Wednesday, 9 February 2011

MotorSport New Zealand and Veega Ltd, the body representing NZV8s franchise holders, have confirmed that the MotorSport New Zealand V8s championship will be contested in the current cars or developments of those cars for the next two years.

“These cars are the premier class for the sport in New Zealand and have delivered spectacular and very close racing to fans from Invercargill to Auckland over several seasons,” MotorSport New Zealand president Shayne Harris said.

“We will work with Veega and The MotorSport Company, who run the championship on behalf of MotorSport New Zealand, to continue delivering exciting and affordable racing for competitors and sponsors and fans.”

MotorSport New Zealand will support Veega in the future technical development of the cars.

“We believe it is vital that cars stay true to brand with Holden engines in Holden cars and Ford engines in Ford cars, enabling fans to back their favourites and protect the DNA of the makes,” Veega chairman Andrew MacKenzie said.

“In the short term, a change of rules is planned to allow development of the current Holden Commodore VE and Ford Falcon FG chassis, utilising engines, transmissions and other mechanical and electronic equipment from existing cars. Other development options will also be investigated.

“Development of a completely new NZV8, using existing bodies, would be in the region of $150,000. There may be some of these cars competing next season,” he said.

“This agreement will assure franchise owners a minimum life for their current cars of two years, protect the value of their franchises and help constrain costs in a difficult financial climate.

“By controlling costs, it is hoped that new entrants will be attracted to the class and grids will return to about 30 cars.”

ENDS

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