V8Challenge Cup

Kiwi V8 race fans can look forward to a double dose of top-class V8 action at five of next year’s V8SuperTourer events as series organisers have launched the V8Challenge Cup as a key support class for the new series.

It is a fact that many V8 touring cars from the past few seasons are either for sale or simply not being raced due to budget constraints - particularly around the North Island. The V8 Challenge Cup will provide all of those keen to race on a big stage within a tight budget with the opportunity to do so.

There is a significant pool of these cars in New Zealand prevented from racing due to costs and we want to help get them back on the track where they belong!

What is it?
•    The V8Challenge Cup is designed to provide cost effective racing for those seeking the opportunity to race in a V8 touring car category as part of the new V8SuperTourer series in 2012.

•    The 2012 V8Challenge Cup series will be the principal support for the five North Island V8SuperTourer events, including all three rounds at the Hampton Downs Motorsport Park midway between Auckland and Hamilton, and one round each at Manfeild in Fielding and the Taupo Motorsport Park in Taupo.

•    The inaugural V8Challenge Cup is designed for V8 touring cars that no longer comply with the requirements for the current national championship. Former V8 touring car-spec cars that may have been re-engined on a performance-equalisation basis will also be considered for a "technical passport" to be issued by V8SuperTourers, which is a pre-requisite to entry into the Cup races.

Who can run in the series?
•    It is an affordable V8 touring car feeder series for the premier V8SuperTourer category or the Australian V8 Supercar category.

•    It is the principal support category for the V8SuperTourer series.

•    It will appeal to many types of driver and will include, but not be exclusive to,  a special category for younger talent. V8SuperTourers Ltd has launched a $50,000 scholarship for V8Challenge Cup competitors under the age of 30.

•    At each round, a scholarship competitor (not necessarily the round winner) will be selected to drive the V8SuperTourer prototype race car. The test run will be televised, adding extra incentive for the scholarship contender to perform well and possibly be selected for an exciting end-of-season two-day test driving the V8ST prototype car coached by Kiwi V8 racing hero Greg Murphy.  

•    The V8Challenge Cup scholarship will provide a perfect opportunity for these up-and-coming drivers to try and secure a drive with one of the V8SuperTourer teams in the 2013 series.

•    The V8Challenge Cup will also enjoy extensive television coverage on TV3’s Gillette Motorsport show with all five rounds screened in a delayed highlights programme.

•    The V8Challenge Cup has the potential for fantastic racing utilising many excellent New Zealand V8 touring cars built over the past few seasons that face becoming obsolete or requiring considerable investments to run under current regulations. This series offers a high profile and professionally delivered alternative for owners of race cars.

•    A series with many cost effective technical solutions to lessen the cost of running a current New Zealand V8 touring car, such as reduced engine rev limit and a cost effective controlled tyre, being implemented for the new series.

•    A small number of race and championship winning cars from seasons as recent as 2010-2011 are race ready and available now for sale or hire.