Mans sportscar as a dedicated pace car and Atley was impressed. On his return to New Zealand Atley had a conversation with Rick Michels, sponsor of the the Classic Speedfest at Teretonga Park, and within half an hour of that chat Michels and John Sievwright had arranged the donation of the car to Teretonga Park.
"The club is indebted to Rick and John for their contribution," says Atley. "They and many other businesses support us in so many different ways. Having a dedicated pace car in addition to some of the developments going on around the track such as our new control tower and a new dedicated fire trailer means it is so good that Teretonga is matching the level of many overseas tracks." The fire trailer is a brand new galvanised trailer donated by the HW Richardson Group while the equipment including a high pressure pump, hose reel and fluid container was provided at a heavily discounted rate by E Hayes & Sons Ltd.
Previously the circuit depended on cars from local vehicle dealers GWD Russells and Macaulay Ford for their safety and pace cars and this arrangement will continue when required. However the opportunity to have a dedicated pace car fitted out ready for action based at the park is a huge asset for the club.
The Evolution Motorsport/Sievwright Auto Ford Mustang will be seen in action at the Premier Summer Series rounds featuring the cream of New Zealand motor racing from 14-16 January.
