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.


Travelling companion

It’s easy to see why the Morris Minor Traveller was one of the best-loved variants of the Morris Minor. Introduced in 1953, it was equipped with the same independent torsion bar front suspension, drum brakes, and rack and pinion steering as its saloon sibling but, with their foldable rear seat increasing versatility, many Travellers were used as trade vehicles, says Derek Goddard. Derek and Gail Goddard, the owners of this superbly restored example, have run Morris Minors since before they were married in 1974.
“Our honeymoon vehicle was a blue Morris Minor van — it was a rust bucket,” says Derek.

Super Leicht Gullwing

It’s fair to say that nothing much in the classic Mercedes world gets past Mercedes-Benz Club stalwart Garry Boyce so it wasn’t surprising to learn that around 15 years ago he had sniffed out an extremely rare 300SL lightweight Gullwing as well as a 1958 300SL Roadster hiding away in the Waikato. The cars were not for sale but Garry eventually managed to persuade the owner to allow him and his restoration team to take a look at the Roadster. They discovered a very distressed but largely unmolested car. The car was so original that the body had never been off the chassis, meaning most of the parts and fittings were still present and correct, as they had been fitted by the factory.