The NZ domestic scene roars back into life this weekend at Pukekohe Park as the BNT V8s head into their second round. Nissan Altima driver Nick Ross currently leads the series after finishing second in the opening race of the championship in early November behind Australian Jack Smith.
He then led the young Aussie home in the final two races. Smith’s teammate, Lance Hughes of Hamilton, finished third in what proved to be three action packed races for fans. Smith will be the one to watch as the Australian driver proved to be very quick here last season and has been carving a reputation in the Dunlop Super2 Series at home, finishing tenth overall.
The three quick V8 Toyota Camrys didn’t feature much in the first round with both Chelsea Herbert and Benton Grove suffering from alternator issues and Scott Taylor crashing. The series continues to grow and is attracting more budding Australian V8 drivers’ keen for some summer racing before embarking on their own domestic championships.
Looking to bounce back and making his way further up the grid will be Brad Lathrope. The Auckland driver had a disappointing weekend at Pukekohe in November, making light contact with the tyre wall at turn four, causing enough damage that he did not make the start of race three of the weekend.
Rob Wallace aboard the ex Greg Murphy SuperTourer had a lucky escape at Pukekohe in November, making light contact with the wall at turn two. Clean races for the rest of the weekend sees him hold down fourth spot in the championship.
Matt Tubbs will line up in his Jumpflex Holden Commodore having finished up sixth overall at Pukekohe last month.
Expect a tight battle in Class Two between Taranaki’s Matt Podjursky in his Ford Falcon, against Justin Ashwell also in a Ford Falcon. Looking to get in front of the two Fords will be the Holden Commodore of Matthew Clarke.
Class Three sees the Holden Commodore of Blair MacDonald go against the Holden of Tony Anderson; with Nigel Karl competing in his repaired Ford Falcon following its fire at Pukekohe last month.
