Whangarei’s Warwick Hales has been a Corvette man for many years. There’s not much he loves more when unwinding from the stress of the working week, than firing up his big-block 1972 Corvette and hitting the road. And it’s not hard to see why. The Vette is a vary rare Baldwin Motion edition with more than enough power to get him into trouble, and drives like a dream.

The only downside is that with a couple of kids, the Vette doesn’t get out as often as it should.

It was with this in mind that he decided perhaps something a little larger, with a back seat, would be the answer to his problems. And they don’t come much larger than a 1961 Cadillac Coupe de Ville.

Warwick found the car already in New Zealand, and thought that while it could do with a Read the full story »

The Masterton Motorplex New Track Fundraiser went off on February 9th and 10th with a greta range of cars and huge spectator numbers.

Our man Shane Wishnowsky was there to capture these pics.

For more info on the event, visit the drag racing section of our forum; http://forums.v8.co.nz/viewforum.php?f=7&sid=f5d8e0b306f1144d79b0d6172060d62b

Angus Fogg is ready to go racing with new sponsors PropertyTutors on-board as the 2013 BNT V8 SuperTourer season gets underway over the weekend of 16 and 17 February.

The season-opening event at Hampton Downs Motorsport Park, midway between Auckland and Hamilton, sees Foggy and the Angus Fogg Racing team commence their first full V8 SuperTourer season, having joined the new category part-way through its inaugural season in 2012.

“It’s fantastic to have Sean Wood and the team from PropertyTutors on-board as our naming rights’ sponsor this season,” adds Fogg who resides in Auckland’s Birkenhead and originally hails from Cambridge. “They joined AFR in 2012 when we started campaigning the SuperTourer; they were new to motorsport so it says a lot about the relationship we’ve built with them that they have stepped into the top sponsor slot for 2013.”

PropertyTutors specialise in mentoring and educating students to achieve real results in the property industry, and the company’s managing director Sean Wood comments: “As avid motor racing fans the team at PropertyTutors is ecstatic to be partnered with Angus Fogg Racing for the 2013 V8 SuperTourer championship. We jumped at the opportunity to support such a professionally-run team and look forward to some outstanding results in the coming rounds.”

Fogg adds: “PropertyTutors’ by-line of ‘strategy, action and wealth creation’ has a great fit with the team’s goals, if you substitute points for wealth!”

The race car – a Holden Commodore VE II V8 SuperTourer – is now known as the PropertyTutors Commodore and sports the number three and a completely-new, mostly black livery which carries through to a fresh, new look for the team’s uniform.

In terms of preparing the car for the season ahead, Fogg says: “The PropertyTutors Commodore is just like new. It completed four rounds last season after we finished building it, so that’s meant a straightforward ‘titivation’ of the car over the summer break.”

Looking ahead to the all-important racing, Fogg is relishing the opportunity get back on the track.

“In terms of the competition, you can’t look past Scott McLaughlin and Greg Murphy given their strength in the series last season. And the rest of the field, well, it’s packed with a blend of youth and experience. Honestly, due to the nature of these cars, anyone in the field can surprise us all and come to the fore when you least expect it. That’s what makes this series so good!”

The 2013 BNT V8 SuperTourer season sees the 20-plus strong field contest seven rounds – four ‘sprint’ events and three ‘endurance’ events. The opening round at Hampton Downs sees Foggy on-track for two practice sessions on Friday, another practice run on Saturday, then qualifying and three races – 15 laps, 20 laps and 30 laps – on Sunday.

“I enjoy the challenging nature of Hampton Downs; it’s a great circuit. After doing some hot-lap rides there this week I reckon the recent sealing issues will provide some real challenges for all.”

Fogg is well-known in motorsport circles as being an extremely able race car engineer, as well as a fierce and talented competitor on-track. During race weekends with the SuperTourer, Fogg surrounds himself with further talent and experience with highly-regarded engineer Todd Bickerton assisted by fellow Aucklander Brent Robb. Timaru’s Peter Sprague is the number one mechanic while, new to the team this year is Wellington’s Louise Cook, daughter of motor racing identity Reg Cook, looking after wheels and tyres. Fogg’s partner Tracy Smytheman is the team’s business manager.

“We love working with our sponsor and supplier group comprising PropertyTutors, Supercharge Batteries, Segedins Auto Spares, Stainless Welding, our refinishing specialists Moselle Panel & Paint, our paint suppliers PPG, our signwriters i Sign it and our graphic designers Pixelsaurus.

“For many companies, getting involved with a motor racing team is a real highlight of their sponsorship programme,” says Fogg. “It offers unique and fun opportunities for corporate hospitality, highly-visual media coverage and more. AFR has a select number of partnership packages available for this season and we’d certainly welcome the chance to speak with any businesses looking to maximise their profile through building a relationship with one of the country’s most popular race teams.”

News, results and photos can be found on the team’s website, www.foggy.co.nz , or follow them on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/Angus.Fogg.Racing

The new VF Commodore has just been revealed, you can find out a bit about it by watching this video (hit the link below).

VF Commodore Reveal

We’ll bring your more info over the nest few days.

Our latest issue has hit stores today, and it’s bursting with content.

Feature cars include one of the coolest Mustangs you’ll ever lay eyes on, complete with injected quad cam motor and 6-speed. Next up is what has to be the countries tidiest Valiant, complete with 426ci power. We’ve also got a wild drift spec VZ Commodore, and a very touigh big block Corvette.

Besides tehc ars, there’s an interview with Karen Hay, plenty of drag racing news, coverage of the Nitro Nostalgia Reunion and Kumeu Car Show.

Grab a copy at a store near you, or hit the ‘Shop’ button above to buy your copy online.

If you’ve never driven a car down a drag strip, you won’t get it. It doesn’t matter how many times you’ve watched it, or how involved you’ve been, you just won’t understand. However, if you have driven the quarter mile, then you’ll know what it’s all about, and no doubt be well aware of just how addictive it can be. Unfortunately for Rob McBride’s bank balance, he knows all too well just how all-consuming the desire to go faster can become.

It all started out innocently enough, as it tends to, when Rob took his street-driven Dodge Challenger down the strip about five or so years ago. Before he knew it, he was looking for ways to extract more Read the full story »

With Easter fast approaching, the Classic Cover 2013 NZHRA Street Rod Nationals are only 7 weeks away! To date there are over 200 nationwide entrants, with strong showings from; Christchurch, Invercargill, Kaikoura, Blenheim Balclutha, Wellington and Palmerston North.

The events progress is coming along terrifically, with everything booked, lots of boxes ticked and abundant activities arranged to ensure each entrant and attendee has a fantastic time. All event and safety plans are completed, including attending to curve ball issues, such as the increased fire risk from the recent warm weather. The Taupo Rod and Custom Club have back up plans in place to cope with whatever weather the Easter break brings.

Buses will be available to take entrants to visit Taupo’s fantastic attractions, with discounts available to some. We encourage everyone to walk the streets of central Taupo, enjoy the shops, cafes and our sponsors establishments, including the Taupo Cosmopolitan Club, Lone Star, Finn MacCuhal‘s Irish Bar, The Shed and The Merchant of Taupo.

As it is the 40th anniversary of the Street Rod Nationals Taupo Rod and Custom Club have decided to have a cake to celebrate the occasion. A special guest (still to be announced) will perform the cake cutting duties. In addition movies of past events and photos will be on display.

The Show and Shine takes place on the Saturday. The Recliner Rockers will be playing with displays from our local drag racers and invited guests. Food caravans will be available, including the famous Mussel Madness caravan. Rocker Cover Racing will be held as well. A special competition will take place on the Saturday for all entrants. Five winners from this competition will get the chance to win their entry money back, further details to follow. That night there will also be a band playing at the evening function for all entrants.

The Hot Rod Olympics takes place on the Sunday and as always, is a must see. Taupo Rod and Custom Club have secured an ideal venue for the Hot Rod Olympics with great grass cover.

After the Hot Rod Olympics all entrants will be able to enjoy the Classic Cover 2013 NZHRA Street Rod Nationals Dinner and Prize Giving. The theme for the evening is ‘Best 50’s Look’. There will be prizes available for; best pony tail, best duck tail, best baby in leather, and a rocker fashion competition along with a band playing the night away.

NZHRA and the Taupo Rod and Custom Club would like to thank the sponsors of the Classic Cover 2013 NZHRA Street Rod Nationals for their support. There are a large number of sponsors supporting the event including local business who are providing discounts for our entrants. Very special thanks must be given to the main sponsors;

• Classic Cover Insurance – www.classiccover.co.nz (naming rights sponsor)
• Century Yuasa – www.cyb.co.nz (Gold Sponsor)
• Taupo District Council – www.greatlaketaupo.com (Gold Sponsor)

As NZHRA is a not for profit incorporated society, we rely on financial support to assist in putting these great events on for the Rodding community and appreciate all support provided.

There is only 28 days left till close off for entrants, so make sure you fill out an entry form today. Visit www.hotrod.org.nz/events to complete your entry form and to see a full itinerary. The Taupo Rod and Custom Club will turn it on and rev it up for everyone who enters and attends, so make sure you put the Classic Cover 2013 NZHRA Street Rod Nationals in your diary.

For more information please contact
Rhian Hodgetts
NZHRA Marketing and Sales Officer
rhian@hotrod.org.nz
07 5157606