GT Radial Thunder in the Park roaring towards Pukekohe

4 November, 2014

If you’re anything like us, 11 racing classes being showcased over one weekend sounds right up our alley, and this year’s GT Radial Thunder in the Park, at Pukekohe Park Raceway on December 5–7, promises to do just that, bringing a racing type for everyone. The class line-up covers GT1, GT2, and NZGT classes, Pro 7, Porsche, NZ Six, SS2000, Formula First, Pre ’65, Central Muscle Cars, Super Mini and Star Cars, Production, and Northern Muscle Cars. 

GT Radial Thunder in the Park to be even bigger and better this year

And we’re not the only ones excited for the event with Deborah Day, GT Radial Thunder in the Park spokeswoman, looking forward to the variety in racing types as well. “All of them always put on a good show and, with such a jam-packed timetable, spectators definitely won’t get bored.”

Thunder in the Park has been held at Pukekohe for over ten years, so event organizers decided to make the anniversary something to remember. So this year the event features increased action both on and off the track. On top of the 11 racing classes, there will also be lunchtime entertainment, a bouncy castle, and a kids zone to add to the family-friendly atmosphere.   

Tickets start at just $23 for an adult, with children under 16 free with any paying adult. Tickets can be bought online at Ticketek, and you can keep up to date with any developments on the Thunder in the Park Facebook page.

Merry Christmas from NZ Classic Car magazine

The Classic Car magazine team is taking a few weeks’ holiday from the work computer and heading to the beach for some kickback time.
Merry Christmas, and have a wonderful summer holiday to all our readers, followers, and fans. Enjoy this special extra time with the family. We will be posting archive articles again in mid to late January.
Have fun, be good and be careful out there.

Two engines instead of one?

Popping two motors into a car is not only complicated, it doesn’t always end well. Donn Anderson recalls early attempts, including John Cooper’s ill-fated original Twini Mini built 58 years ago

For a boost in performance, better traction, and perhaps improved handling to some, two motors seems an obvious solution. It would also eliminate the need to develop a larger engine replacement from scratch, but would that outweigh the not inconsiderable technical difficulties?
The idea of using a pair of engines dates back at least 86 years to the Alfa Romeo Bimotor single seater racing car that was officially timed at 335km/h, or 208mph. Taking a lengthened Alfa P3 chassis, the Italians fitted two supercharged straight eight 2.9-litre and 3.2-litre engines, one in front of the cockpit, and the other behind the cockpit.