NZV8 No 208 September 2022

I’ve been spending all of my spare time attempting to change a relatively stock engine bay into one that’s decluttered and shaved, keeping up with Summernats standards — not that I’m attending Summernats; I’m just a major admirer of the look. It’s been difficult to conceal, deloom, or install modern LS engine parts with all of the wiring and safety features into my 02 VX Commodore engine bay, and very time consuming at that. Although the end result exceeded my wildest expectations, there were definitely moments when I worried I was trying to take on too much. I’m hoping to make a splash at this year’s Autofest by reinterpreting a heavily modified Holden Commodore in a way that’s never been seen before. Like most of you, I enjoy a good…

Following last year’s hugely successful raffle, which not only saw Maria O’Flaherty from Wellington drive away in a 2021 Shelby but also directly funded 100 rescue missions, the Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust has announced it will go one better in 2022, offering a 2022 supercharged Shelby GT Premium valued at $200,000. The trust also plans to up the rescues funded to 150, offering 8000 tickets — up from last year’s 6000, which sold out. Ticket pricing remains the same at $100, with no limit on how many you may purchase. Ticket sales close on 5 August, at which point the keys to the 700+hp Shelby could be handed to you. To enter the draw, jump on rescuehelicopter.org.nz to purchase tickets.…

It may have been an on-again off-again affair over the past three years, but it looks as if finally we will once again see Supercars storming Ford mountain. Supercars CEO Shane Howard confirmed the Supercars roadshow will hit Pukekohe Park Raceway on 9–11 September. “We understand there have been a lot of rumours about these events, which is why we are happy to put them to rest and move forward with planning,” Howard said. “Getting to New Zealand in 2022 was one of our key objectives and, even with international freight challenges, we have a plan in place that will ensure our passionate Kiwi fans get to see the best touring car category in the world.” The show promises to be a big one, with local big bangers Napa CMC…

The team behind the ambitious Stratford Park development — a multi-events facility for motorsport, equestrian, education, and community events — have just completed a huge milestone, taking ownership of 17 hectares of land adjoining the Stratford A&P Association’s property. It’s on this land that they hope to create a drag strip, speedway, circuit — rally and tarmac — museum, workshops, and first-up driver training facilities for all forms of vehicles. The quest to obtain suitable land has been a decade-long venture for the trust, which recently secured the necessary funds to make the private land purchase possible thanks to a group of Taranaki locals. Philip Macey, the chair of the board, says, “Without people who share our strategic and community-focused thinking, this project would not succeed. We cannot thank them enough…

In what is only his second season in the sport, Kiwi ace Scott McLaughlin now sits only 69 points from the lead and, with eight races remaining on the calendar, has a real shot to claim the IndyCar title this year. His most recent win at Mid-Ohio makes him the only driver to win multiple rounds this season, following his maiden win at the season-opening St. Petersburg round and a second place at Texas for the Xpel 375. The Mid-Ohio win was made that much sweeter by the fact Scott’s parents were in attendance. “I really wanted to get a win with Mom and Dad here for the first time,” he said after the race. The Penske driver led from mid race, when pole sitter Pato O’Ward suffered power issues. “I’ve…

With season 10 of Repco Muscle Garage now well and truly under way, time is running out to put yourself into the draw for this season’s mega prize pack from the show’s long-time supporters: Repco New Zealand, Meguiar’s, and Mount Shop Ltd. The prize pack includes an 85-piece toolkit from Repco valued at $672, a Meguair’s car care package valued at $760, a Mount Shop voucher to the value of $500, and a year’s subscription to NZV8 valued at $98. All you have to do to enter is head to themotorhood.com, click on the pinned Repco Muscle Garage post, and fill out the form. The draw closes Sunday, 14 August, at 12pm, so don’t say we didn’t give you plenty of warning. We’d also like to thank Repco New Zealand,…