NZV8TA2 racing is coming to New Zealand, with the announcement today from NZ Touring Cars Ltd that the BNT V8s Championship will adopt the popular class and is set to become the BNT NZV8TA2 Championship.

The first two chassis’ have arrived in the country being a Mustang bodied TA2 as well as a Camaro bodied version. Two current competition cars from Australia were also in New Zealand for demonstration purposes; those being a Challenger bodied TA2 as well as a two-seater Camaro.

A further shipment of another four cars is currently being shipped to New Zealand, with another eight scheduled to go into production shortly.

Hailing from the US, and a successful racing class in multiple global regions, the NZV8TA2 category is based on a relevant, practical and purposeful racing platform that highlights driver talent and promotes close competition.

Designed and built by Howe Racing Enterprises in the United States, the class formula is based on a cost-effective platform, combining a purpose-built racing chassis and a 525 horsepower V8 engine package.

“The NZ Touring Cars Ltd board and category management are delighted to introduce the all New NZV8TA2 Cars taking V8 Racing to a new era,” says BNT V8 Category Manager Gary Lathrope.

The category was due to launch the new platform this evening with a formal event at Hampton Downs, until the Corona Virus lockdown was announced earlier this week.

“It’s a shame; it just means our more formal launch plans have had to change and will be delayed slightly. We had over 50 people RSVP to attend the event - we look forward to re-inviting all of those people back to view the cars once these restrictions have been lifted, the well-being and health of everyone is imperative to us. We support the Government’s stand to try and stamp this virus out; there will be opportunities for us to re-launch when the time is right.”

“The cars have been a massive success in Australia, and we look forward to seeing that growth continue over on this side of the Tasman.”

“At 1250kg and over 525hp there is no other car that can compare to the performance of these cars in their price range. This formula allows drivers to use their skill behind the wheel, not the money spent on the engine.”

Designed to be a cost-effective platform for circuit racing in New Zealand, the space frame chassis features bolt-on front and rear crash structures for ease of repair in the event of a collision.

At the heart of the car will be a McLaren Engineering built 6.2L LS3 race engine developing 525hp at 6500rpm.

The cars feature a G-Force 4 speed transmission (with a controlled gearbox ratio), while the suspension set up consists of Penske single adjustable 7” shocks and a 2” front sway bar.

The cars will all run 15” Bassett steel wheels with Hoosier 3045 slick tyres.

“Over the past 18 months we have worked closely with Peter Robinson from PBR Distributions who owns the TA2 Racing Series in Australia, Peter’s passion and determination for this category to be introduced to New Zealand has been greatly appreciated.”

The announcement of the new class today will also see the New Zealand V8 series have closer ties with their Australian TA2 counterparts for trans-Tasman competition planned for the future.

“The New Zealand cars are built to the exact PBR Distributions specifications, so they are identical to the cars in Australia, which then opens a window for genuine trans-Tasman challenges between both countries.”

“With the huge popularity and growth in Australia with grids of over 40 cars, these modern-style sports coupes with the option of 3 different body styles represent amazing value.”

New Zealand and Australian distributor for TA2 cars, Peter Robinson of PBR Distributions says it is an exciting phase for domestic motorsport on both sides of the Tasman.

“It was approximately 18 months ago that I saw an advertisement on Facebook that the New Zealand BNT V8 Series posted about looking to update their cars and include the Mustang, Camaro and Challenger in their series,” said Peter Robinson.

“I contacted Mark Heimgartner from the New Zealand Touring Cars Ltd board and explained TA2 Australia’s vision of a five-year plan to bring our same spec TA2 formula to New Zealand and asked if there was any synergy between the two groups... and that’s how the talks kicked off. From there it was decided that the group behind the BNT V8’s would be the organisers and promoters of the series for TA2 cars in New Zealand.

“PBR are the exclusive dealers for Australia and NZ for the Howe same-spec TA2 cars, New Zealand supply will be direct from Howe Racing Enterprises in Michigan to Paul Manuell from Eastern Automotive & Performance who has been appointed as the importer and supporter of the race cars, sales, spares and servicing.

“The BNT NZV8TA2 Championship will use as much of the Australian technical rules and regulations as they can and tailor it to the New Zealand conditions, but the key here is that they will be the identical cars as we run in Australia, exactly the same specification and that’s something we are all really excited about.

“We have already had direct interest from New Zealand competitors wanting TA2 cars as well as through the BNT V8s Championship, and despite the small level of advertising we have done we already have a list of about 20 people with their hands in the air ready to buy one or more TA2 cars.”

Parts supply, component service and vehicle sales in New Zealand will be facilitated by Eastern Automotive Performance Centre owned by Paul Manuell and Michael Childs.

Manuell is no stranger to V8 racing in New Zealand, being a former national champion and more recently competing in the Thailand TA2 series in 2019 where he won the Championship.

“After testing & racing TA2 in Asia I knew this was the fix for New Zealand motorsport, this is absolutely where we need to head,” said Manuell.

“The NZ Touring Car Ltd board and myself started talking about introducing this class in February 2019, both coming to the conclusion that this would be a great step forward for New Zealand motorsport.”

“After winning the Asian TA2 championship momentum began to steamroll globally, and the TA2 word was out.”

Manuell says the initial interest from competitors has been strong.

“I’ve had just over 20 competitors reach out to me to register their interest in buying one, even before we’ve launched it, or they’ve even seen one in the flesh. Which is encouraging.”

“Once these community restrictions lift, I expect many of those to remain interested.”

Manuell says the cars will appeal to a wide range of competitors.

“Driving these cars is phenomenal. The tyre, grip, power is how I would equal a single-seater experience. 1250kg, 525hp, sticky tyres, light, fantastic brakes, and ease of control is motor racing at its best.”

“I am so passionate about these cars, the formula is spot on, the parity is the most perfect scenario for motorsport in this current era, and tuneability is also exactly where we need to be. This is a formula where you can run from your shed, carry out basic engineering changes that work without massive staffing and engineering budgets.”

“This is why the cars are so exciting. The drivers and fans alike are going to love it.”

Current cars competing in class one of the BNT V8s championship will remain competitive with this generation chassis. The category’s current parity tuning will be staying in effect.

Set to be eligible to for the start of the 2020/21 Championship season the new cars will be available for purchase as a turnkey package fully race prepared and ready to drive with a base set up. The car will also come with extra wheels, slick & wet tyres, a Racetech seat, Racetech harness and window net.

For pricing and sales enquiries contact Paul Manuell at Eastern Automotive and Performance - email: paul@eapc.co.nz - PH: 0274 966 003

Round 2 of the PROMAXX Performance Exhausts TA2 Muscle Car Series has been put on hold.

Scheduled for April 4-6 at Morgan Park Raceway, the event was postponed following yesterday’s announcement by the Queensland Government of an impending state lockdown as a result of the global COVID-19 pandemic.

The event at the Warwick, Queensland circuit was to have been the second round of the Australian Motor Racing Series (AMRS), however the AMRS in consultation with the PROMAXX Performance Exhausts TA2 Muscle Car Series and all competing categories elected to suspend the round awaiting further advice from authorities on when it will be safe to race again.

With two race wins out of four at the opening round at Winton Motor Raceway, John McLaughlin leads the championship with he, Russell Wright and Murray Kent all picking up race wins.

McLaughlin leads the PROMAXX Performance Exhausts TA2 Muscle Car Series on 214 points from Kent on 207, Kulig on 201, with Michael Coulter (186 points) and West Australian Brett Niall (180) rounding out the top five.

QUOTESCraig Denyer - TA2 National Manager

“The situation has ramped up quite dramatically over the past week, and while the AMRS initially thought they could run the meeting without spectators and stay within the maximum 500 people cap for outdoor venues, the speed and seriousness of the current pandemic and the urgent need for social distancing caused us to review the position over the weekend and take the decision along with the AMRS to delay the round till later in the year,” explained TA2 National Manager Craig Denyer.

“Effectively, our series is on hold until we get clear advice that it is safe to race again, which at this stage is likely to be in the second half of the year.

We fully endorse and support the decision of the AMRS, as the health and welfare of the family unit and all individuals need to be the clear priority in managing the current outbreak. 

“The TA2 Muscle Car Series will return to the track when its acceptable to do so, and I am sure our teams, partners and fans will understand and support the decision.”

John McLaughlin put in a clinical drive in the final race of the weekend to win Round 1 of the 2020 PROMAXX Performance Exhausts TA2 Muscle Car Series at Winton Motor Raceway.

SATURDAY REPORT >>  http://bit.ly/2vue0vN

In Race 2, McLaughlin lost the rolling start to second-placed Murray Kent’s Fit Flask Camaro, as Kent ferociously defended his lead for the remainder of the race. The Queenslanders could not be separated by more than half a car-length as Kent scored his maiden TA2 race win.

The safety car was called on Lap 5 after Graham Smith spun at the Turn 5 sweeper and caused a grassfire, as safety crews put it out and the race resumed a lap later.

Michael Kulig and Kobelco Motorsport's Michael Coulter swapped spots throughout the race battling for third, with Kulig hanging on for third and almost snatched second when McLaughlin climbed the curb exiting the final corner and slowed on exit. The top four crossed the line split by under two seconds.

The race was called four laps from home after Tim Tritton spun exiting Turn 10 and came back on track and heavily T-boned the side of Anthony Tenkate's Mustang. Tenkate was taken to hospital for observations but returned to the circuit to spectate the final race of the round.

Kent lead off the start before he slid wide exiting the Turn 1-2 chicane on Lap 2 and McLaughlin and Michael Kulig both passed him into Turn 3.

Kulig scored a personal-best race finish for Kulig Engineering and Racing in second to finish third for the round behind Kent.

A storming drive for Graham Smith saw him climb six spots from tenth to fourth including a move into Turn 1 on Graham Cheney as Cheney spun off the road to earn the Coolshirt Systems Move of the Moment Award.

Russell Wright moved up to fifth ahead of Mark Crutcher, who climbed from last to sixth to receive the Hypercoil Hard Charger Award for the round.

Coulter dropped back through the field with a power steering leak, while Darren Berry failed to finish after having fumes in the cabin.

The PROMAXX Performance Exhausts TA2 Muscle Car Series heads to Morgan Park Raceway in Warwick, Queensland for Round 2 on April 3-5.

QUOTES John McLaughlin, driver #17 myraceprofile.com Ford Mustang

“It’s a great feeling for the myraceprofile.com team and I to win the opening round of the 2020 PROMAXX Performance Exhausts TA2 Muscle Car Series,” said John McLaughlin.

“All weekend we had the pace to be at the front and I just hadn’t been able to utilise it in the opening few races.

“To get the pass into the lead done early in the final race allowed me to put a gap on the rest of the field and show what pace we had in the #17 myraceprofile.com Mustang.

“It’s been a great start to the season, we’re in it for the long haul and aiming for the championship so to come out on top after Round 1 is the perfect way to kick off the season.”

The opening day of racing for the 2020 PROMAXX Performance Exhausts TA2 Muscle Car Series has ended in dramatic fashion with Race 1 winner Russell Wright set to charge from the back after he was caught up in an unavoidable incident in Race 2.

The inaugural series champion and defending Masters champion, Wright scored his first outright PWR Performance Products Pole Award since his championship year in 2017 in a tight qualifying session as the provisional pole changed four times between he and John McLaughlin.

Wright's last lap effort that sealed pole for the Gold Coaster by two-tenths over McLaughlin and Michael Kulig with a personal-best effort qualifying in third.

Wright converted pole position to win the first race of the season narrowly over a fast-finishing McLaughlin. Kulig dropped a wheel off at the Turn 10 on Lap 2, letting Murray Kent through for third.

After battling early with Kobelco Motorsport’s Michael Coulter, Allgate Motorsport's Chris Formosa found the Turn 2 fence hard on exit on Lap 3, forcing a safety car period for four laps to recover the stricken Dodge.

Wright lead from the outset in Race 2 with McLaughlin staying in close contact in the early stages.

The pair were closing in on lapped traffic late in the race before Lap 9 when series debutant Jason Hassett’s motor expired in the Hass Camaro. Wright saw oil down entering Turn 5 and slowed to avoid the ailing car. McLaughlin's view was blocked by Wright and he hit the oil and spun, with the rear of McLaughlin's Mustang hitting the front of Wright.

The damage was enough to end Wright's race, while McLaughlin recovered and took the chequered flag under safety car conditions on Lap 10, two laps early.

Murray Kent scored a personal-best finish in second and walked away with the fastest lap of the race, ahead of Kulig and Coulter. KTM off-road racer Graham Cheney finished a remarkable fifth on his debut circuit racing weekend in the Illawara Engineering Camaro.

The PROMAXX Performance Exhausts TA2 Muscle Car Series is set for a further two races tomorrow to decide the opening round of the year.

QUOTES John McLaughlin, #17 myraceprofile.com Ford Mustang

“It isn’t how we planned on getting our first win, but we’ll take it,” said McLaughlin.

“There was a bit of carnage there with lapped traffic and I managed to get through relatively unscathed which was all we needed to finish the race in first.

“I haven’t really been able to utilise the pace we have in the car yet as we’ve been tucked in behind Russell Wright, but hopefully tomorrow we can show more of our speed and stay at the front.”

Russell Wright, #55 Wright Property Developments Ford Mustang

"It’s pretty disappointing to start the year off this way,” said Wright.

“As i’ve come around Turn 4 I could see some smoke from a car I was about to lap, then I saw flame and I thought there would be some oil down a backed off right away.

“Unfortunately John who was just behind me had his view blocked by me, and he may not have been able to see the car that was dropping oil. He’s come through realised too late, locked up and turned the car sideways and skidded into me as the rear of his car hit the front of mine.

“We were off to a good start but got a tail-end Charlie award in Race 2 so we’ll be fighting from the back tomorrow.”