A New Zealand Motorsport-sanctioned class bringing an end to the schism which has tarnished domestic touring car racing is set to kick off next month.
The freshly formed NZ Touring Car Championship will combine V8 SuperTourers, NZV8 TLX and TL machines with the opening round set for Taupo from October 17-18.
New category manager Gary Lathrope admits that parity between the SuperTourers and TLXs remains a work in progress, but is hopeful that pre-season moves to boost the latter vehicles will provide a strong starting point.
“Parity hasn’t been fully achieved yet,” Lathrope told Speedcafe.com.
“TLX have raised their horsepower and we will review after each round which direction we need to take to bring the cars as close as we can.
“There are different rules governing both classes and it will probably take the first season to get fully on top of.
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“Everyone is aware of this, and everyone is clear for the longevity of the class having close racing is where we need to be.
“The new NZTC board has commitment from everyone and once the new structure has been put in place its focus will be close racing. So basically it will be work in progress for year one.”
The breakaway V8ST and the NZV8s saw touring car racing in New Zealand ripped apart for the last few years.
Now under one umbrella, Lathrope says there remains a steadfast commitment to make the amalgamation work.
“It’s no secret that top tier motorsport has had some struggles in recent years, however we are confident that by uniting the three categories it will provide not only better racing for the competitors but better entertainment for the fans,” Lathrope said.
“There is an absolute commitment from all three previous categories to make it a success.
“It’s been too confusing for the fans as to which series to support, we have all listened and we are now determined to put on the most exciting and entertaining touring car races the country has seen for some time, all together as one with a good sized field.”
Earlier this year the three classes raced together at Pukekohe, paving the way for the combined category to proceed with a full 2015/2016 calendar which proposes seven rounds.
The NZ Touring Cars will comprise of two classes all racing on the same grid.
Class One will feature the V8ST and NZV8 TLX cars while Class Two is reserved for the older spec TL machines.
“The car and driver that accumulates the most points in Class One will win the overall NZ Touring Car Championship and the NZ Touring Car Cup,” Lathrope said.
“The car and driver that accumulates the most points in Class Two will be awarded a NZ Touring Car Championship Class 2 Cup.”
The new unified category is anticipating a field of at least 20 for the opening round which will be headed by Australian Jason Bargwanna (Toyota Camry) and reigning V8ST champion Simon Evans (Holden Commodore).
Former multiple NZ Touring Car champion Craig Baird (V8ST) will also join the new series along with Angus Fogg (V8ST), Nick Ross (TLX), James McLaughlin (TLX), Mitch Cunningham (V8ST) and Gene Rollinson (V8ST).
In Class 2, TL champion Kevin Williams, Steve Taylor, Brad Lathrope and Brock Cooley will be entered along with debutant, Dunedin teenager Alyssa Clapperton.
Dunlop has committed to the series as a major backer with Class 1 cars running on its 280/680 18-inch tyre while Class 2 will remain with the 17-inch size.
NZ Touring Car Championship schedule
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October 17-18 |
Taupo Motorsport Park |
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November 6-7 |
Pukekohe Park Raceway (V8 Supercar Event 12) |
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November 28-29 |
Hampton Downs |
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January 16-17 |
Mike Pero Motorsport Park, Ruapuna |
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January 23-24 |
Teretonga Park Raceway |
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February 12-14 |
Manfeild Autocourse (New Zealand GP) |
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April 16-17 |
Pukekohe Park Raceway |
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