THOMAS Randle’s Castrol Mustang will take on a special new look for the Repco Supercars Championship’s final visit to Pukekohe Park Raceway.
The #55 entry will feature New Zealand’s silver fern emblem as well as the Te Reo Māori message of “ngā mihi, Pukekohe” which translates to “thank you, Pukekohe”.
The North Island circuit will close next April, 60 years on from its opening.
“I’m certainly excited to head to New Zealand and hit the track in the new-look Castrol Racing Ford Mustang,” Randle said.
“Pukekohe has such a rich history of motorsport from over the years, and while it’s sad that this will be our final race there, I’m thrilled to get to race a Supercar there, especially with this awesome livery aboard the Castrol Racing Mustang.
“It’s a great tribute to New Zealand motorsport, the country is just mad for motor racing and the Supercars race is always packed there, so I’m really looking forward to being a part of it.”
Randle recently cut his first laps of Pukekohe aboard a Toyota 86.
“I’ve never actually raced at Pukekohe before, but I have some great memories in New Zealand from winning the Castrol Toyota Racing Series back in 2017, hopefully we can replicate that success when we head across the ditch!” he said.
Added Castrol ANZ brand and product marketing manager Jan Willink: “Castrol has a century of history in New Zealand, so we are delighted to add a special NZ tweak to the Castrol Racing Mustang for this weekend in Auckland.
“Motorsport is in Castrol’s DNA, so we also felt it was important to pay tribute to the heritage of Pukekohe and the memories it has provided so many over nearly 60 years.
“As we all know, Kiwi race fans are extraordinarily passionate about their motorsport, we think the local crowd will love the new look on the green machine, and we hope they’ll back Thomas and the Castrol Racing crew throughout the weekend’s racing.”
In what has been a mostly trying rookie campaign, Randle recorded his first two top 10 results of the year at last month’s Sandown SuperSprint.
Opening practice for the ITM Auckland SuperSprint will take place on Friday ahead of three races across the weekend.
