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.

Lancia Stratos – building a winner

On his own, and later with his wife Suzie, Craig Tickle has built and raced many rally cars. Starting in 1988, Craig went half shares in a Mk1 Escort and took it rallying. Apart from a few years in the US studying how to be a nuclear engineer, he has always had a rally car in the garage. When he is not playing with cars, he works as an engineer for his design consulting company.
Naturally, anybody interested in rallying has heard of the Lancia Stratos, the poster child and winner of the World Rally circuit in 1974, ’75, and ’76. Just as the Lamborghini Countach rebranded the world of supercars, so, too, did the Lancia Stratos when it came to getting down and dirty in the rally world.

This could be good news for restoring cars and bikes – but we must be quick!

Our parliament is currently considering a member’s Bill, drawn by ballot, called the ‘Right to Repair’ Bill.
It’s due to go a Select Committee for consideration, and we can make submissions ie say what we think of it, before 3 April this year. It’s important because it will make spare parts and information for doing repairs far more readily available and this should slow the rate at which appliances, toys and so on get sent to landfill.