NZ Performance Car

Ah, the race track — I am finding myself there more and more in recent times, as I just can’t get enough of the feeling of satisfaction when your skill improves each time out there. As I mentioned in the previous issue of NZPC, I bought a 2021 Honda Civic Type R that was intended to be my nice road-going, track capable car in months to come — something that would allow me to take part in track days, but something comfortable enough that I can go on a road trip in. There aren’t many cars that are as good at doing both as the Civic Type R of any sort of modern generation in my opinion — especially if you want something reliable and easily upgraded. Wanting to sink…

“Imagine if I could work all day writing, photographing, and designing content about cars.” Those were the words of my 16-year-old self as I flipped through NZ Performance Car magazines on my way to a Night Speed Drag Wars event at Meremere with a mate. Time flies. It truly feels like that wasn’t that long ago, and now, here I am, doing exactly that. It’s an honour to be this issue’s hero contributor. Working behind the scenes of NZPC has given me the fuel to pursue my true passion and allows me to delve deeper into New Zealand’s awesome car culture. At NZPC, I’m involved with a number of roles that help to bring the brand we all love to life. From designing magazine page layouts and adverts to being…

Manfeild Circuit Chris Amon played host to the recent second running of the Impulsive Rotary Only Day. A celebration of all things rotary, the event drew cars from around the North Island for a mix of cruising laps, roll racing, and perhaps what you’d consider the trademark of a rotary event — burnouts. It’s always hard to pinpoint standouts at these events, but if you focused on where heads were constantly turning, you’d be hard-pressed to go past the simply mental billet six-rotor out of the Mukka Motorsport stable owned by Benji Sneddon, the 20B RX-2 known as ‘BOSSRX’ of René Richmond, or the just plain rowdy J&S Performance crew. There was also a moving moment during the lunch-time parade when the tight-knit community came together to celebrate and remember…

Kase Pullen-Burry, just 18 years old, has been near untouchable so far in Pro Sport in the National Drifting Championship. Pullen-Burry is the younger brother of Pro driver Cody, and is part of a new emerging generation of drivers who have honed and refined their craft by spending hour upon hour not at the track but glued to the screen of a SIM set-up at home. It’s not something that the OG drivers would have ever considered, but, with Kase saying that it has helped him to perfect his control and consistency, there is evidence that it transfers to the real-world race track. With a 2023 season that has been perfect so far in terms of number-one qualification and event wins, Kase is on track to well and truly hit…

You would be very much living under a rock if you didn’t recognise the Bemrose fleet, with prime-time TV covering the ‘Rotarri’ rotary-engined Ferrari, which included a rumoured letter from angry Italians, and the 747-plus-kilowatt 2JZ WRX being a NZPC cover car. It was perhaps a little surprising then to see ‘Lord’ Bemrose take time out of his schedule setting lap records to accept a number of trophies, including the coveted People’s Choice at the recent 4&Rotary Jamboree event. The cars brought the event to a near standstill, be it with start ups, engine bay display, or quite literally on the track, where the wheel parted company with the Ferrari. There were always big crowds around both, and to Reuben’s credit, he is always happy to talk about the cars…

World Time Attack Challenge has the tagline “bringing back the world” for 2023, and with support from destination New South Wales, it feels like a nice fit. One aspect of the event that Kiwi fans have always been keen on is the drift portion, which brings the party atmosphere to the evening once the circuit laps are run and done. With the dates being 1–2 September, now is the time to be looking at flights and accommodation for what will be a top-notch event. We are still waiting on announcements of drivers and cars at this stage, but we do know that New Zealand will be represented, with Kiwi officials Jo Maulder and Brendan Duncker heading across and NZPC contributor the ‘Grumpy Ninja’ Warren Sare back on commentary duties. The…