Issue 85 of NZV8 is now in stores, and from the feedback so far, everyone loves it.

Feature cars include a tough Torana hatch, wild 1000hp 2nd Gen Camaro, pretty in pink Plymouth Fury and radically chopped Ford Spinner.

On the events front, there’s the Nostalgia Drags, and ITM 400, and we’ve managed to slip in a specila tech feature on paint preperation too.

If you haven’t got your copy yet, we suggest you do before it’s too late.

If you’d rather have it delivered to your door each month, and save money too, then follow this link www.giveamag.co.nz

The owners of this metallic piece of art in front of you are quick to admit they can’t take credit for its creation. Instead, Tony and Sandy Lambert prefer to point out that they’ve refined what was already an amazing machine, built many years ago in the South Island.

The story of how the car came to be is an impressive one, and one which speaks volumes of the abilities of a couple of guys in a shed in the southern end of the country.

Back when the time-consuming bodywork was taking place, the car belonged to Colin Cameron; however, it was good friend and bodyman extraordinaire Alan Brookland who was responsible for cutting the metal out and sticking it back together differently. And by differently, we don’t just mean differently to how it left the factory, but also seriously differently to how you see it now.

You see, back when Read the full story »

V8 SuperTourers has appointed The New Zealand International Grand Prix (Auckland) Incorporated (NZIGP) to be the independent judicial authority for its rapidly growing series with immediate effect.

“V8ST is a commercial entity and, as such, it is always going to be difficult to be independent and impartial in dealings with competitors and teams alike and that’s why we have appointed NZIGP to that role,” explained Chris Abbott, Chairman of V8 SuperTourers Ltd.

NZIGP is New Zealand’s most respected, experienced and capable motorsport administrator. Tracing its origins back to The Auckland International Grand Prix Association, which organised the country’s earliest motor races in the 1920s, NZIGP was responsible for the famous New Zealand Grand Prix at the Ardmore and Pukekohe circuits which were, at the time, the largest sporting events of any kind held in New Zealand.

In more recent times, NZIGP has been involved in the sporting organisation of New Zealand’s most important motorsport events including the world championship touring car races held on the Wellington waterfront circuit, the New Zealand rounds of the World Rally Championship and the annual Australian V8 Supercar events.

“I am delighted to hand control of this vital part of our series to such a professional and experienced organisation as NZIGP,” added Abbott.

“V8 SuperTourers have been phenomenally successful in its first events with crowds, television audiences and a public awareness exceeding even our own expectations.”

“We have had several proposals from unexpected quarters which look likely to lead to exciting new events and opportunities for the series and our teams in and beyond 2013.

 
GREENLANE, Auckland, New Zealand – With just under two months away before the 2012 NZHRA 50th Anniversary National Hot Rod Show displays some of the finest hot rods and street machines New Zealand has to offer there are three major sponsorship announcements to be made. The show is in conjunction with the CRC Speedshow 21-22 July at the ASB Showgrounds and it is a celebration of 50 years of hot rodding in New Zealand under sanctioning of the New Zealand Hot Rod Association (NZHRA). Hosted by Harbour City Rod Club (Glen Eden) and Southside Streeters (Howick), the members of each club have successfully attracted businesses to sponsor three significant awards while offering a larger target audience which the CRC Speedshow attracts.

Protecta Classic Insurance has sponsored the People’s Choice award which is voted by the public visiting the show. Protecta are a relatively new classic and specialist car insurer with staff who are enthusiasts themselves. “The synergy we have with our clients and ourselves as enthusiasts is a key aspect of the business. Being part of the 50th Anniversary National Show, strengthens our alliance within the industry and we are very proud to be a part of this special event”, says Colin Marshall, marketing manager of Protecta Classic Insurance.

Frosted Glass by Design has sponsored the coveted Sweepstakes award for the highest ranked show car in the judging procedure. “The 50th Anniversary National Show was a perfect opportunity for Frosted Glass by Design to support a sport that is an integral part of family life for many. We are proud to be associated with an event that showcases family involvement”, says Sean Williams, managing director of Frosted Glass.

Rocket Speed Equipment has appropriately sponsored the Best Nostalgia Award. The Hamilton based company have built a reputation on a wide variety of vehicles that have created a stir on the New Zealand rodding scene. Their roots have come from traditional or nostalgia themed vehicles and its very fitting to have their name on this award. “It’s great to be part of the 50th Anniversary show and being aligned with the Nostalgia Award is great for our business however we build all kinds of hot rods, race cars and street machines”, says Dan Tyler of Rocket Speed Equipment.

The generous support of these three businesses shows the attraction of the 2012 NZHRA 50th Anniversary National Hot Rod Show incorporated with the larger audience of the CRC Speedshow.

For further information please email 2012nationalhotrodshow@gmail.com or visit the Facebookpage at https://www.facebook.com/pages/2012-Nzhra-National-Hot-Rod-Show/266991636667167

Tasman Motorsports Group Development driver, Matt Lockwood has maintained his series lead in the V8 Challenge Cup after round two at Manfield.

Weather played a major role over the three races in what turned out to be a tough weekend for the driver of the PlaceMakers Ford Falcon.

Mixed track conditions during qualifying saw Lockwood qualify on the front row for Race one.

“We had plenty of pace in the opening laps of race one, however we got caught out with a ‘river’ running across turn 1 which made it tricky under brakes, I went in a little deep, making minor contact with another competitor and spinning him, earning me a drive through penalty. The penalty hurt our race result, finishing eighth, although we did get the fastest lap of the race which earns points,” said Lockwood.

Race 2 saw Lockwood starting from the rear of the grid and came through the field to the lead and to win the race by 7 seconds.

The third and final reverse grid race saw Lockwood start from second place, however was pushed off the track at turn one by another competitor, pushing him to the back of the field.

Regaining back second place, the race was red flagged due to heavy rain making the track almost un-driveable.

Lockwood says the weekend was tough, but he was pleased to finish without any damage to his car and to extend his championship lead.

“We won the round and extended our lead which was a nice surprise given the way things unfolded. It was a tough weekend and had to really fight for it having to come from the back in every race. But to come away with a couple of minor scratches on the car and some good points it turned out well.

Lockwood now has a 374-point lead in the series over his nearest rival.

The next round of V8 Challenge Cup is at Hampton Downs, June 1-3.

It’s well known that at Sony Xplod Beach Hop 2011 there was rain… and plenty of it. So maybe it was the two-year gap between the last sunny event and this year’s one that made it seem all the more special, or maybe it really was. From talking to various entrants, spectators and traders, all agreed it was the latter, and the event should go down in history as one of, if not the best ‘Hop’ yet.

Everywhere we went, we were met by people saying just how big the event was, and it wasn’t until head event organiser Noddy Watts announced on Saturday afternoon that entrant numbers were limited to 100 cars less than last year that we had any idea that was the case, as it certainly didn’t seem that way.

With so much going on over all five days of the event, it’s almost impossible to keep up to date with what’s happening, so the easiest way is to pick and choose what you want to do, or what you want to see, and then do as much as you can. And just when you think you’ve seen it all, you’ll Read the full story »