A FLEET of Australian TA2 racers will head to New Zealand for a two-round Trans-Tasman Challenge next year.
Aussie and Kiwi TA2 racers will go head-to-head at Ruapuna Raceway on February 9-11, and then take on a primary support category role for the New Zealand Grand Prix at Highlands Motorsport Park on February 16-18.
Among the Australian contingent will be the likes of Dylan Thomas, Mark Crutcher, Paul Hadley, Graham Cheney, Anthony Tenkate, Peter Robinson and Greg Keam.
“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 and rekindle the trans-Tasman motorsport rivalry embedded in the DNA of New Zealand and Australia motor racing history,” said TA2 Muscle Cars Australia category manager Craig Denyer.
“Gary (Lathrope, NZ TA2 category administrator) 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, plus Highlands International Motorsport Park is a stunning layout for the New Zealand International Grand Prix round.
“All our drivers will love the experience of competing at such two high profile events and again this our chance to prove again why New Zealand has only had one Formula 1 world champion and Australia has had two.”
Lathrope added: “This is an important step in our strategy to develop TA2 NZ as one of the primary V8 touring car series.
“The feedback from both competitors and fans is this is the best bang for buck around and the potential for ongoing trans-Tasman events in NZ and Australia gives unlimited opportunities for the future.
“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.”
Both events will be televised via Sky Sport NZ and Fox Sports/Kayo.
The 2023 Australian TA2 series decider will take place this weekend at Calder Park.
