Defending V8 champion John McIntyre has virtually assured himself of a second consecutive championship title following strong results at the penultimate round of the New Zealand V8s at Timaru this weekend.

Coming into this fifth of the six round championship, McIntyre had a 79 point lead over Angus Fogg. After a race win, a second and a 13th at Timaru, McIntyre has extended his lead to 115 points. And while that’s not an insurmountable points difference, in reality McIntyre’s consistent form throughout the season would indicate it’s unlikely the BP Ultimate Ford driver will succumb to the pressure and lose the championship at this point. Statistics show that of the 15 races run so far, McIntyre has won six — a feat unmatched by any other driver in the series.

His 13th place in the final reverse grid race was the first time he’s finished outside the top ten in any race this season, but he was relaxed about taking the conservative option.

“When you have the championship on the line, you’re not going to throw it away for a higher placing in the reverse grid race,” said McIntyre. “It feels good to extend the lead over Angus, although I wouldn’t have minded if he’d caught up some points on me here. We hope to continue the good form at Teretonga. This week we will be checking the car for total reliability and this weekend we’ve had a new setup theory which has worked well.”

Fogg also had a consistent weekend of results in the Havoline Ford, but his two fourths and a 14th clearly weren’t going to improve his points’ situation against McIntyre.

Holding third place overall, Kayne Scott experienced one of the more challenging weekend’s of racing. Unusually, he went off into the gravel during qualifying and didn’t finish the second race. The former V8 champion finished the first race sixth, and put in a determined drive in the final race coming through from 16th to second despite a slipping clutch.

“I’ll be at Teretonga,” said Scott who could also be racing for Team Kiwi Racing in the Australian V8 Supercar Championship. “I wouldn’t have this chance in Supercars without the effort and support of many people in the New Zealand V8 series and we want to put in a good performance for the season finale at Teretonga.”

The final round of the 2007-08 New Zealand V8s Championship, the Hydraulink 200, takes place at Teretonga Park outside Invercargill over the weekend of 8 and 9 March. Full details and ticket information for this event can be found on the series website, www.nzv8s.co.nz. Going into the final round, McIntyre has 905 points, 115 ahead of Fogg on 790 points. Scott is third with 733, Radisich fourth with 673 and Booth fifth with 634.

Qualifying in more detail

This season the New Zealand V8s run a new style of qualifying; all drivers run in the first 20 minute session, then the top twenty get another 15 minutes with the top ten getting a final 15 minute session to decide the starting grid for the first of the weekend’s three races.

As rain threatened in the first session, McIntyre was fastest with a time of 1:07.386, ahead of Scott, Booth, David Besnard, Fogg and Michael Bristow who was asked to drive the Tex Onsite Ford for the last two rounds after the team and long-time driver Cameron McLean decided to part ways. Interestingly, Bristow is also currently leading the First Windows & Doors V8 Development Series and racing both his development V8 Holden and the Tex Onsite Ford at Timaru and Teretonga.

In the second session, Booth chalked up the fastest time of 1:07.223 with Scott and McIntyre next quickest, while frequent top-ten runners Luke Youlden and Clark Proctor missed the cut as rain started.

In the top ten shoot-out Booth was again the fastest, setting a time on the Dunlop wet tyres of 1:14.640 to take his second pole position this season. McIntyre will line up beside Booth for the first 14-lap race, with Paul Radisich in the HPM Ford and Tim Edgell in the Chesters Ford in fourth with his best qualifying position of the season. Besnard, Fogg, Andrew Anderson, Paul Manuell, and Dean Perkins took positions five to nine, while Scott was unable to set a final qualifying time after a very uncharacteristic off-track excursion which saw the Fujitsu Ford parked in the gravel after Scott needed to avoid a collision with a fellow competitor on the wet circuit.

Race one

With fresh support from Big Ben Pies for his Tasman Motorsport Holden, Booth led from the front to win the 14 lap race — his first official win of the season.

On a rain-soaked circuit, the race was started with the first three corners under yellow flag, meaning no passing was allowed. Taking the top two slots behind Booth were McIntyre and Radisich; all three drivers agreeing that it was sensible for officials to have started the race in this way.

“In the rain, the pole position is the wettest at Timaru,” said McIntyre. “So it’s really a disadvantage for Andy in pole in these conditions.”

“It was amazing the difference in grip on different parts of the circuit,” said Booth who was delighted to have a race win which wasn’t taken away by officials as happened in Taupo earlier in the season.

In such wet conditions, the race itself was relatively uneventful as drivers kept a safe distance behind the car in front, except when GT Radial Ford driver Dean Perkins hit the tyre wall hard midway through the race. Although the safety car came out for several laps, officials decided not to extract the car from the wall.

“Restarting the race with Perkins’ car in the wall wasn’t great,” said Radisich who was pleased to finish third in the difficult conditions. “It’s hard to challenge in the wet here — it’s quite a narrow circuit and as soon as you stepped off the racing line there wasn’t much grip.”

McIntyre’s second place extended his points’ lead over Angus Fogg, the next best-placed driver in the New Zealand V8s Championship, who finished fourth behind Radisich.

Besnard was fourth in the SCG Motorsport Ford while Scott improved from his tenth qualifying position to finish sixth. Young Auckland driver Tim Edgell held on well from his fourth qualifying position to finish seventh, with Manuell and Anderson taking eighth and ninth respectively. However officials later decided that Manuell had passed under the yellow flag and demoted him to 24th place. This moved Anderson into eighth, Bristow in ninth and Proctor into tenth in the Metalman Ford.

Race two

With Sunday’s 18-lap race starting order determined by the fastest times that each driver set in race one, McIntyre was on pole with Booth, Scott, Radisich, Anderson, and Fogg behind him.

The leaders got away to a clean start; behind them, the close-fought run into the Timaru circuit’s first right-hander then long left-handed sweeper caused more than one brake lock-up. Mark Pedersen appeared to get caught up in traffic, dropping several places.

But nothing was affecting McIntyre’s composed performance at the front of the field; the BP Ultimate Ford driver extended his lead lap after lap to win the race by over seven seconds from Booth.

In a relatively incident-free race, Radisich and Fogg tussled for third with Radisich holding out Fogg at the chequered flag creating a situation that allowed McIntyre to further extend his lead over Fogg for the championship title. Scott, Youlden and Kevin Williams disappeared off the circuit at various points with only Youlden rejoining to eventually finish 22nd from his 11th starting position. Scott’s Ford suffered a gearbox failure. Meanwhile Manuell didn’t start the race at all, unhappy with being penalised in the first race.

After spending several laps trying to get past Anderson, Besnard came home in fifth to contribute to a much improved weekend’s results for the Australian. Anderson’s sixth place — his second in the newest Holden in the field since he debuted the car at Taupo — showed the Pinepac ITM Holden driver was enjoying even better results than he achieved at the previous round at Manfeild. Edgell took another well-earned seventh, Proctor improved to come home eighth and, in ninth and tenth places respectively, Andrew Porter and Michael Wallace achieved some their strongest finishes for the season.

Race three

The weekend’s third race has a full reverse grid based on points earned in the first two races. After Kevin Williams, who would have been on pole, withdrew, Shaun Turton — a New Zealand V8s rookie who joined the series at Taupo — was on pole for the first time.

From the second row, Julia Huzziff and Adam Brook pushed through to the front, Huzziff’s actions earning her a drive-through penalty while Brook romped into the lead — a position he held for nine laps before being chased down by Manuell who’d started in eighth place. Scott and Besnard were the other hard-chargers, moving through the field with Scott soon onto Manuell’s tail to set up classic Holden versus Ford clash that captured the crowd’s attention.

Meanwhile McIntyre and Booth were “letting the traffic clear” before working their way gradually through the field, Fogg in close attendance.

“My plan was to sit back,” said Booth. “I told the team I’d bring the car back the cleanest it’s ever been after a reverse grid race. I was watching Paul [Radisich] in front and I didn’t envy him having to put up with some of the driving behaviour exhibited by the slower drivers.”

The safety car went out briefly when Edgell’s bonnet flew off the car and onto the circuit, an incident for which he was later penalised.

With Scott’s Ford suffering a slipping clutch, he was unable to get past Manuell despite several valiant attempts. Manuell took his first race win in four seasons, a feat which delighted the Orix Racing Holden driver and his team. Brook kept his Versatile Buildings Ford in a well-earned third place behind Scott while Perkins had a better result in the GT Radial Ford to take fourth. Besnard’s hard work from 25th place earned him a fifth — his third of the weekend — and improved his overall points’ standing to ninth. Porter showed strong form to drive from 19th on the grid into sixth. Hamilton driver Cam Hardy was seventh with Youlden eighth in the Powerbuilt Tools Ford. Proctor and Radisich rounded out the top ten, Radisich having started in 27th. He said later that a faulty regulator in the HPM Ford had finally been identified which was allowing him to work more on fine tuning the car’s performance.

“It was a good consistent run really, nothing startling, but we’re pleased the engine issue is sorted so we can work more on the chassis side of things,” said Radisich. “You do expect some professional courtesy from these guys who clearly aren’t in the running for the championship so the reverse grid races are frustrating. We could put on a really good show for the crowd if everyone allowed clean passing. Perhaps a reverse top eight or ten would offer a better racing; something for officials to consider again for this series.”

McIntyre, Fogg and Booth were 13th, 14th and 15th respectively in the reverse grid race.

New Zealand V8s Championship — Qualifying

Position, Driver, Hometown, Car, Qualifying time

NB. The top ten drivers’ times were set in qualifying session #3 on wet tyres, hence the times being slower than the drivers in positions 10 to 29 who set times on dry tyres.

1, Andy Booth, Auckland, Holden Commodore VZ, 1:14.640

2, John McIntyre, Nelson, Ford Falcon BA, 1:14.873

3, Paul Radisich, Melbourne, Ford Falcon BA, 1:15.393

4, Tim Edgell, Auckland, Ford Falcon BA, 1:15.730

5, David Besnard, Gold Coast, Ford Falcon BA, 1:15.843

6, Angus Fogg, Auckland, Ford Falcon BA, 1:16.130

7, Andrew Anderson, Auckland, Holden Commodore VY, 1:16.190

8, Paul Manuell, Auckland, Holden Commodore VZ, 1:16.352

9, Dean Perkins, Pukekohe, Ford Falcon BA, 1:16.638

10, Kayne Scott, Hamilton, Ford Falcon BA, No time

11, Luke Youlden, Melbourne, Ford Falcon BA, 1:08.008

12, Michael Bristow, Pukekohe, Ford Falcon BA, 1:08.021

13, Michael Wallace, Dunedin, Holden Commodore VY, 1:08.044

14, Adam Brook, Christchurch, Ford Falcon BA, 1:08.100

15, Haydn Mackenzie, Auckland, Ford Falcon BA, 1:08.100

16, Inky Tulloch, Gore, Ford Falcon BA, 1:08.209

17, Simon Richards, Hamilton, Ford Falcon BA, 1:08.213

18, John Penny, Taupo, Ford Falcon BA, 1:08.242

19, Nick Ross, Cambridge, Holden Commodore VZ, 1:08.343

20, Clark Proctor, Auckland, Ford Falcon BA, 1:08.462

21, Andrew Porter, Auckland, Ford Falcon BA, 1:08.413

22, Chris Adams, Mosgiel, Holden Commodore VY, 1:08.497

23, Andrew Fawcet, Wellington, Ford Falcon BA, 1:08.528

24, Mark Pedersen, Auckland, Ford Falcon BA, 1:08.564

25, Cam Hardy, Hamilton, Holden Commodore VZ, 1:08.569

26, Kevin Williams, Auckland, Holden Commodore VZ, 1:08.607

27, Connel McLaren, Auckland, Ford Falcon BA, 1:08.940

28, Julia Huzziff, Auckland, Holden Commodore VY, 1:10.328

29, Shaun Turton, Pukekohe, Holden Commodore VY, 1:11.155

New Zealand V8s Championship — Timaru Race 1 (14 laps, revised results)

Position, Driver, Hometown, Car, Points earned

1, Andy Booth, Auckland, Holden Commodore VZ, 75

2, John McIntyre, Nelson, Ford Falcon BA, 67

3, Paul Radisich, Melbourne, Ford Falcon BA, 60

4, Angus Fogg, Auckland, Ford Falcon BA, 54

5, David Besnard, Gold Coast, Ford Falcon BA, 49

6, Kayne Scott, Hamilton, Ford Falcon BA, 45

7, Tim Edgell, Auckland, Ford Falcon BA, 42

8, Andrew Anderson, Auckland, Holden Commodore VY, 39

9, Michael Bristow, Pukekohe, Ford Falcon BA, 36

10, Clark Proctor, Auckland, Ford Falcon BA, 33

11, Luke Youlden, Melbourne, Ford Falcon BA, 30

12, Michael Wallace, Dunedin, Holden Commodore VY, 28

13, Haydn Mackenzie, Auckland, Ford Falcon BA, 26

14, John Penny, Taupo, Ford Falcon BA, 24

15, Andrew Porter, Auckland, Ford Falcon BA, 22

16, Inky Tulloch, Gore, Ford Falcon BA, 20

17, Mark Pedersen, Auckland, Ford Falcon BA, 18

18, Nick Ross, Cambridge, Holden Commodore VZ, 16

19, Andrew Fawcet, Wellington, Ford Falcon BA, 14

20, Simon Richards, Hamilton, Ford Falcon BA, 12

21, Chris Adams, Mosgiel, Holden Commodore VY, 10

22, Connel McLaren, Auckland, Ford Falcon BA, 9

23, Julia Huzziff, Auckland, Holden Commodore VY, 8

24, Paul Manuell, Auckland, Holden Commodore VZ, 7

25, Cam Hardy, Hamilton, Holden Commodore VZ, 6

26, Kevin Williams, Auckland, Holden Commodore VZ, 5

27, Shaun Turton, Pukekohe, Holden Commodore VY, 4

DNF, Adam Brook, Christchurch, Ford Falcon BA

DNF, Dean Perkins, Pukekohe, Ford Falcon BA

New Zealand V8s Championship — Timaru Race 2 (18 laps)

Position, Driver, Hometown, Car, Points earned

1, John McIntyre, Nelson, Ford Falcon BA, 75

2, Andy Booth, Auckland, Holden Commodore VZ, 67

3, Paul Radisich, Melbourne, Ford Falcon BA, 60

4, Angus Fogg, Auckland, Ford Falcon BA, 54

5, David Besnard, Gold Coast, Ford Falcon BA, 49

6, Andrew Anderson, Auckland, Holden Commodore VY, 45

7, Tim Edgell, Auckland, Ford Falcon BA, 42

8, Clark Proctor, Auckland, Ford Falcon BA, 39

9, Andrew Porter, Auckland, Ford Falcon BA, 36

10, Michael Wallace, Dunedin, Holden Commodore VY, 33

11, Michael Bristow, Pukekohe, Ford Falcon BA, 30

12, Connel McLaren, Auckland, Ford Falcon BA, 28

13, John Penny, Taupo, Ford Falcon BA, 26

14, Inky Tulloch, Gore, Ford Falcon BA, 24

15, Haydn Mackenzie, Auckland, Ford Falcon BA, 22

16, Andrew Fawcet, Wellington, Ford Falcon BA, 20

17, Dean Perkins, Pukekohe, Ford Falcon BA, 18

18, Nick Ross, Cambridge, Holden Commodore VZ, 16

19, Mark Pedersen, Auckland, Ford Falcon BA, 14

20, Simon Richards, Hamilton, Ford Falcon BA, 12

21, Adam Brook, Christchurch, Ford Falcon BA, 10

22, Luke Youlden, Melbourne, Ford Falcon BA, 9

23, Chris Adams, Mosgiel, Holden Commodore VY, 8

24, Julia Huzziff, Auckland, Holden Commodore VY, 7

25, Cam Hardy, Hamilton, Holden Commodore VZ, 6

26, Shaun Turton, Pukekohe, Holden Commodore VY, 5

DNF, Kayne Scott, Hamilton, Ford Falcon BA

DNF, Kevin Williams, Auckland, Holden Commodore VZ

DNS, Paul Manuell, Auckland, Holden Commodore VZ

New Zealand V8s Championship — Timaru Race 3 (22 laps, reverse grid)

Position, Driver, Hometown, Car, Points earned

1, Paul Manuell, Auckland, Holden Commodore VZ, 75

2, Kayne Scott, Hamilton, Ford Falcon BA, 67

3, Adam Brook, Christchurch, Ford Falcon BA, 60

4, Dean Perkins, Pukekohe, Ford Falcon BA, 54

5, David Besnard, Gold Coast, Ford Falcon BA, 49

6, Andrew Porter, Auckland, Ford Falcon BA, 45

7, Cam Hardy, Hamilton, Holden Commodore VZ, 42

8, Luke Youlden, Melbourne, Ford Falcon BA, 39

9, Clark Proctor, Auckland, Ford Falcon BA, 36

10, Paul Radisich, Melbourne, Ford Falcon BA, 33

11, Andrew Fawcet, Wellington, Ford Falcon BA, 30

12, John Penny, Taupo, Ford Falcon BA, 28

13, John McIntyre, Nelson, Ford Falcon BA, 26

14, Angus Fogg, Auckland, Ford Falcon BA, 24

15, Andy Booth, Auckland, Holden Commodore VZ, 22

16, Andrew Anderson, Auckland, Holden Commodore VY, 20

17, Michael Wallace, Dunedin, Holden Commodore VY, 18

18, Simon Richards, Hamilton, Ford Falcon BA, 16

19, Connel McLaren, Auckland, Ford Falcon BA, 14

20, Haydn Mackenzie, Auckland, Ford Falcon BA, 12

21, Nick Ross, Cambridge, Holden Commodore VZ, 10

22, Julia Huzziff, Auckland, Holden Commodore VY, 9

23, Inky Tulloch, Gore, Ford Falcon BA, 8

24, Tim Edgell, Auckland, Ford Falcon BA, 7

DNF, Chris Adams, Mosgiel, Holden Commodore VY

DNF, Mark Pedersen, Auckland, Ford Falcon BA

DNF, Shaun Turton, Pukekohe, Holden Commodore VY

DNS, Kevin Williams, Auckland, Holden Commodore VZ

DNS, Michael Bristow, Pukekohe, Ford Falcon BA

New Zealand V8s Championship — Provisional points after 5 of 6 rounds

Position, Driver, Hometown, Car, Points

1, John McIntyre, Nelson, Ford Falcon BA, 905

2, Angus Fogg, Auckland, Ford Falcon BA, 790

3, Kayne Scott, Hamilton, Ford Falcon BA, 733

4, Paul Radisich, Melbourne, Ford Falcon BA, 673

5, Andy Booth, Auckland, Holden Commodore VZ, 634

6, Paul Manuell, Auckland, Holden Commodore VZ, 593

7, Clark Proctor, Auckland, Ford Falcon BA, 562

8, Dean Perkins, Pukekohe, Ford Falcon BA, 481

9, David Besnard, Gold Coast, Ford Falcon BA, 451

10, Cameron McLean, Brisbane, Ford Falcon BA, 399

11, Luke Youlden, Melbourne, Ford Falcon BA, 380

12, Andrew Anderson, Auckland, Holden Commodore VY, 301

13, Michael Wallace, Dunedin, Holden Commodore VY, 301

14, Cam Hardy, Hamilton, Holden Commodore VZ, 300

14, Mark Pedersen, Auckland, Ford Falcon BA, 300

15, Tim Edgell, Auckland, Ford Falcon BA, 290

16, Andrew Porter, Auckland, Ford Falcon BA, 286

17, Adam Brook, Christchurch, Ford Falcon BA, 279

18, Simon Richards, Hamilton, Ford Falcon BA, 266

19, Haydn Mackenzie, Auckland, Ford Falcon BA, 264

20, Andrew Fawcet, Wellington, Ford Falcon BA, 244

21, John Penny, Taupo, Ford Falcon BA, 223

22, Nick Ross, Cambridge, Holden Commodore VZ, 211

23, Dale Lambert, Auckland, Ford Falcon BA, 192

24, Connel McLaren, Auckland, Ford Falcon BA, 191

25, Kevin Williams, Auckland, Holden Commodore VZ, 182

26, Paul Pedersen, Rotorua, Ford Falcon BA, 169

26, Inky Tulloch, Gore, Ford Falcon BA, 163

27, Chris Adams, Mosgiel, Holden Commodore VY, 133

28, Eddie Bell, Christchurch, Holden Commodore VY, 79

29, Dave Stewart, Wellington, Holden Commodore VY, 73

30, Michael Bristow, Pukekohe, Ford Falcon BA, 66

31, Shaun Turton, Pukekohe, Holden Commodore VY, 58

32, Julia Huzziff, Auckland, Holden Commodore VY, 56

33, Darryn Henderson, Wellington, Holden Commodore VZ, 45

34, Gene Rollinson, Auckland, Holden Commodore VY, 16

The 2007-08 New Zealand V8s Championship – Calendar

	Date	Circuit	Event
1	2-4 Nov 2007	Pukekohe	Fujitsu Pukekohe 200
2	23-25 Nov 2007	Powerbuilt Tools International Raceway at Ruapuna Park	GT Radial 200
3	17-20 Jan 2008	Taupo	(A1GP event)
4	15-17 Feb 2008	Manfeild	Fujitsu 200
5	29 Feb – 2 Mar 2008	Timaru	VnC Cocktails
6	7-9 Mar 2008	Teretonga	Hydraulink 200 Finale

Trophy event

18-20 Apr 2008

Hamilton

Hamilton 400 (non championship)

GM Holden released pricing and specifications for the all-new VE Sportwagon at the Melbourne International Motor Show.

The 2008 VE Sportwagon range starts from as little as AU$37,790 for Omega, with each of the seven models only $1,000 more than their VE sedan equivalent.

Holden VE Sportwagon Calais

At AU$41,290, the new VE Sportwagon Berlina is an amazing $5,600 less than its VZ wagon equivalent whilst offering a range of engineering advances and safety features including Electronic Stability Program (ESP) , Rear Park Assist and six airbags which are standard across the range.

Having more than doubled the model range from three in VZ to seven in VE, the new Sportwagon offers buyers more choice and more features to further enhance its appeal to both private and business customers.

GM Holden’s Executive Director of Sales, Marketing and Aftersales, Alan Batey, said value and choice would be key features that would attract buyers to the new VE Sportwagon.

“The Australian market is becoming increasingly challenging and at Holden we believe the VE Sportwagon’s pricing, sedan-like handling and stylish design will ensure it has the competitive edge it needs to succeed in its segment.

“The extended VE range offers real choices in practicality and flexibility to both the business buyer and Aussie families.

“With safety features such as ESP and six airbags as standard across the range, many potential buyers will see this as a great value car which ticks all the right boxes,” Mr Batey said.

VE Sportwagon Model and Powertrain Line-up:

Omega

Alloytec V6 with 4 speed auto transmission

Berlina

Alloytec V6 with 4 speed auto transmission

SV6

High Output Alloytec V6 with 5 speed auto transmission

SS

Gen 4 V8 with 6 speed manual transmission -or-
Gen 4 V8 with 6 speed auto transmission (optional)

SS V-Series

Gen 4 V8 with 6 speed manual transmission -or-
Gen 4 V8 with 6 speed auto transmission (optional)

Calais

High Output Alloytec V6 with 5 speed auto transmission

Calais V-Series

High Output Alloytec V6 with 5 speed auto transmission -or-
Gen 4 V8 with 6 speed auto transmission (optional)

VE Sportwagon Highlights

Overview:

• Great style, performance and practicality
• All the storage advantages that comes with a wagon
• Seats 5 adults in comfort
• Higher cargo floor making it easier to load items into the cargo area
• Flexible cargo cover for security, with innovative D-pillar tracks for added functionality
• 60:40 split 2nd row seat which can be folded flat for storage of larger items
• Innovative opening tailgate which requires less opening space

Safety

• Electronic Stability Program (ESP ® ) standard on all models
• Driver, front passenger and side impact airbags standard on all models
• Curtain airbags standard on all models
• Occupant protection system designed for the real world driving environment
• Ultra-stiff body structure, multiple load path strategy and structurally optimised front & rear deformation zones

Technology

• Rear Park Assist standard on all models
• Roof-mounted DVD system available on selected models
• Integrated navigation system available on all models
• Multi-function driver information display system

Performance

• The multi-link Linear Control Suspension system is the most advanced suspension design ever under a Holden
• Large, fade-resistant brake systems help reduce stopping distances
• Increased diameter wheel and tyre packages for braking and cornering control
• As on sedan, two V6 engine versions will be available: an Alloytec 3.6 litre V6 with single exhaust; and the Alloytec High Output 3.6 litre V6 with dual exhaust
• 6.0 litre Generation 4 Alloy V8 coupled with a six-speed manual transmission, or optional six-speed automatic transmission

Omega

Standard features on Omega include:

• 3.6L Alloytec V6, peak power 180kW, peak torque 330Nm*, four-speed automatic
• Electronic Stability Program (ESP ® ) including Anti-lock Braking System, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, Electronic Brake Assist and Traction Control
• Four 16-inch alloy wheels
• Multifunction steering wheel
• Multifunction driver display
• Cruise control
• Rear Park Assist
• Automatic headlamp mode
• Single disc CD player
• Dual stage front airbags; side and curtain impact airbags

Berlina

Berlina has all Omega standard features and in addition:

• Four 17-inch alloy wheels
• Front fog lamps
• Leather wrap steering wheel
• Trip computer with triple display
• Bluetooth ® connectivity for compatible mobile phones
• Six-disc in-dash CD player, MP3 compatible
• Four-way electric adjustment of driver’s seat
• Dual zone electronic climate control
• Six-inch multifunction display screen

SV6

SV6 features include:

• 3.6L High Output Alloytec V6, peak power 195kW, peak torque 340Nm*, five-speed automatic with Active Select
• Sports suspension
• Four 18-inch alloy wheels
• Leather wrap steering wheel
• Bluetooth ® connectivity for compatible mobile phones
• Single disc CD player
• Sports interior
• Sports body kit
• Dual exhaust
• Chrome highlights
• Rear Park Assist

SS

SS features include:

• 6.0L V8, peak power 270kW, peak torque 530Nm *, six-speed manual or optional six-speed automatic with Active Select
• Limited Slip Differential
• Sports suspension
• Four 18-inch alloy wheels
• Bluetooth ® connectivity for compatible mobile phones
• Six-disc in-dash CD player, MP3 compatible
• Sports front seats
• Rear Park Assist

SS V

SS V has all SS standard features and in addition:

• Projector headlamps
• Alloy faced pedals
• Four 19-inch alloy wheels
• Leather wrap gear selector
• Leather wrap sports profile steering wheel
• Leather seat inserts
• Dual zone electronic climate control
• 6.5-inch multi-function display screen
• Zone based Rear Park Assist

Calais

Calais features include:

• 3.6L High Output Alloytec V6, peak power 195kW, peak torque 340Nm*, five-speed automatic with Active Select
• Four 17-inch alloy wheels
• Leather wrap gear selector
• Leather wrap steering wheel
• Trip computer with triple display
• Bluetooth ® connectivity for compatible mobile phones
• Projector headlamps
• Six-disc in-dash CD player, MP3 compatible
• Six-way electric adjustment of driver’s seat
• Dual zone electronic climate control
• 6.5-inch multi-function display screen
• Zone based Rear Park Assist

Calais V

Calais V has all Calais standard features and in addition:

• Four 18-inch alloy wheels
• Chrome finish body side mouldings
• Chrome highlights on exterior door handles
• Leather wrap sports profile steering wheel
• Zone based Front and Rear Park Assist
• Rain Sensing Wipers
• Rear overhead DVD
• Eight-way driver and front passenger seat
• Leather seat trim
• Memory settings for driver seat & exterior mirrors

Ariel has announced the latest version of the Atom — the Ariel Atom 500, powered by a small V8 engine.  With over 500bhp in a 500kg package the Atom 500 will boast one of the highest power to weight ratios for a production car, ever.  At over 1000bhp per tonne the Atom 500 knocks on the door of the Caparo T1, and Caterham’s RS Developments carbon-fibre V8 7 replica we featured last week.

The V8 powered Atom is the first of some exciting developments from Ariel due to be released though 2008 and builds on the growing reputation that the company has for putting the passion back into driving and producing cars that are fun to drive as well as fast both on and off the track.

The 500 started life as a one off special project with RS Developments in 2007 and features the Russell Savory designed 2.4 litre V8 engine coupled to a 6-speed sequential Sadev gearbox.  Developing over 500bhp at 10,000rpm the supercharged engine features all alloy construction, 5 valves per cylinder and a dry sump.  The gearbox will have flatshift capability, a paddle gearchange with manual override as well as launch and traction controls.

Recognisable by the twin rear intakes for intercoolers the Atom 500 will feature a unique colour scheme for chassis, wheels and bodywork combined with carbon fibre panels and carbon fibre aerofoils.  Other features will include chromemoly aerofoil wishbones, integrated function steering wheel, Alcon 4 pot caliper brakes and Dymag magnesium wheels.

Said Simon Saunders, Director of Ariel, ‘This is an interesting project for us and an experimental  departure from what we normally produce. For a few customers the Atom 500 will be the ultimate expression of lightweight performance and represents the outer limits of what is achievable in a road registered car.  We also use this sort of project to explore the possibilities of how we can improve our standard cars.  The Honda engined production cars already combine all the elements that we want in an Atom and by pushing the envelope to these sorts of extremes we can further improve the breed’.

The Atom 500 will be produced in Somerset at the new Ariel factory with the first car available from Spring this year.  Prices have not yet been finalised but Ariel’s commitment to performance for value will ensure that the Atom 500 is competitive in cost as well as performance.

With the standard Atom 300 already achieving sub 3 second times to 60mph and sub 7 second times to 100mph, the 500 will take this one stage further with the ability to atomise your tyres in glorious and sonorous ways.

In celebration of Carroll Shelby’s 85th birthday Shelby Distribution USA under license from Shelby Licensing and in partnership with Shelby Automobiles Inc. will reproduce the three dominating Shelby American GT40 race cars that accomplished one of the greatest feats in American automotive racing history into a street legal vehicle that can be driven or simply collected. These rolling chassis will receive a Shelby Automobiles Inc. MSO and will be recorded in the Shelby Registry along with the Safir GT40 Spares LLC assigned licensed mark, identification number and registry that reflects these cars as newly manufactured variants of the original GT40.

The MKII Shelby GT40s will be based on the following cars. Only 85 of each color will be issued.

• Car #1 Chassis P/1015 Arcadian Blue, White Stripes/Dark Blue borders, and Dayglo Red Fender Flashes (the one we want – pictured)
• Car #2 Chassis P/1046 Black with solid Silver Stripes and White Roundels
• Car #3 Chassis P/1047 Red with solid White Stripes and Roundels

Features include:

• Record sale into the Shelby Registry.
• Shelby MSO and dash plaque.
• Carroll Shelby engraved door handles.
• Carroll Shelby etched left and right front head light covers.
• Roundels with 85 number decals.
• Leather seating.
• Hood wind diffusers.
• CS GT40 numbered plaque.
• CS GT40 side sill graphics.
• Signature floor and sill mats.
• 85TH Commemorative hood badge.
• 85TH Special Edition decal.
• Available in right and left hand drive.

Head over to www.shelbydistributionusa.com

for more information.

Andy Booth led from the front to win the weekend’s first New Zealand V8s race at the Timaru International Motor Raceway in the VnC Cocktails 200.

With fresh support from Big Ben Pies for his Tasman Motorsport Holden, the two-time V8s champion took pole position in the rain-affected qualifying sessions from defending V8s champion and current series leader John McIntyre, and then went on to win the 14 lap race — his first official win of the season.

On a rain-soaked circuit, the race was started with the first three corners under yellow flag, meaning no passing was allowed. Taking the top two slots behind Booth were McIntyre in the BP Ultimate Ford and Paul Radisich in the HPM Ford. All three drivers agreed that it was sensible for officials to have started the race in this way.

“In the rain, the pole position is the wettest,” said McIntyre. “So it’s really a disadvantage for the pole-sitter in these conditions.”

“It was amazing the difference in grip around the circuit,” said Booth who was delighted to have a race win which wasn’t taken away by officials as happened in Taupo earlier in the season.

In such wet conditions, the race itself was relatively uneventful as drivers kept a safe distance behind the car in front, except when GT Radial Ford driver Dean Perkins hit the tyre wall hard midway through the race. Although the safety car came out for several laps, officials decided not to extract the car from the wall.

“Restarting the race with Perkins’ car in the wall wasn’t great,” said Radisich who was pleased to finish third in the difficult conditions. “It’s hard to challenge in the wet here — it’s quite a narrow circuit and as soon as you stepped off the racing line there wasn’t much grip.

McIntyre’s second place extended his points’ lead over Angus Fogg, the next best-placed driver in the New Zealand V8s Championship, who finished fourth behind Radisich.

David Besnard was fourth in the SCG Motorsport Ford while Fujitsu Ford driver Kayne Scott improved from his tenth qualifying position to finish sixth. Young Auckland driver Tim Edgell held on well from his fourth qualifying position to finish seventh, with Paul Manuell and Andrew Anderson taking eighth and ninth respectively. Michael Bristow finished tenth having been asked to drive the Tex Onsite Ford for the last two rounds after the team and long-time driver Cameron McLean decided to part ways. Bristow is currently leading the First Windows & Doors V8 Development Series and is racing both his development V8 Holden and the Tex Onsite Ford at Timaru and Teretonga.

The starting grid for Sunday’s 18-lap race is determined by the fastest times that each driver set in the first race. This sees McIntyre on pole, giving him a further opportunity to extend his series’ points lead. Booth, Scott, Radisich, Anderson and then Fogg line up behind McIntyre.

The New Zealand V8s then have a third reverse grid race to wrap up the weekend’s racing at Timaru in the VnC Cocktails 200 before heading to Teretonga for their season finale, the Hydraulink 200.

The competitors in the First Windows & Doors V8s Development Series are also racing at Timaru. Auckland’s Peter Butler was the fastest qualifier in a Ford with Pukekohe’s Michael Bristow beside him on the front row of the grid in a Holden. Bristow won the eight lap race with Dunedin’s Blair Sutherland in second and Butler third.

Qualifying in more detail

This season the New Zealand V8s run a new style of qualifying; all drivers run in the first 20 minute session, then the top twenty get another 15 minutes with the top ten getting a final 15 minute session to decide the starting grid for the first of the weekend’s three races.

As rain threatened in the first session, McIntyre was fastest with a time of 1:07.386, ahead of Scott, Booth, Besnard, Fogg and Bristow. In the second session, Booth chalked up the fastest time of 1:07.223 with Scott and McIntyre next quickest, while frequent top-ten runners Luke Youlden and Clark Proctor missed the cut as the rain started.

In the top ten shoot-out Booth was again the fastest, setting a time on the Dunlop wet tyres of 1:14.640 to take his second pole position this season. McIntyre will line up beside Booth for the first 14-lap race, with Radisich and Tim Edgell in the Chesters Ford in fourth with his best qualifying position of the season. Besnard, Fogg, Andrew Anderson, Paul Manuell, and Dean Perkins took positions five to nine, while Scott was unable to set a final qualifying time after a very uncharacteristic off-track excursion which saw the Fujitsu Ford parked in the gravel after Scott needed to avoid a collision with a fellow competitor on the wet circuit.

New Zealand V8s Championship — Qualifying

Position, Driver, Hometown, Car, Qualifying time

NB. The top ten drivers’ times were set in qualifying session #3 on wet tyres, hence the times being slower than the drivers in positions 10 to 29 who set times on dry tyres.

1, Andy Booth, Auckland, Holden Commodore VZ, 1:14.640

2, John McIntyre, Nelson, Ford Falcon BA, 1:14.873

3, Paul Radisich, Melbourne, Ford Falcon BA, 1:15.393

4, Tim Edgell, Auckland, Ford Falcon BA, 1:15.730

5, David Besnard, Gold Coast, Ford Falcon BA, 1:15.843

6, Angus Fogg, Auckland, Ford Falcon BA, 1:16.130

7, Andrew Anderson, Auckland, Holden Commodore VY, 1:16.190

8, Paul Manuell, Auckland, Holden Commodore VZ, 1:16.352

9, Dean Perkins, Pukekohe, Ford Falcon BA, 1:16.638

10, Kayne Scott, Hamilton, Ford Falcon BA, No time

11, Luke Youlden, Melbourne, Ford Falcon BA, 1:08.008

12, Michael Bristow, Pukekohe, Ford Falcon BA, 1:08.021

13, Michael Wallace, Dunedin, Holden Commodore VY, 1:08.044

14, Adam Brook, Christchurch, Ford Falcon BA, 1:08.100

15, Haydn Mackenzie, Auckland, Ford Falcon BA, 1:08.100

16, Inky Tulloch, Gore, Ford Falcon BA, 1:08.209

17, Simon Richards, Hamilton, Ford Falcon BA, 1:08.213

18, John Penny, Taupo, Ford Falcon BA, 1:08.242

19, Nick Ross, Cambridge, Holden Commodore VZ, 1:08.343

20, Clark Proctor, Auckland, Ford Falcon BA, 1:08.462

21, Andrew Porter, Auckland, Ford Falcon BA, 1:08.413

22, Chris Adams, Mosgiel, Holden Commodore VY, 1:08.497

23, Andrew Fawcet, Wellington, Ford Falcon BA, 1:08.528

24, Mark Pedersen, Auckland, Ford Falcon BA, 1:08.564

25, Cam Hardy, Hamilton, Holden Commodore VZ, 1:08.569

26, Kevin Williams, Auckland, Holden Commodore VZ, 1:08.607

27, Connel McLaren, Auckland, Ford Falcon BA, 1:08.940

28, Julia Huzziff, Auckland, Holden Commodore VY, 1:10.328

29, Shaun Turton, Pukekohe, Holden Commodore VY, 1:11.155

New Zealand V8s Championship — Timaru Race 1 (14 laps)

Position, Driver, Hometown, Car, Points earned

1, Andy Booth, Auckland, Holden Commodore VZ, 75

2, John McIntyre, Nelson, Ford Falcon BA, 67

3, Paul Radisich, Melbourne, Ford Falcon BA, 60

4, Angus Fogg, Auckland, Ford Falcon BA, 54

5, David Besnard, Gold Coast, Ford Falcon BA, 49

6, Kayne Scott, Hamilton, Ford Falcon BA, 45

7, Tim Edgell, Auckland, Ford Falcon BA, 42

8, Paul Manuell, Auckland, Holden Commodore VZ, 39

9, Andrew Anderson, Auckland, Holden Commodore VY, 36

10, Michael Bristow, Pukekohe, Ford Falcon BA, 33

11, Clark Proctor, Auckland, Ford Falcon BA, 30

12, Luke Youlden, Melbourne, Ford Falcon BA, 28

13, Michael, Wallace, Dunedin, Holden Commodore VY, 26

14, Haydn, Mackenzie, Auckland, Ford Falcon BA, 24

15, John, Penny, Taupo, Ford Falcon BA, 22

16, Andrew, Porter, Auckland, Ford Falcon BA, 20

17, Inky, Tulloch, Gore, Ford Falcon BA, 18

18, Mark, Pedersen, Auckland, Ford Falcon BA, 16

19, Nick, Ross, Cambridge, Holden Commodore VZ, 14

20, Andrew, Fawcet, Wellington, Ford Falcon BA, 12

21, Simon, Richards, Hamilton, Ford Falcon BA, 10

22, Chris, Adams, Mosgiel, Holden Commodore VY, 9

23, Connel, McLaren, Auckland, Ford Falcon BA, 8

24, Julia, Huzziff, Auckland, Holden Commodore VY, 7

25, Cam, Hardy, Hamilton, Holden Commodore VZ, 6

26, Kevin, Williams, Auckland, Holden Commodore VZ, 5

27, Shaun, Turton, Pukekohe, Holden Commodore VY, 4

DNF, Adam, Brook, Christchurch, Ford Falcon BA

DNF, Dean, Perkins, Pukekohe, Ford Falcon BA

The 2007-08 New Zealand V8s Championship – Calendar

	Date	Circuit	Event
1	2-4 Nov 2007	Pukekohe	Fujitsu Pukekohe 200
2	23-25 Nov 2007	Powerbuilt Tools International Raceway at Ruapuna Park	GT Radial 200
3	17-20 Jan 2008	Taupo	(A1GP event)
4	15-17 Feb 2008	Manfeild	Fujitsu 200
5	29 Feb – 2 Mar 2008	Timaru	VnC Cocktails
6	7-9 Mar 2008	Teretonga	Hydraulink 200 Finale

Trophy event

18-20 Apr 2008

Hamilton

Hamilton 400 (non championship)

With a Nascar motor, V8 Supercar brakes and 700hp on tap, Mark Ross’s ’69 Mustang has more than just a great stance on the race track.

This is one wicked piece of kit! For owner Mark Ross, this ’69 Mustang racer is his dream car. It was a monumental project, and it’s a credit to Mark and those who were involved in making the car a reality.

Mark’s Mustang made its competition debut in October 2006, but Mark himself is not by any means new to motor sport. He built the Mustang to compete in the highly popular GDM Group Central Muscle Cars series. And like many of the drivers who race in the series, he was influenced at a young and impressionable age by the likes of racing greats Allan Moffat, Paul Fahey, Jim Richards, Red Dawson, and Rod Coppins, who all used to hustle bellowing muscle cars around New Zealand’s race tracks, back in the late ’60s and early ’70s when these big bangers were new. Mark grew up in Tauranga, home of the famous Baypark racing circuit which, with the brilliant Peter Hanna at the helm, always drew quality fields of V8 tin-top racers from around New Zealand and Australia.

Baypark has long since been bulldozed to make way for the inevitable suburban sprawl. Mark’s family moved to Taupo in the early ’70s, but the images of those staunch racers, the fastback Mustangs, Z28 Camaros and Pontiac Firebirds with their monstrous, booming open exhausts, flared wheel arches stuffed with oversized wheels and tyres, the powerslides and four-wheel drifts stayed with Mark, and he always knew he’d eventually go racing himself.

A ROMANCE REKINDLED

“A number of years passed until in 1992, The Taupo Car Club promoted a membership drive that I attended,” Mark recalls. “It ran an open day at the circuit with an organised gymkhana. A club member there was Taupo’s Rick Cooper in his ’66 Mustang GT road car complete with a half roll cage. Rick took me for a few spins around the track and that’s all it needed; with my passion re-fuelled I purchased the car from him the following week.” Mark joined the Taupo Car Club and competed with the Mustang in dual sprints, clubman events and, finally, National meetings, running in Classics and then the Super Car class. He raced at Baypark, where his passion for motor sport and fast Mustangs all began.

“A year later an opportunity arose to purchase ‘Black Sally’, a 1965 fully race-prepared Mustang successfully raced by Rick Copper. I ran and developed the car over the next 10 years and achieved my own success in Classics, Clubmans, Muscle Cars and Sports and GT racing. In 2000 and 2001 I focused solely on the Sports and GT series, a class full of Falcons, Mustangs, Corvettes, Camaros, Monaros and even the odd Porsche and TVR Tuscan. We finished second overall in 2000 and won the series in 2001.”

Black Sally was eventually repainted white, then blue, and has since been purchased by Richard Gatward, who has campaigned the car with great success in the Central Muscle Cars series. Mark, however, took time away from racing to concentrate on his construction business, and to focus more on his commitments as president of the Taupo Car Club, a role he has now held for 10 terms.

Mark had always wanted to build a ’69 Mustang racer, having been inspired by the cars of Allan Moffat and Jim Richards when he was a kid, and also by the Pinepac Mustang, raced by Bruce Anderson in the ’90s, a car Mark competed against on several occasions. The Pinepac car was also raced by Bruce’s nephew Andrew, who has since gone on to carve out a successful career in NZV8 Touring Cars. “I’ve always had a lot of passion for the ’69 model, so it had been in the back of my mind for some time,” says Mark. “And, of course, there was the Pinepac car, which we used to have a lot of battles with, so a ’69 was always going to be my next project.

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Holden Special Vehicles today unveiled a seven litre program at the Melbourne Motor Show, the last instalment of the company’s 20th anniversary celebrations.

The car to be known in its final development stages as the W427 is finished in the same Panorama Silver paint scheme as the original Group A SS VL Commodore, released at the Melbourne Motor Show of 1988, exactly 20 years ago.

HSV Managing Director, Scott Grant, said the W427 was a tribute to how far the company has come in just twenty years.

“To be able to produce a vehicle of these proportions is truly remarkable,” Scott Grant said.

“The W427 will be quite possibly the fastest road registrable Supercar ever produced in Australia and among the quickest anywhere around the world,” he said.

While power output figures are still to be confirmed, the W427 is likely to produce in excess of 370kW of power and 640NM of torque.

“It will also be one of the safest cars HSV has ever put on the road,” Scott Grant said.

“A new six piston front braking system will provide a 50% increase in pad area, while the W427 also receives a revised ESP calibration, six air bags, improved handling and new Magnetic Ride Control settings.”

The W427 receives a bimodal active exhaust system to improve noise quality and back pressure management.

Styling and design highlights include an all new front fascia, a three piece carbon fibre rear spoiler, 20 inch machined faced alloy wheel, unique exhaust tips and red leather interior.

Scott Grant said HSV would be introducing a unique customer relations program to accompany the launch of the new vehicle.

“The W427 will only be produced in limited numbers and we want to reflect that exclusivity in how we connect with our Supercar customers,” Scott Grant said.

“This program will see the LS7 engine being fitted at Clayton, along with the dry sump system and a range of other engineering features. We are looking at opportunities to allow owners to visit HSV and view the unique manufacturing process that goes into building this car.”

The W427 will go into production in the middle of the year and will be available for sale in dealerships in the third quarter of 2008.

“Make no mistake, while the specifications of the car unveiled on the stand today at the Motorshow may change slightly between now and when production begins, this car is destined to make as big an impact as the original Walkinshaw twenty years ago.”

W427 key highlights*

Exterior

All new Front Fascia exclusive to W427

All new three piece rear spoiler in carbon fibre

All new 20 inch wheel

Interior

HSV performance seats in full red hot trim with W427 logo, steering wheel, gear shifter and console lid in full red hot leather

Powertrain

7.0 Litre, LS7 Engine with HSV specific calibration

370kW @ 6500 rpm

640Nm @ 5000 rpm

Over radiator style cold air induction system with high flow air filter

Dry sump lubrication system with 2 stage pump

Hand fabricated aluminium oil reservoir, with internal baffles for high G loading

Front mount, 13 row engine oil cooler

Ceramic coated, high flow four into one extractors

High flow catalytic converters and exhaust system (3 into 2 ¾ )

Active bi-modal rear mufflers for exhaust back pressure management to improve noise quality

High strength limited slip differential

New high strength six speed manual gear box (TR6060)

GMPT LS7 Clutch with new actuator and pedal assembly for high clamp loads

Suspension

New springs, 30% stiffer than GTS

Revised ride height 20mm lower than GTS

New stiffer rear suspension bushing

All new MRC calibration

Brakes

New 6 piston front braking system (50% increase in pad area)

Strap drive, 2 piece floating front rotors (380 x 35mm compared to 365 x

32mm one piece on GTS)

High friction pad material

* Specifications of W427 as at Melbourne Motor Show

Everyone needs shelves. Whether it’s for the concours trophy, or the photo of your favourite aunt, a place to put something on the wall is a must. You can show your appreciation for Ford and GM in a very practical way with a 3D hanging shelf of a Ford Mustang, a 1959 Cadillac, or a 1969 Corvette.

And, that’s not all – there are clocks, speedometer thermometers and wood coat/key racks. V8 accoutrement heaven!