New name for BNT V8 SuperTourers

8 September, 2014

 


The series formerly known as ‘BNT V8 SuperTourers’ has been officially rebranded as ‘BNT NZ SuperTourers’.

“The series needed a much stronger identity so we are very pleased with the new look and feel,” says CEO Ray Noonan.

Though the name change has raised concerns that the series plans to move away from V8 engines, the team behind NZ SuperTourers has been quick to assure fans that this is not the case. While the V8s are undeniably the car of choice for the New Zealand racing industry, NZ SuperTourer cars are built to take any engine and showcase the best of New Zealand’s considerable driving talent — hence the new name.

The rebranding announcement comes just three weeks before the new series begins with the Rush Security Taupo 400, featuring racing icons Greg Murphy and Shane van Gisbergen alongside New Zealand Champions Angus Fogg, John McIntyre and Paul Manuell.

This BNT NZ SuperTourers series covers six iconic New Zealand tracks, commencing at Taupo Motorsport Park, moving to Hampton Downs, Pukekohe, Manfield, Timaru and Ruapuna.


Lunch with… Jim Palmer

In the 1960s, Hamilton’s Jim Palmer won the prestigious ‘Gold Star’ four times and was the first resident New Zealander home in the New Zealand Grand Prix on five consecutive occasions. He shared the podium with Stirling Moss, Jack Brabham, Bruce McLaren, Graham Hill, Jim Clark, Denny Hulme, Jackie Stewart, and Chris Amon. The extent of his domination of the open-wheeler scene in New Zealand will probably never be matched or exceeded. Yet he’s always been modest about his achievements.

NZ Classic Car magazine, May/June 2025 issue 399, on sale now

Who would have thought it would become such a worldwide motorsport star when Ford introduced the humble Escort in 1967?
Its popularity, particularly in Mark 1 form, is now of iconic status. Our cover story for this issue is on a 1968 Ford Escort Mark 1, Alan Mann Racing Tribute. We talked with the owner of this very special Escort, finished in tribute also to the owner’s father.
“Most children love speed, and motorsport typically comes courtesy of a parent, and Elliott is no different. His engineer father, Mark, had a love for motorcycles and going fast; however, when children came along, he swapped two wheels for four, in the form of two Ford Escorts.
Little did Mark know it at the time, but the humble Escort was about to weave its way into the family fabric once and for all.
After emigrating from London to New Zealand, Elliott recalled one evening when he was 14 being invited to tag along by his father, helping a friend convert an Escort road car into a racing car. This was the pivotal moment when Elliott remembers the motorsport bug taking over. He knew he had to have his own one.”