NZ V8s Open Doors to All Makes

NZ V8s Open Doors to All Makes

Toyota, Nissan, Mercedes, BMW may be just some of the names seen on New Zealand race tracks in the next few years following acceptance by MotorSport New Zealand of the proposal by the board of NZV8s Ltd to accept any manufacturer-approved body style and a V8 engine.

President of MotorSport New Zealand, Shayne Harris announced on Friday night that as from next season vehicle eligibility for entry into the NZV8 championship would be opened up to any manufacturer-approved body and any V8 engine tuned to meet the required performance criteria.

He was speaking at the official launch of the new generation NZV8 championship car, the space frame for which has to date been developed around Holden and Ford body panels and the Chev LS3 and Ford Coyote engines.

He said the concept had been discussed for some time as there was a wish to widen participation by the auto industry and the MotorSport New Zealand Executive had accepted the concept presented by NZV8s Ltd.

Chairman of NZV8s Ltd, Ian Tulloch, who was unable to be at Taupo, said a number of competitors have expressed interest in going down that route.

“It will allow a much wider range of motor companies to become involved in the sport. By providing the opportunity for car companies to team up with race teams, and with extensive TV coverage, we are establishing an exciting new competition for spectators and a cost effective marketing platform for the auto industry.

“With the exception of the engines, all the technical components will be identical – the space frame chassis, sequential transmission, brakes, suspensions, axles, diffs, wheels and tyres. Car owners will be able to fit panels matching any manufacturer-approved model of car. Panels may require some minor modifications to fit the space frame chassis but it has been future proofed with that in mind.

“Competitors will have the option of using the same manufacturer V8 engine or if a suitable variant is not available, using another V8. To ensure parity, all engines will use the same electronic engine management system which will allow tuning to meet strictly limited maximum power and torque outputs. Simple management through hub dyno’s and weight will guarantee the cars go out on the track with the same performance envelope.”

“The entry level cost of a new generation championship car for the series is already quite competitive and with manufacturer input of body panels and engines, this would further reduce the overall costs. This could provide significant interest at dealership level, enabling multi car entries into the series,” Tulloch said.

“For the first time in New Zealand we can have a truly competitive series for manufacturers of a diverse range of vehicles. The spin off for after market and accessory packages will also be an obvious attraction.”

“It is still early days in the development of the new championship car but we believe this approach will expand the popular brand names on track and add a whole new dimension to the championship.”

The new series will start in November and run through the summer as part of the MotorSport New Zealand race championship series. The summer series is promoted by The MotorSport Company Limited and features NZV8s, the Toyota International Series, V8 Utes, Suzuki, Production GT cars and a number of new classes to be incorporated into the series this year.

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