Two-time NZV8 champion John McIntyre is well-prepared and focused on a top performance at the next round of the BNT V8s Championship at Manfeild over the weekend of 12 and 13 February.

McIntyre has a special affinity for the Manawatu motor racing circuit – the Hawke’s Bay-born driver first drove a race car on the 3.03km track when just 12 years of age. Now living in Nelson, McIntyre has won countless races at Manfeild including securing a notable achievement in NZV8 history when the 33-year-old became the first NZV8 competitor to ever win all three races in one round at Manfeild in 2009.

“There’s no doubt that our team, John McIntyre Racing, likes coming to Manfeild. From a purely sporting perspective, we’ve had some of our greatest successes here,” says McIntyre.

Currently placed third on the NZV8’s championship points-table, McIntyre is gunning for another trademark strong performance in this fifth round of the 2010-11 series.

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“With this and two more rounds to run, the chase for the championship title is far from over,” says McIntyre who won the NZV8 series in 2007 and 2008.

“Anything can happen at Manfeild – there are so many opportunities to pass on this circuit, which I really enjoy, so fans can expect exciting race action.

“This season we’ve seen that you have to be right on your game in all three races. Other top competitors around me on the points-table – Angus Fogg, Craig Baird and Kayne Scott – are all highly capable drivers. With fewer cars in the field overall this season, not only is it important to qualify well and finish well in the first two races, it’s particularly important to carry that momentum through into the third, reverse grid race. You have to get through the field and into the top five in that race also.”

McIntyre is confident about the #47 Amcor Falcon’s preparation. “From the third race at Manfeild last season, we developed a good setup for the car, so we’re confident the car will be strong. With chances to pass at virtually every corner, I’ll be making the most of every opportunity all weekend.”

John McIntyre Racing will have the #47 Ford on track for two practice sessions on Saturday 12 February; these are scheduled for 10:55am and 2:10pm. The two-part qualifying session starts at 4:20pm. On Sunday 13 February, the team starts with a 12-lap race at 10:35am, before contesting a second 12-lap race at 12:45pm and the third, reverse grid race of 22 laps at 4:15pm.

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John McIntyre Racing thanks the following sponsors for their support this season: Blackwoods Paykels, Protector Safety, Amcor, Talley's, Castrol Edge, BP Ultimate, NZ Ceiling and Drywall Supplies, Ideal Electrical, Websters Hydrated Lime Co, Squawking Magpie Wines, Dynamic Fluid Systems, EATON, Ford New Zealand, Irwin Tools and Showquip.

More details about McIntyre and his team can be found on www.jmr.co.nz or follow John McIntyre Racing on Facebook.

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