The TA2 Muscle Car Series will go racing in New Zealand next year as part of a two-round Trans-Tasman Challenge.
The venues for the historic journey will be Euromarque Motorsport Park in Christchurch on February 9-11 and Highlands International Motorsport Park circuit at Cromwell, near Queenstown the following weekend.
Up to eight Australian cars are expected to jump across the ditch and race alongside the NZ TA2 Muscle car field.
The likes of Mark Crutcher, Paul Hadley, Graham Cheney, Anthony Tenkate, Peter Robinson, Greg Keam and current series leader Dylan Thomas have already signed up for the Challenge.
The Christchurch race will be at the Lady Wigram Trophy event while the highlands trip will be on the prestigious stage of the New Zealand Grand Prix.
Both events will be televised by Sky Sport New Zealand and Fox Sports/Kayo Australia.
TA2 Muscle Car Series Australia Category Manager Craig Denyer cannot wait to relaunch the Trans-Tasman rivalry.
“This two-round series is shaping up to be one of the most exciting and enthralling in NZ Motorsport to launch TA2 racing in New Zealand,” he said.
“We can’t wait to rekindle the Trans-Tasman motorsport rivalry embedded in the DNA of New Zealand and Australia motor racing history.
Steve Ross racing his Camaro in the NZ TA2 Muscle car series. Image: Supplied
“Gary and Paul Manuell have done a great job in pulling these two events together and we’re looking forward to welcoming all the NZ competitors to the TA2 family.
“The LADY WIGRAM Trophy event at Christchurch is a major New Zealand motor racing title, having previously been won by Jack Brabham, Stirling Moss, Bruce McLaren, Jackie Stewart, Jim Clark, Frank Matich and Graham McRae.
“All our drivers will love the experience of competing at such two high profile events. Kiwis versus Aussies, bring it on.”
NZ TA2 Muscle Car Series Category Administrator Gary Lathrope hopes this doubleheader can grow the category in New Zealand.
“This is an important step in our strategy to develop TA2 NZ as one of the primary V8 touring car series,” he said.
“To launch the TA2 Muscle Car Trans Tasman Challenge at such high-profile events in February is a great bonus and I’m sure we will turn on a great show for the fans, plus prove again to the Aussie drivers that NZ is the birthplace of real touring car talent.”
Championship leader Thomas cannot wait to take on the new challenge behind the wheel.
“I am very excited to be heading over to the South Islands of New Zealand next year,” he said.
“It is going to be an awesome two rounds competing at some of New Zealand’s well known race tracks.
“I am very excited to race at Highlands motorsport Park as it is a world renowned track and it is something that from a far looks incredible to drive.”
The TA2 Muscle Car Series concludes at the famous Calder Park Raceway this weekend.
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