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Taupo Round 7 9th-10th May 2009
Read more here...
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Sootys Taupo Project Update
Read more here...
NI Endurance Series Taupo 4hr 6th June 09 - 30 June 2009
Read more here...
NI Endurance Series Pukekohe 6hr 16th May 09 - 25 June 2009
Read more here...
GT1/NZGT Round 7 Taupo 8th-10th May 09 - 20 June 2009
Read more here...
Bridgestone Porsche Taupo 8th-10th May 09 - 20 June 2009
Read more here...
Targa Newsletter - 18 April 2009
Read more here.....
Hamilton 400 - 20 April 2009
Read more here.....
GT1/NZGT Round 6 Manfield 28-29 March 09 - 01 April 2009
Results here.....
Bridgestone Porsche Manfield 28-29 March 2009 - 01 April 2009
Results here.....
NZV8 Utes Round 6 Timaru 22 March 09 - 23 March 2009
Caine Lobb of Whangarei won the 2008/2009 ENZED V8 Utes Series when he won the final round of the championship at Teretonga Park near Invercargill today. Lobb made a storming finish to the series in his Mark Cromie Holden, winning every one of the South Island rounds held over the last three weekend's. The 'Ginja Ninja's' barnstorming finish saw him win nine of the last twelve races in the championship.
Thank you from MINI Challenge - 19 March 2009
Well its all over for another season of MINI Challenge and what a great way to end with such great racing at Pukekohe.
Mini Challenge Round 7 Pukekohe 13-15 March 09 - 18 March 2009
Photo Review...
Hampton Downs Secures A1GP - 13 March 2009
The Hampton Downs management team are delighted to have secured future rounds of the A1GP beginning this season. Hampton Downs was designed by Formula One track designer, Clive Bowen, with high speed A1GP cars in mind.
NZV8 Utes Round 5 Timaru 13-15 March 09 - 13 March 2009
New Zealand international Chris Pither, formerly of Palmerston North but more recently resident in Australia, will make things even more difficult for the four leading drivers in the 2008/2009 ENZED V8 Utes Series at Timaru this weekend. The 22-year-old will appear in the series for the first time but he is no stranger to V8 Utes. 'The Kid' as he is known across the Tasman has raced them successfully in Australia and has also competed in the Australian V8 Supercar Series, both in the main game and the Development Series. Pither's presence will add another potential frontrunner to the mix this weekend as the series four leading drivers continue a championship battle that looks set to go all the way to the final race.
NZV8 Utes - New Venue for Final Round - 10 March 2009
Teretonga Park in Invercargill will be the new venue for the final round of the 2008/2009 ENZED V8 Utes Series. The finale to this hard fought series will now take place at the country's southernmost circuit on Sunday 22 March.
Targa Bambina 7-8 March 09 - 10 March 2009
WEATHER CLEARS FOR TARGA BAMBINA DAY 1.
After days of tropical type storms we feared the worse for Day 1 of Targa Bambina. Saturday dawned overcast due to low cloud but as we headed West to the Awhitu Peninsula for Stage 1 the weather, true to the forecast, was looking good.
NZV8 Utes Round 4 Ruapuna 7-8 March 09 - 9 March 2009
Two high profile Cantabrians will be bitter rivals when Round 4 of the ENZED V8 Utes Series takes place at their home circuit, Powerbuilt Tools International Raceway, at Ruapuna near Christchurch this weekend
North Island Endurance 2009 Press Release - 6 March 2009
The 2009 North Island Endurance Series is about to begin in a couple of months so it’s time to get some information out to competitors and any interested parties that may wish to take part in this year’s series
Mini Challenge Round 6 Manfield 28th Feb - 1st March 09 - 3 March 2009
Round 6 of 7 and the two practice sessions on the Friday were held in warm and humid conditions but all the teams were more concerned with what was in store for them on Saturday - a heavy rain forecast.
The Hampton Downs management team are delighted to have secured future rounds of the A1GP beginning this season. Hampton Downs was designed by Formula One track designer, Clive Bowen, with high speed A1GP cars in mind.
Bridgestone Porsche Series 28-29 March 09 -
Battery Town Porsche GT3 Cup Round 5 Manfield 28th Feb - 1st March 09 - 3 March 2009
Defending series champions Craig Baird mastered difficult track conditions to win the first race of the weekend at the penultimate round of the 2008/09 Battery Town Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge championship at a rain-swept Manfeild Autocourse this afternoon.
GT1/NZGT Round 5 Pukekohe 14-15 Feb 09 - 19 Febuary 2009
Results here.....
Battery Town Porsche GT3 Cup (non championship) A1GP NZL 23-25 January 2009 Taupo - 15 Febuary 2009
Youth and experience proved the winning combination in both Battery Town Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge endurance races at the A1GP World Cup of Motorsport meeting at Taupo over the weekend, former series front-runner Matt Halliday flying in from the United States to share the winning 26000 Vodka-backed car with young gun Jono Lester.
NZV8 Utes Taupo A1GP 23 - 25 January 2009 - 15 Febuary 2009
3rd Round at Taupo results are:
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Battery Town Porsche GT3 Cup Round 4 16-18 Jan 2009 Teretonga - 20 January 2009
An inspired tyre choice for Saturday evening's 30 lap mini enduro race gave defending champion and series points Leader Craig Baird just the edge he needed at the fourth round of the 2008/09 Battery Town Porsche GT3 Cup
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Mini Challenge Round 5 - 16-18 January 2009 Teretonga - 20 January 2009
In Friday's two testing sessions Craig Innes (Taupo) put down the best times on the track. In Race 1, Mark Maddren jumped off the line and missed the gear change and Innes was into the lead. 2nd to 5th were four abreast but it was an impressive drive from Innes who had stretched his lead to 7.7 seconds.
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Mini Challenge Round 4 - 9-11 January 2009 Timaru - 15 January 2009
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Battery Town Porsche GT3 Cup Round 3 - 9-11 January 2009 Timaru - 15 January 2009
The battle for this season's Battery Town Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge championship has come alive with Australian driver David Reynolds dominating the latest round at the Southern 200 motor racing meeting in Timaru over the weekend. Defending series champion Craig Baird continues to lead the series points
GT1/NZGT Round 4 Taupo 4 January 2009 - 7 January 2009
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Bridgestone Porsche Taupo 3-4 January 2009 - 7 January 2009
Results here...
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Fun/Hot lap Day 22nd December 2008 - 7 January 2009
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GT1/NZGT Round 3 Pukekohe 6-7 Dec 08 - 10 December 2008
Results here...
NZV8 Utes Round 2 Pukekohe 6 -7 December - 10 December 2008
2nd Round at Pukekohe results are:
Bridgestone Porsche Pukekohe 6-7 December 2008 - 10 December 2008
Results here... |
Mini Challenge Round 3 Ruapuna 28 - 30 November 2008 - 2 December 2008
Good to see Keeley Pudney, who was 2nd in last year's Championship, having his first outing in the single seater Toyota Racing Series category.
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NZV8 Utes Race 1 Manfield 22 - 23 November 2008 1 December 2008
Reigning champion Matt Lockwood of Palmerston North returns to defend the title he won in the inaugural season. Lockwood is happy that the new championship begins at his home circuit. "It's quite cool, a real treat to begin the championship at home as the defending champion," he says.......
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Bridgestone Porsche Manfield 22-23 November 2008 - 27 November 2008
Round 2 of the Bridgestone Porsche series was held at Manfield over the weekend of the 22nd and the 23rd of November. 26 Porsches lined up for qualifying session on a warm, still Saturday. Mike Baker took pole.
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GT1 / NZGT Manfield 22-23 November 2008 - 27 November 2008
Round 2 of the Bridgestone Porsche series was held at Manfield over the weekend of the 22nd and the 23rd of November. 26 Porsches lined up for qualifying session on a warm, still Saturday. Mike Baker took pole.
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Mini Challenge Round 2 Pukekohe 7-9 November 2008 - 12 November 2008 
Round 2 of the MINI Challenge series continued on Sunday at Pukekohe Park Raceway with Races 2 & 3......
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Dunlop Targa 08 - 10 November 2008
    
Completing 754km of grueling racing over 5 days.
Competitors in the 5th and final day of the 2008 Dunlop Targa NZ faced gale force winds and heavy rain as they headed out to complete the last 8 stages of this 35 stage endurance event; this final day being based in and around Wellington.
It was survival of the fittest as drivers endured Akatarawa Road, Paekakariki Hill Road and Moonshine Road. Shelly Bay stage was cancelled due to extreme weather conditions with a trail of power poles down and branches that affected the stage.
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Bridgestone Porsche Series 25-26 October 2008  - 30 October 2008
Results are in.....
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GT1 / NZGT/ Taupo 3-5 October 2008 - 8 October 2008 
Results are in...
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Mini Challenge Round 1 Taupo 03-05 October 08 - 8 October 2008
Rainy Sunday For day two at Taupo
Clarke Hopkin's (Roofing Industries, Colorcote NZ) day was over right from the outset when at warm-up a damaged head gasket was diagnosed. Rather than replace it and run the risk of greater cylinder head damage the decision was made to withdraw.
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Funday 26th August 2008 - 30 August 2008
Motorsport Services in conjunction with Mike Eady Enjoyed their End of Season Sponsor and Corporate Day on August 26th 2008. It was a Day for Customers, Sponsors and Friend's to enjoy hot lap's and trials around pukekohe race track. It was a day to be entertained and improve your driving skills with a customers own cars and a GT3 Cup Car, a 906 Turbo and Mini Challenge car to try out for anybody considering stepping into any of these classes.
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MINI CHALLENGE CONFIRMS RACE MODEL FOR TWO MORE YEARS - 28 July 2008
MINI Challenge New Zealand today confirmed that the current R53 race cars will continue as the MINI Challenge race series model for two more seasons. Now entering their third year of competition, the current MINI Challenge cars will remain the designated model, ending speculation that MINI Challenge New Zealand would adopt the new R56 model in line with Australia.
MINI Challenge Series Co-ordinator, Martin Collins said the continued use of the current model allowed competitors in the MINI Challenge Series to maximise return on their investment in the current model cars. "This now gives the current owners confidence going forward and puts an end to the rumours that we would be switching to a new model," said Mr Collins.
Mr Collins said introduction of the new R56 model MINI would not be considered before 2010. Four MINI Challenge cars are currently for sale, with a maximum 23 cars able to compete in the series. Mr Collins said he expected today's announcement to end any uncertainty on the part of would-be buyers. "We know people have been holding off due to the speculation that the race model would change, so we hope this will provide clarity and we will see the last entries snapped up for the coming season," he said.
Last season's winner, Brent (Bones) Collins from Timaru, is looking forward to his winner's prize. A five day Business Class trip to Sydney to watch the final round of the V8 Supercars at Oran Park. It happens to be the final round of their MINI Challenge series also, where Collins and his wife will be treated as VIP's.
ENDS.
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NZV8 Utes June 08 - 30 June 2008
The weather was poor but the racing was stunning and dramatic as the ENZED V8 UTES wrapped up the season on Pukekohe Raceway Saturday. A mix of torrential rain and sunshine had the drivers on edge and the teams wet as they prepared for a single day of racing which included Qualifying and Races 1, 2, 3.....
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Targa Rotorua 08
Two days of contrast in the Waikato and Bay of Plenty: Day 1 was dry and fast, but thick fog took its toll on the field early and hard. Day 2 was wet and slippery, but the overnight sensible-pills had kicked in and the field put on a great display of driving on difficult road.
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Nurburgring Race Report May 08 - 01 June 2008
Kiwis Fly for 24 Hours-
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The Flying Kiwi team (GT3 Endurance Ltd) from New Zealand started the race in style and powered home to the finish in 55th position overall.
220 Cars started the race and after 24 hours there were 150 cars that made it to the finishing line. The race started on time at 3pm on Saturday, after several hours of pre-race celebrations in on and around the Nurburgring. For many the pre-race celebrations had been going on for 3 or 4 days. By now the forest throughout the 25km course was a mass of tents, home built scaffolding, and all manner of structures, many very elaborate. There was even an illuminated "Drive Thru McDonalds” sign that had been positioned about the half-way mark. The track itself was now covered in quite stylish graffiti and track art. It is traditional for the fans to paint their name and favourite team or car on the track. Another purpose for all the paint is to make the track slippery during the race so the fans can enjoy a little more action......
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Hampton Downs Picture Update - 20 June 2008
80,000 cubic metres coming of the top car park. 20th June 08
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Mini Challenge 18-20 April 08 - 24 April 2008
Hamilton 400 (non-championship round)
No Turning Back After The Bug Bites
Reflecting back on last weekend's Hamilton 400, Wellington driver Marty Hunter is beginning to realise what a great opportunity he was given when entering himself and the TypeFace-MoneyWorks Mini Cooper S into the NZ Mini Challenge round within the international V8 Supercar event.
The event, which saw 172,000 people attend over the three days, strengthened Hunt's growing addiction to racing and has now led to himself and car co-owner Brent Melhop having no choice but to campaign as many rounds in the Mini as possible in the upcoming 2008/9 season.
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Gaunt Favourite for Endurance
Fresh from his first win in the Battery Town Porsche GT3 championship at Teretonga over the weekend and finishing second overall in the series, Danial Gaunt will be difficult to beat this weekend as the ASKO Appliances South Island Endurance Series roars into life at the Powerbuilt Ruapuna Raceway. With some of the top teams, drivers and cars in NZ Motorsport ready to battle it out in the annual Southern 300 3 hour endurance race, Gaunt is expected to pair with Ant Pedersen who finished third in the same series.
There again is fantastic array of NZ’s top level drivers including current Porsche GT3 cup drivers Daniel Gaunt, Ant Pedersen, Timmy Martin, Richard Moore, Paul Kelly, Shane McKillen, Jodi Vincent & Mike Morton. TRS drivers Andy Knight, Ben Harford & Ben Crighton, past NZ TraNZam champions Grant Silvester & Craig Gilbert, who is also a past SI Endurance Series champion, Truck & Motorcycle champion Johnny Hepburn along with top rally exponents Chris West, Lewis Scott, Garry Cliff & Jeff Judd.
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Mini Challenge 7-9 March 08 - 11 March 2008
ROUND OF MINI CHALLENGE AT TERETONGA PARK. 
Heading into the final Round 6 at Teretonga Park near Invercargill today one of three drivers in the MINI Challenge could take the Championship away. Brent Collins (Timaru) is on 848 points, Rhys McKay (Auckland) on 813 and Keeley Pudney (Atiamuri) on 805. Each driver has also been 'rewarded' with 50kgs weight penalty.
FINAL MINI Challenge Championship Points after Round 6 of 6:
Brent Collins 1023, Keeley Pudney 977, Rhys McKay 948, Courtney Letica 813 & Gary Johnstone 665.
Weekend Winners:
1st Brent Collins 175, 2nd Keeley Pudney 172 & 3rd David Grigor 156.
Brent Collins won Race 2 & came 2nd in Race 1. Keeley Pudney came 2nd in Race 2 & 3rd in Race 3. David Grigor came 3rd in Race 2. Rhys McKay came 3rd in Race 1, Gary Johnstone 2nd in Race 3, Courtney Letica won Race 3 & Craig Innes won Race 1.
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Mini Challenge 29 Feb, 1-2 March 08 - 5 March 2008
Round 5 of the MINI Challenge Series started off at Timaru’s Levels International Raceway today. After the dramas of Race 2 at the previous round at Manfeild (Feilding) when James Kirkpatrick went into the wall at 180 kph backwards they worked overtime to have his car here today. In the restart of that race Gavin Dawson went down the outside of Anthony Houston into Turn 1 and was beside him all the way through. Exiting Houston was half a car length ahead and he drifted out wide into Dawson and taking them both into the tyre barrier. The impact lifted Houston's car into the air with the left rear wheel striking the 'A' pillar at head height on the left hand side. Remember, these Mini’s are left hand drive and Dawson suffered a concussion when the impact on the roll cage bent it inwards. Unfortunate for Dawson they were unable to make repairs to the roll cage in time and get from Auckland to Timaru for free practice on Wednesday. Houston however did make it.
MINI Challenge Championship Points after Round 5 of 6:
Brent Collins 848, Rhys McKay 813, Keeley Pudney 805, Courtney Letica 681 & Gavin Dawson 567.
Weekend Winners:
1st Craig Innes 191, 2nd Keeley Pudney 184 & 3rd Brent Collins 174.
Craig Innes won Race 3 & came 2nd in Race 1. Keeley Pudney won Race 1 & came 3rd in Race 2. Brent Collins won Race 2 & came 3rd in Race 1. Rhys McKay came 2nd in Race 2, Gary Johnstone 3rd in Race 3 & James Kirkpatrick 2nd in Race 3.
Mini Crashes from Manfield
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Mini Challenge 15-17 Feb 08 - 20 Feb 2007
HALFWAY THERE FOR MINI CHALLENGE.
With three races run and three to go, plus the Trophy Event at the Hamilton 400 for V8 Supercars in April the MINI Challenge Series Round 4 is at Manfeild for Round 4 this weekend.
Martin Collins, MINI Challenge Co-ordinator said "It's good to see its getting interesting in the points battle already and the reward ballast is starting to work."
MINI Challenge Championship Points after Round 4 of 6:
Brent Collins 674, Rhys McKay 647, Keeley Pudney 621, Courtney Letica 577 & Gavin Dawson 567.
Weekend Winners:
1st Brent Collins 179, 2nd Keeley Pudney 170 & 3rd Rhys McKay 151.
Brent Collins came 2nd in Races 1 & 2. Keeley Pudney won Race 1 & came 2nd in Race 3. Rhys McKay came 3rd in Race 2. Gary Johnstone came 3rd in Race 3. Courtney Letica won Race 2. Gavin Yortt won Race 3. Tony Houston came 3rd in Race 1.
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Mini Challenge 17-20 Jan 08 - 25 Jan 2007
MINI CHALLENGE HAS A FULL GRID FOR TAUPO'S A1GP EVENT.
The next round of the MINI Challenge will be held at the New Zealand round of the A1GP series at Taupo Motorsport Park this coming weekend 17 to 20 January.
After the sheer speed of Round 1 at Pukekohe and the more technical mix of left and right hand corners at Round 2 at Ruapuna (Christchurch) the drivers are looking forward to Taupo.
MINI Challenge Championship Points after Round 3 of 6:
Gavin Dawson 513, Rhys McKay 496, Brent Collins 495, Keeley Pudney 451 & Courtney Letica 441.
Weekend Winners:
1st Courtney Letica 186, 2nd Rhys McKay 184 & 3rd Gavin Dawson 176.
Courtney Letica won Races 1 & 2. Rhys McKay won Race 3 & came 3rd in Race 1. Gavin Dawson came 2nd in Races 1 & 2. Craig Innes came 2nd in Race 3, Karl Wilson came 3rd in Race 2 and Shaun Turton 3rd in Race 3.
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Mini Challenge 23-25 Nov 07 - 27 Nov 2007
MINI CHALLENGE DRIVERS DESCEND ON CHRISTCHURCH
After the sheer speed of Round 1 at Pukekohe the 19 MINI Challenge drivers are looking forward to Round 2 at the Powerbuilt Tools Raceway at Ruapuna Park this weekend. It is a more technical track with a mix of left and right hand corners throughout it's 3.44km length.
MINI Challenge Championship Points after Round 2 of 6:
Brent Collins 396, Keeley Pudney 364, Gavin Dawson 337, Rhys McKay 312 & Courtney Letica 255.
Weekend Winners:
1st Brent Collins 195, 2nd Gavin Dawson 189 & 3rd Keeley Pudney 169.
Brent Collins won Race 1 and came 3rd in Races 2 & 3. Gavin Dawson won Race 2 & came 3rd in Race 1. Keeley Pudney won Race 3. Courtney Letica came 2nd in Races 1 & 2 and Gary Johnstone 2nd in Race 3.
Ruapuna Race See Video Here...
Mini Challenge Race Car #69
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First motorsport expo to thrill devotees of speed
With New Zealand's rich history in all forms of motorsport, and the current crop of rising stars stamping their mark on tracks all around the world, you would have thought there would be an annual exhibition for the sport and associated businesses. But no.
This weekend that will change when the first New Zealand Speed-sport show opens at the TelstraClear Pacific events centre in south Auckland. After a year in the planning, event organiser Keith Sharp's vision is about to become reality.
"I've been involved in motorsport for years and years and have always been passionate about it," said Sharp. "I've always thought it's been a crying shame that we've never had our own motorsport expo in this country.
"If you love motor racing, whether it's drifting, rallying, off-roading or circuit racing in a thundering V8 or single seater, then the expo will have something for you. There are some great cars on show, popular race-drivers and a whole range of racing and performance parts and equipment to buy," says Sharp, who ran his own Ford Racing Experience business providing hot laps among other things.
Over 100 exhibitors will be at the show. Many of New Zealand's best-known race teams such as A1GP TeamNZL, David Taylor's Motorsport Services Porsche GT3/BMW Mini Team, GT Racing with NZV8 driver Dean Perkins, plus former V8 champion Andy Booth and his Tasman Motorsport Holden, Team Kiwi Racing and drift championship organisers D1NZ will be there.
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Motorsport Services star ends first meeting on a high note - 4 Nov 2007
by MINI Challenge/Robert Barry
Motorsport Services rising star Keeley Pudney took two wins from two starts in the MINI Challenge at Pukekohe Park Raceway ending the weekend with a well earned sixth in the rain strewn third race, to take second place overall in the MINI Challenge
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Mini Challenge 2-4 Nov 07 - 6 Nov 2007
2006/2007 was the inaugural season for MINI Challenge in Motorsport NZ's tier one category.
It was the success of the MINI Challenge in Europe, which prompted MINI New Zealand to import 20 cars for the 2006/2007 season. The MINI brand strikes a chord with many Kiwis.....
MINI Challenge Championship Points after Round 1 of 6:
Brent Collins 201, Keeley Pudney 195, Richard Moore 173, Rhys McKay & Karl Wilson 159.
Brent Collins came 2nd in all 3 races. Keeley Pudney won Races 1 & 2. Richard Moore won Race 3. Rhys McKay came 3rd in Races 1 & 2 and Karl Wilson 3rd in Race 3.
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North Island Endurance Series -07
Promising start fails to deliver for lesters 07
Leading into the opening round of the 2007 North Island Endurance Series, father and son pairing Richard and Jono Lester were looking forward to the challenge that lay ahead of them. The duo were to compete in a 1999 Porsche GT3, and early signs were very promising, with both the Lesters topping the timesheets for Friday practice.
This early form continued through to qualifying, first with Richard posting a 1m 14.00s lap, followed up by Jono with a 1m 13.40s effort. Both these times were sufficient to put the GT3 on pole position for the pending 4-hour event, in front of eventual second place qualifier Harry Dodson in his Nissan Skyline.
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MINI Challenge to launch in Australia next year. 
MINI Challenge have announced today that they will launch in Australia next year. This will add strength to our championship and will open the door for trans-Tasman racing in the future.
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Coming down to the wire in the MINI Challenge - 21 Apr 07
Motorsport Services team member Kevin Cantwell in the Visual Group Mini also had a good qualifying session posting a lap time of only 1.08.859 for position two on the grid in front of championship leader "Fast Eddie" Bell in the ESWA MINI who posted a lap time 1:09.053 putting him onto third.
Sharmach in the baby blue Diggalink WPS MINI took fourth on the grid with a time of 1:09.054 followed by the Squawking Magpie MINI of a delighted Gavin Yortt from the Motorsport Services Auckland team who posted 1:09.158 putting him fifth on the grid.
Motorsport Services team member Will Selles put the Teng Tools MINI onto seventh place followed by Gavin "The Enforcer" Dawson, who survived an off track excursion to put the Scalextric MINI onto the eighth grid position.
David Grigor put the Golden Homes MINI onto position nine followed by another Motorsport Services team member Jeff Hogg in the Opti-Flex MINI on 10th position.
In his first outing in a MINI Cooper S with a John Cooper Works kit, V8 development driver Boyd Norwood put his Motorsport Services MINI onto position 11. "I can’t believe how powerful these cars are, and how much later you can brake in them," said the Palmerston North based driver. "They are quite different to the rear drive cars I have competed in previously."
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An overjoyed Fast Eddie wins the inaugural MINI Challenge - 22 Apr 07
Race two started well with International Motorsport team member Richard Moore on pole position with Gavin Yortt of Motorsport Services in the Squawking Magpie MINI beside him.
Bell was on position three along Sharmach in position four behind him was Motorsport Services driver Kevin Cantwell in the Visual Group MINI on position five and Collins on position six.
Behind the top three, there was a battle unfolding between Anthony Pederson in the J A Russell MINI, followed by
Motorsport Services team mates Will Selles in the Teng Tools MINI, David Grigor in the Golden Homes MINI and Kevin Cantwell.
Boyd Norwood retired his Motorsport Services MINI with a flat rear right tyre and sadly Anthony Houston in the G J Gardner MINI did not make the starting grid despite the Motorsport Services team’s best effort to repair his car after the carnage in race one.
Sure enough the red mist descended early as Motorsport Services team driver Will Selles in the Teng Tools MINI collided with the Scutum MINI driven by Richard Moore.
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Teretonga Park will witness the penultimate MINI Challenge
Driving the Teng Tools MINI, a delighted Motorsport Services driver Will Selles finished third overall in the Timaru round last weekend elevating him to fifth overall in the championship.
Fellow Motorsport Services team member Kevin Cantwell who drives the Visual Group MINI holds sixth place by a mere five points from International Motorsport young gun Anthony Pedersen in the J A Russell Powerbase MINI.
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Resource consent granted for Hampton Downs - 30 Nov 06
At 11.00am today, the Waikato District Council announced the granting of Resource Consent for the building of the Hampton Downs Motorsport Park, situated two kilometres south of Meremere in the North Waikato. It has taken two and a half years to get resource consent since the Hampton Downs concept was introduced to the public in mid 2004.
"We never doubted for a moment that we would succeed, but the RMA costs have been 'horrendous'", says Tony Roberts, managing director of the Hampton Downs project.
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The gloves finally come off in the MINI Challenge - 27 Nov 06
The gloves were literally flying off in race two of the MINI Challenge at Ruapuna this afternoon as the drivers took to the circuit like a pack of Canterbury forwards.
... Unfortunately on that same first lap Motorsport Services team member Tony Houston in the G J Gardner MINI # 88 made contact with team mate Jeff Hogg in the Opti-Flex MINI #3 on the infield, pushing him into the tyre wall...
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Bell Blitzes MINI Challenge in Christchurch - 27 Nov 06
Despite being 3.33 kilometres of technically demanding circuit the PowerBuilt Raceway at Ruapuna near Christchurch proved no problem for the entrants in race one of round two of the MINI Challenge.
Second place went to Auckland Motorsport Services team member former Porsche pilot Will Selles who flew around the circuit in 1:39.921 to claim pole position for the start in his MINI #2 which had no weight disadvantage.
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MINI Challenge revives the KIWI spirit of motor racing - 9 Nov 06
The truly friendly spirit of Kiwi motor racing has returned with the MINI Challenge creating an event that is enjoyed not only by the drivers, but also their family, friends and all MINI supporters.
At round one of the Mike Pero Motorsport series held at the Pukekohe Park Raceway last weekend, MINI Challenge competitors, supporters, family members and friends were treated to wonderful hospitality in the MINI Drivers Club & Paddock, while the action was broadcast live on a big screen television inside.
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Round 1 2006/07 Battery Town Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge -9 Nov 06
Craig Baird, Fabian Coulthard and Matt Halliday shared the honours at the first round of the 2006/07 Battery Town Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge championship at Pukekohe Park Raceway on Sunday.
Young gun Coulthard qualified quickest, won the first two races and set a new class lap record, Halliday was the second quickest qualifier and winner of the reverse top six grid third race, and defending series champion Baird claimed overall round honours with two seconds and a third.
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MINI Challenge provides unrivalled action at Pukekohe - 6 Nov 06
This afternoon Pukekohe Park Raceway spectators saw German International Peter Sharmach in MINI #27 take an unrivalled lead from pole position to win the first MINI Challenge race.
Sharmach lead a field of 17 identical MINI Cooper S cars with John Cooper works performance kits that have been snapped up by a mixture of seasoned campaigners and young and so not young novices.
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Door handle to door hand racing in the MINI Challenge - 6 Nov 06
This afternoons MINI Challenge at Pukekohe Park Raceway showed that Kiwis do fly in their MINI Cooper S machines fitted with John Cooper Works kits.
German International driver Peter Sharmach arrived after the Friday practise session and was handicapped by damaged tyres but still managed first place overall for the weekend.
Former Pro 7 national champion Eddie Bell took second place for the round and young gun Anthony Pedersen finished this round in third place.
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A Kiwi Challenge takes flight at Pukekohe - 2 Nov 06
This Saturday some 16 anxious Kiwi drivers and one German wildcard will line up on the starting grid for their first race in the inaugural New Zealand MINI Challenge series.
Thanks to support from Castrol, Dunlop Tires and international MINI partner, Valeo, the MINI Challenge is a new racing class in the Mike Pero Motorsport Series, kicking off with the first of the seven rounds at Pukekohe Park Raceway on November 4th.
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Porsche team set New Zealand driving record - 8 Aug 06.jpg&max_size=200)
Feilding, 8th August 2006: A six driver team has today raised the New Zealand endurance distance record* after a marathon 24-hour session in a Porsche 996 at the Manfeild Autocourse.
Challenging the ten-year old record, the team set off at 9am on Monday (7th August) and braved arduous weather conditions to surpass the previous mark with over an hour left to run.
Powered by 96 octane petrol, the 996 twin-turbo Porsche set new 1, 6, 12, 18 and 24 hour distance marks; achieved in dismal weather compared to the previous attempt in October 1996.
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