NZV8 No 193 June 2021

If you peruse my editorial on a monthly basis you will recall me talking about project cars in issue 189, and what I’m about to say will totally contradict what I said then. Here is a quote from myself to recap: “Like many of you, I have a young family. I have work on my house to finish, and yeah, I also try to fit in a summer racing program, so spare time is a luxury. At this stage, finding another spare 10-hours per week in the shed is a stretch.” Well, call me stupid, call me an idiot, or call me a fool, but as I write this a tow truck is backing down the drive with a new major project strapped on the back with my name on it.…

The first-ever right-hook Corvettes are expected to land here towards the end of the year, although the exact final specs are yet to be revealed. What we do know is that all NZ-new C8s will come with the upgraded Z51 performance package and front lift as standard. The general manager of GMSV New Zealand, Matthew Taylor, says, “Corvette is an iconic car and there is a massive groundswell of interest and anticipation building ahead of its local launch.” The Z51 package includes Magnetic Selective Ride Control — a real-time damper adjustment that reads the road surface — along with dual mode exhaust, larger Brembo brakes, electronic limited-slip differential, upgraded ratio, front splitter, rear fascia-mounted spoiler, and extra cooling provisions. New Zealand will be offered the 2LT and 3LT models in both convertible…

We probably don’t have to tell you that the long-anticipated trans-Tasman bubble has now arrived, and, while this has lots of implications, one many of you will be interested in is when the Supercars will make use of this and return to our shores. Despite speculation Hampton Downs would be the location, it has been announced that Pukekohe will host its 20th Supercars event on 6–7 November. Supercars CEO Sean Seamer says, “Pukekohe holds a special place in Supercars history as the first venue to host an international championship round, which is what we will celebrate this year: 20 years since that spectacular debut. The Jason Richards Memorial Trophy, awarded to the winner of the ITM Auckland SuperSprint, is one of the most respected awards for Supercars drivers, which adds something…

Ever wondered what happens to your old tyres? It’s estimated we as a country discard five million a year. Until now, there has been no real use for end-of-life tyres and the high cost of disposing of them often leads to illegal dumping and large stockpiles. In what is hoped to be the first of many large-scale projects, upwards of three million end-of-life tyres will be given one final use as fuel for the Portland cement plant in Whangarei, which has just undergone a full upgrade. The plant is reducing its carbon emissions by 13,000 tonnes a year by replacing 15 per cent of its coal use with end-oflife tyres instead. These are burned at 1400°C and the remains are then incorporated in the cement. An industry-led working group, Tyrewise, is…

The eighth season of Repco Muscle Garage is set to begin on Three’s CRC Motorsport on Sunday, 16 May, and will air every Sunday for 10 consecutive weeks. The show takes an in-depth look at the finest hot rod, street machines, and muscle cars ever produced here in Aotearoa, while also getting to know those talented Kiwis behind the builds. As in previous seasons, the show will also visit some of the best sheds/workshops, as well as capture the action from events such as Beach Hop, Morrinsville Motorama, and Americarna. Episode one kicks off in fine fashion with action from the return of the Classic Cover Insurance Jalopy Dust Up, as well as a look at Glen Eggleton’s blown ’71 Chevelle that we featured in issue 189. New Zealand master of…

EMAIL YOUR INFO TO: EDITOR@V8.CO.NZ Horsepower display and swap meet 23 May Trentham Racecourse, Wellington Capital-rodders.org.nz Adults $10, family of four $20, under 12s free Now in its 11th year, the Capital Rodders and GMR Horsepower Display and Swap Meet returns to Trentham. Aside from the swap meet and trade stands, a large display of hot rods, street machines, customs, and race cars will be on show. There is also allocated parking for special interest machines. It’s $20 for those who wish to set up a swap site. 2021 Chrome Expression Session — Christchurch 23 July Mike Pero Motorsport Park, Christchurch Chromenz.co.nz Driver entry from $230; spectator from $20. Put your car through its paces on the track without stressing about Johnny Law. Chrome Expression Session features burnouts, drifting, power skids, horsepower sessions, a show and shine, and hours of track cruising.…