Pedersen Confirmed For New V8 Supertourer Series

21 July 2011

Pedersen Confirmed For New V8 Supertourer Series

Joining the star-studded line up of race drivers entering the newly formed New Zealand V8 SuperTourer series is Hamilton based Ant Pedersen, confirmed for a drive in the inaugural 2012 series.

Pedersen has most recently competed in the Australian Fujitsu Series in a V8 Supercar and in the New Zealand Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge and is recognised as a future star in circuit racing.

The new V8SuperTourer series is a positive shift for New Zealand motor sport as it brings the machinery a lot closer to that of a V8 Supercar, a progression goal for many up-and-coming Kiwi drivers.

The V8 SuperTourer utilises four-door touring cars built on a controlled race chassis powered by a 7-litre, fuel-injected engine. The aim of the series which is being marketed as the V8 Series of Champions, is to provide an affordable new generation, future-proofed V8 touring car, similar in concept to a current Australian V8 Supercar but at less than half the cost.

The V8SuperTourer has performance similar to that of a current Australian V8 Supercar and is specifically designed for both sprint and long distance racing.

Pedersen is excited about the opportunity to confirm his season’s commitment and his early announcement will provide ample time to lock down his required sponsor arrangements.

“Having competed in the Fujitsu Series already as a proving ground for the V8 Supercars, I can really see the benefit in this new series and what it will bring to motor sport drivers and fans.” Said Pedersen.

“We still have to firm up our sponsors for the season, but we’re well on our way in getting everything in place for 2012.”

Racing starts in February 2012 and already there has been high interest from several of New Zealand’s leading V8 drivers including Greg Murphy, Kayne Scott, John McIntyre, Andy Booth and Craig Baird along with several up-and-coming talented drivers.

The chassis, like the Australian V8 Supercar car of the future project, is built to not only accommodate both the current VE Commodore from Holden and FG Ford Falcon bodies, but any other similar sized four-dour production vehicle such a Toyota Camry, BMW 5 series, etc. The new V8SuperTourer series cars produce 575 horsepower and feature a 6-speed sequential gearbox.

“We are still to confirm exactly the model of car we will run, and this will depend on sponsor requirements, but it’s exciting to have the options available that the series brings.” Said Pedersen.

No less than sixteen cars will be on the grid when the new series gets underway at Hampton Downs over the weekend of 17 - 19 February next year. Seven rounds are scheduled, including the series debut at Hampton Downs in February, with a mixture of sprint and endurance races before the series concludes in October 2012.

Pedersen will join the other confirmed drivers at the first major opportunity for the public to view the prototype at the CRC Speedshow at the ASB Showgrounds in Auckland this weekend.

Auckland based International Motorsport will prepare and run Pedersen’s car and will begin the build programme soon. Pedersen’s testing programme in the new car will get underway in the coming months.

ENDS

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