Team Kiwi Racing announce endurance driver

Team Kiwi Racing announce endurance driver and new motorsport initiative

Team Kiwi Racing, on the back of an excellent first-up effort from new driver Shane Van Gisbergen, is keen to continue with their ongoing development of New Zealand drivers.

They today named Reigning New Zealand V8 Touring Car Champion John McIntyre as their second driver for the upcoming Australian V8 Supercar endurance rounds at Sandown and Bathurst.

McIntyre is the first recipient of a new initiative from TKR and their sponsors who will offer the New Zealand V8 Touring Car Champion each year (must be a Kiwi) with a fully-paid official test drive in the Team Kiwi V8 Supercar in an effort to develop more home-grown talent.

TKR owner David John said he was thrilled with the effort from 18-year-old Van Gisbergen in his V8 Supercar debut at Oran Park last weekend.

Van Gisbergen, said at today’s press conference in Auckland, he enjoyed the experience which was made more difficult by the wet conditions on the second day.

“It was my dream to race in V8 Supercars and it was a fantastic opportunity made that much more special to achieve this in the All Black TKR Falcon. I loved it and can’t wait to race again and to work with the team in getting Team Kiwi and myself to a point where we are a competitive force in this tough Australian championship.”

McIntyre returns to TKR where he raced in 2002-2003 finishing third in the New Zealand championship, and he was the standout competitor in winning the NZV8 Touring Car Championship title this year.

The 30-year-old Kiwi adds a level of experience to the line-up having been provided with his first V8 Supercar drive with Team Kiwi Racing in 2002.

McIntyre has raced at Bathurst and Sandown in the Australian V8 Supercar championship before as well as success in endurance racing in New Zealand.

“McIntyre was the best driver in the New Zealand V8 Touring Car Championship last season and deserves his chance to drive in the Team Kiwi V8 Supercar. And he has experience at Sandown and Bathurst which will be valuable for us,” said David John.

“Next year Team Kiwi will offer an opportunity for the next New Zealand V8 Touring Car Champion to trial with us and prove to the team they should be included in our selection process for next year’s endurance races.

“This is part of our commitment to develop New Zealand drivers and introduce them to the V8 Supercar Championship and the international motorsport stage.

“That won’t mean an automatic drive in the endurance rounds. They will need to show they can out-perform the incumbents but it is a significant opportunity that does not come along every day.”

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