Want to race in NZ?

[David Towe]

Hi everyone, I received an email from David Towe recently and thought you might like to see it. It's about the possibilty of doing two race meetings on consecutive weekends on the North Island at Hampton Downs and Pukekohe.

I don't know if you read or heard anything about the incredibly successful Bruce McLaren Revival Race meeting held at Hampton Downs, our brand new race circuit just south of Auckland in January of this year?

Basically the meeting was to celebrate the life & times of Bruce McLaren. It attracted about 400 fantastic classic cars from around the world & was hugely successful. It was followed up the following weekend by a similar meeting at Pukekohe.

In Jan 21,22,23 & then again 28,29,30 2011, we will be holding the Chris Amon Festival. This event we are hoping to be as successful & seeing as Chris is still alive & kicking, it could be even more successful.

I have been tasked with putting together a grid of Grp A / Grp N/Grp C Saloon cars from 1st Jan 1980 - 31st Dec 1989 & was hoping to entice a number of your cars to cross the ditch & come & race with the GrpA/N cars from NZ. We need a grid of about 30 & first priority goes to the genuine cars of that era. You can also promote it as having a week's holiday in NZ between race weekends, although there is probably going to be activities during the week, ie: evening sprints, hill climbs etc at the track

Can you either put me in contact with the right people, or spread the word yourself & try & gauge the interest there may be for this event.

In Jan 2012, the same meeting at Hampton Downs has already been decided to celebrate BMW Motorsport, so keep that in mind also. We are hoping to attract the biggest gathering of BMW Motorsport Race cars ever, to that meeting.

I look forward to hearing from you or others in regard to this meeting.

It's open to all Group C/A cars betwen the abovementioned dates and there will be a grid for 70s Group C cars as well. If you want to contact David with any questions or expressions of interest contact him at djtowe@pnc.com.au

It looks like we're really taking off (pardon the pun):D

Cheers
Small Bangers

[Coolvet]

Does anyone have an idea of the costs involved in getting a car to NZ? Maybe we could collectively work out how much it would cost so we can make an informed decision? I imagine some of the costs would be:
1. shipping cost to Auckland and back (how long does it take?)
2. cost for steam cleaning and fumigating to meet Customs requirements
3. air fares, accommodation and car rental
4. local transport to trailer the cars around to the tracks (or do we ship it in our own trailers?)
5. garage accommodation if we need to work on the cars
6. entry fees for the 2 meetings

What else?

[David Towe]

David has already started the process re all these questions

[cossiepower]

Just how are they offering to entice?

[David Towe]

More from David Towe re NZ. It looks like there will be grids in excess of 30 cars. He'd like more people to contact him as the more interest the better the deals we may all get. Read on..

Hi folks, a lot has happened since I last emailed you re the “Chris Amon Festival” at Hampton Downs near Auckland NZ a couple of weeks ago. I’ve had a lot of interest with many good questions. I had a meeting with the NZ organiser who advises the only real sticking point at present is alloy cages. At the moment they are not legal in NZ but Motorsport NZ (Kiwi CAMS) and CAMS are in discussions re the problem and possible solutions.

The trip was originally to take in two tracks, Hampton Downs and Pukekohe on successive weekends, but now both meetings will be at Hampton Downs. This takes away a large cost factor, that of relocating the containers from one track to the other. I’ve had discussions with a freight forwarder re the shipping costs and it would be in the order of $4,000-$4,500 return per car for a twin share 40’ container. This may be reduced if we can do a roll on-roll off movement whereby the cars are transported in/on your own trailer. The problem here is we then need to tow the trailer to the track, a trip of 45 mins. I’ll be looking at options here as well. The OZ registration of the trailer will be recognised by the NZ RTA and the it would be insured under the tow vehicle’s policy as it is here.

Initially the meeting was only open to 70s and 80s cars but the organisers have now invited all Group A and C cars. There may be some genuine FIA Group N cars in the grids as well. As you will probably already know, FIA Group N is not like the NA, NB and NC cars here, they are quality, internationally recognised production based cars with racing history and have their own value internationally. This should eliminate some of the “flamboyant” driving we’ve seen from the OZ Group NA, NB and NC cars when we’ve raced with them as these guys have valuable cars too.

I also had questions re cigarette sponsorship being allowed on the cars and the answer is as we run here ie. If it ran it in the day then you can run it now. You cannot source new ciggie sponsorship for your car! CAMS licences will be valid there. The pit area at present is gravel, but there are plans to top seal this before we arrive. The garages will be given to the F5000s and we’ll be accommodated in a giant marquee directly behind the pit buildings. I will ask about security for the total time our cars would be on site, ie Thursday to Monday of the following week (11 days) and let you know.

I have started basic communications re a possible sponsorship to subsidise the costs and will be trying to arrange air fare and accommodation deals as well. I had advice from a competitor this year who said that after all was finished it cost him $6,000 to run a Formula Ford there. I don’t know about what you guys spend on a meeting, but this seems on par with an interstate trip in OZ for one meeting not two as we’ll get in NZ.

I think that brings you up to date with most of the questions so far. I’ll provide more info as I get it. What I need now is to be able to give the organisers some indication of numbers. Who would be interested in going if we could do freight and air fares (ex Syd, Mel, Bris) accommodation and entry fees for both meetings for under $4,500 total nett?

Please send this email to anyone who you think may be interested and ask them to email me if they haven’t received it from me directly and I’ll add them to the list of interested parties. I have about 10 interested so far and we should be aiming at 15 going and a total grid of over 30 cars.

I’m keen to go and Jenny and I will have a holiday around these meetings while we’re there.

Check out http://www.hamptondowns.com/

Cheers
David
0412 209 719

PS. For the fellow BMW owners, apparently BMW Germany are keen to make the following year, “The BMW Festival” a major event on their programme and we may see some real assistance for that year from them.

[David Towe]

Time to tell you all who small bangers is...it's me, David Towe. I don't usually use false names when I post on forums, but the last time I joined the Group C Assoc. forum I was somehow refused access after a few days so I elected to keep my identity to myself this time. The problem is that my identity has been revealed by admin and I've decided to come clean. Hopefully my access will not be rescinded again.
I have forwarded many questions to the NZ organisers which will take some time to resolve. I hope to have most answers by the end of July and will contact everyone as soon as the answers come in.

[Fast Eddie]

Time to tell you all who small bangers is...it's me, David Towe. I don't usually use false names when I post on forums, but the last time I joined the Group C Assoc. forum I was somehow refused access after a few days so I elected to keep my identity to myself this time. The problem is that my identity has been revealed by admin and I've decided to come clean. .

Must have been all that "cheap wine" eh?

[David Towe]

Hi guys (and ladies), the Kiwis are very keen to have us there but my efforts to secure some sponsorship $$ has drawn a blank so far. If anyone would like to PM me or email me with some possible targets as sponsors for the whole category at the meeting please feel free to so. All correspondence will be treated with the utmost discretion. I'm also looking for a contact name at an airline for a corporate rate for the teams travlling to the meetings. Remember this could aid us all.
Cheers
David Towe

[Rod W]

Dave,
If you can speak with paul stubber as he is and has been racing in NZ, He may be able to give some leads on travel, Accom, logistics,

Check out Castrol, they may help

Cheers

[David Towe]

The day after Muscle Car which was a great meeting and a little news of NZ. As many of you will already know, we had the presentation of the Nissan GTR Cup on Sunday and at this time we had Gerry Hodges who is the co-ordinator for the 1980s grid of the Hampton Downs meetings give us a breif run down on the meeting and the kiwis desire to have as many of us as possible race there next year.

On Friday I met Lloyd Proctor who is the co-ordinator of the largest meeting on the Sth Island called Skope (sorry, don't know the significance of the name) who was missing in action at the time of this presentation/discussion. Life in a bubble at race weekends meant that I was unaware of the early morning 7.1 magnitude earthquake in Christchurch which would probably explain why Lloyd was not to be seen anywhere Saturday and Sunday. I'm sure you'll join me in wishing Lloyd and his family well over this period and we'll get back to race meeting stuff when he's ready. I'll keep you informed.

Cheers
David Towe

[David Towe]

Back with more news re NZ. It would appear that if you wanted to do what is called a "ro ro" (roll on - roll off) with your trailer you could do it for somewhere in the region of $3,000 return ex Syd or Melb. I'll be getting more accurate figures when I can but it is dependent on the size of the trailer. The beauty of this idea is that you will have all your usual gear there with you. We'll obviously have to get them from the Auckland port but maybe we can arrange a few local car club enthusiasts to tow them for us.

[conrod]

Back with more news re NZ. It would appear that if you wanted to do what is called a "ro ro" (roll on - roll off) with your trailer you could do it for somewhere in the region of $3,000 return ex Syd or Melb. I'll be getting more accurate figures when I can but it is dependent on the size of the trailer. The beauty of this idea is that you will have all your usual gear there with you. We'll obviously have to get them from the Auckland port but maybe we can arrange a few local car club enthusiasts to tow them for us.


I am sure getting them from the port to the track could be sorted easily, I will be racing at those meetings anyway and have a good tow vehicle capable of delivering a few trailers to the track. I am sure there would be many others happy to help.

Conrad

[David Towe]

I'll take you up on that offer now if I can and book you for my trailer delivery job please. Is beer the standard Kiwi currency for jobs like this too?

[conrod]

I'll take you up on that offer now if I can and book you for my trailer delivery job please. Is beer the standard Kiwi currency for jobs like this too?

Yep no problem , as long as you don't try to pay for it in XXXX or Fosters, it must be a good Kiwi beer!! (of which there are several) ;)

[David Towe]

There are big plans for the event and news is coming in about what cars will be there.

BMW NZ are backing the Festival and already have a Grp 2 3.0 CSL arrive from the BMW collection from Munich to help promote the festival at various events around NZ. BMW NZ is also looking at bringing in another couple of cars from the collection & inviting Charlie Lamm, Roberto Ravaglia & Prince Leopold von Bayern. They are also talking of a "Gala dinner" mid week.

The NZ Grp A guys are coming to the party. Some of the historic cars from here that are running are ex Works Texaco Sierra '88 - European Touring Car Championship winner, ex Bastos Rover - Spa winner, Conrad Timms ex Manuel Pirro Warsteiner M3, Rick Michels Diet Coke M3, Kevin Underwood Benson & Hedges M3, Pete Sturgeon ex JPS Grp C/A car plus about another 4 or 5 more so far.

There will be 2 meetings on consecutive weekends with 3 days at each meeting. Practice & Qualifying on the Friday plus up to 4 races on both Saturday & Sunday for the Grp A cars. These will be 2 races for "Invited BMWs" & 2 races for 80s / 90s / Grp A / Grp N / NZ Touring Cars from the era. NZ crowds would love to see a full grid of the Grp A cars from the 80s / early 90s era & would be most appreciative, I'm sure.

We're working on shipping of trailers as a "ro-ro" (roll on - roll off) which means that you pack you trailer here, fly to NZ and pick up the trailer and have everything you need at the track. The local car clubs may be able to assist in towing the trailer for you if you contact your relevent club in Auckland.

I plan to add a weeks holiday around the meetings to help score some brownie points with the handbrake, err...I mean my wife Jenny.

I'll let you know more as we know more.

Cheers
David

[David Towe]

If you are even just considering racing in NZ next January below is a bunch of questions I've asked the organisers to answer, if you've got any let me know and I'll seek some answers for you. If you've not seen the circuit, have a look at this youtube link, it's in car in a BMW 3 Series race. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mT2mEPkjslg

The number of races over each weekend?
The number of laps in each race?
Phillip Island allows international drivers a practice on the Thursday of the meeting as a sighting session, will this be the case for the first weekend?
Which circuit is being used ( the website is a little confusing as it calls each circuit by conflicting names on different pages of the website.) I gather the circuit we’ll be using is the shortest one that incorporates the main straight? As shown on http://www.hamptondowns.com/pages/147/Competitor%20Map at 2.8 kms long. Or will the 3.8 kms International circuit be ready by then?
Will there be tyre dealers at both meetings? And which brands?
Will there be fuel dealers (Elf and Sunoco race fuels) at both meetings?
Will the garages be available for both meetings?
What security will be in place for our trailers for both meetings and the time between?
Can we leave our cars/equip in the garages between meetings and will they be secure in this time? (ie. Will anyone else have access to the garages in that time).

Cheers
David

[David Towe]

Some answers and they look good for all competitors and for those lucky enough to be in a BMW it will be a very busy couple of weeks.
Have a look at the answers and let me know what your concerns are and I'll take them up with NZ. My first concern is the lack of security between meetings meaning we have to relocate the trailers or leave them unattended for 4 days between meetings. The marquee is not a concern for me, a garage would have been better though. Here are the questions and the replies I received in red,

The number of races over each weekend? For the Grp A cars, Fri is practice in the morning & qualifying in the afternoon. If you happen to be racing a BMW you also have qualifying & proactice for the BMW Invitation race. Saturday & Sunday is 2 races each day for the Grp A cars & for the BMWs it will be 4 races each day. Same for both weekends.

The number of laps in each race? 8 laps for each race.

Phillip Island allows international drivers a practice on the Thursday of the meeting as a sighting session, will this be the case for the first weekend? Yes, there will be practice on the Thursday prior to both weekends.

Which circuit is being used ( the website is a little confusing as it calls each circuit by conflicting names on different pages of the website.) I gather the circuit we’ll be using is the shortest one that incorporates the main straight? As shown on http://www.hamptondowns.com/pages/147/Competitor%20Map at 2.8 kms long. Or will the 3.8 kms International circuit be ready by then? At this stage, the 2.8 circuit. The 3.8 circuit is under construction - at earthworks stage - maybe, maybe not?

Will there be tyre dealers at both meetings? And which brands? Yes, there will be prestige Motorsport Tyres at each meeting. You have to liase with them prior to the metings as to what brand & sizes you may require. I can assist with that later.

Will there be fuel dealers (Elf and Sunoco race fuels) at both meetings? Yes, Avgas & 98.5 unleaded are available at the circuit.

Will the garages be available for both meetings? Yes, We will probably be in a large marquee, which is situated on a flat, concrete 100m diamter skidpan. You can back your trailers up to the back of the marquee for ease of working

What security will be in place for our trailers for both meetings and the time between? There is security at each race meeting. During the time in between, there is just the track caretakers there. My suggestion is we talk to BMW NZ about leaving your trailers in their basement during the week. Or maybe talk to a local security/storage facility.

Can we leave our cars/equip in the garages between meetings and will they be secure in this time? (ie. Will anyone else have access to the garages in that time). As above

A lap time of approx 1m 10 secs will be similar to Wakefield and slightly longer than 8 laps of Lakeside by my calculations.
More news as I get it.
Cheers
David

[David Towe]

I've got back to NZ and have asked for a bit more info as below,

When they refer to “Group A” do they also mean Group C as well? Remembering Group C finished at the end of 84.

OK, Avgas will be available, but a few of us prefer to use Elf or Sunoco which we buy in 44 gal drums, will these specific fuels be available at the circuit or as a pre-purchase delivery to the circuit for the first weekend?

How closely do the Group A cars in NZ adhere to the homologation papers? As I understand it they are allowed a great deal of freedoms from the homologated rules.

I think most of us would prefer a garage rather than a marquee if possible, but if it is to be a marquee will they have 240 volt power in them?

Can they give me the name of a motel chain that we might be able to arrange a corporate type of rate for those who want to travel a bit as well?

Also I’ve asked for the name of a hire car company who has cars and tow vehicles for those who wish to tow their own trailer.

Has anyone got any other questions??
Cheers
David

[David Paterson]

Are alloy cages allowed? I'm told they are an absolute no-no in NZ.

[David Towe]

Last I heard David, they are a definite no no. I'll check to see if things have changed recently.

[David Towe]

Sorry to say David P, alloy cages are still not allowed. If you have a Group C car with a steel cage though, that's OK.

The organisers are keen to showcase us together in a marquee in which we can have our trailers right behind our section, rather like Sandown does.

Our class would be a combination of FIA Grp A, FIA Grp N, Possibly 2 E46 world touring cars, a couple of 2l super tourers, some NZ touring cars from the 80,s / early 90,s (a sort of Grp N spec), as well as invited period cars from the era.


Don't forget a shipping container is still available delivered directly to the circuit if you'd prefer not to take your trailer.
More news as I get it.

[conrod]

[COLOR="Navy"]How closely do the Group A cars in NZ adhere to the homologation papers? As I understand it they are allowed a great deal of freedoms from the homologated rules.



I can probably answer this one as I have competed at a number of these race meetings, and know the organisers well.

No we do not adhere strictly to the Gp.A rules. There is no rulebook for this class here.Nobody will check your car to make sure it is "as it was" back in the day. That said, most of the cars running in this class are very close to the way they ran back in the day, save for maybe a modern ECU here and there,one or two "stretched" engines or the odd sequential gearbox. But most of the guys here appreciate the cars for what they WERE,(warts and all) and not how the cars COULD BE! So if you feel the need to install that 2.5 slide-throttled-8 injector-360hp@9500rpm DTM mill into your car for the weekend David, then nobody here will really give a hoot!:) We all take very good care of our cars and those around us while racing, but are just not THAT serious about winning! So that pretty much negates the need for a rulebook and the people to police it ;)

Conrad

[David Towe]

Just out of curiosity how many Group C cars would make the trip if they were given dispensation to run with an alloy cage? I'll put the results to the organisers to see if there is anything they can do for us.

[fireenginefan]

Hi All I signed up to the forum in 2008 I believe but haven`t posted and haven`t signed in for a very long time.I have found this post quite interesting and it was a shame that your cars didn`t make it,but there is always a next time.With regards to the NZ Motorsport Festival the first 2 years have been quite good.The 80s Saloons were in my opinion a little on the disappointing side with several South Island cars not appearing hence the numbers were down.2012 and 2013 dates are in place with the themes being BMW in Motorsport and Denny Hulme respectively.
I also want to take this opportunity to congratulate you guys for the spectacle you put on at events like Muscle Car Masters and Classic Phillip Island.The numbers of cars competing are nothing short of outstanding!
Looking at the Historic scene in Australia our NZ scene could learn a thing or two.I live in hope!
Keep up the amazing effort.
Regards.

Anthony Sampson
Auckland NZ

[fireenginefan]

Sorry Guys I see that you will be aware that the next Festival is BMW orientated.Therefore it would certainly be great to see some your cars here.

Anthony
NZ

[conrod]

Couple of pics of a recent Gp.A meeting in Invercargill. Most of these people have indicated they will attend the next meeting. And you Ozzies were wondering where the hell all of these cars had vanished to? :)

http://i51.tinypic.com/26205ms.jpg
http://i51.tinypic.com/xlh0nt.jpg

[David Towe]

For those that don't know, the B&H M3 is rather significant. It is the car from 92 that had 2 former F1 World Champs in it, Jones and Hulme. Sadly it also significant for being the car that Denny died in that year.
Tell me Conrod, does Peter Thorby still bring out my old 323 much?

[conrod]

For those that don't know, the B&H M3 is rather significant. It is the car from 92 that had 2 former F1 World Champs in it, Jones and Hulme. Sadly it also significant for being the car that Denny died in that year.
Tell me Conrod, does Peter Thorby still bring out my old 323 much?

Yes Peter does drag the 323 out at every opportunity, he was in these races pictured above, although further back as you would expect.

The B&H car above was Longhursts 1992 ATCC car, (the replacement for the car that was "binned" at Wellington 91) Hulme and Morris were partnered in it for Bathurst, with Longhurst receiving his last new car for the race.
Meanwhile, Alan Jones had already defected to Glen Setons Peter Jackson team for Bathurst 1992. The Diet Coke car above was Alan Jones 1991 and 1992 B&H car, and then became Geoff Fulls Diet Coke car for 1993.:)

[David Towe]

I meant Hulme/Morris, thanks for correcting me.:confused:

[David Towe]

I have more accurate costs now.

Taking our two shipping options ... Australian Port (Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne only for roll on roll off, Adelaide and Perth cars would have to be positioned to Melbourne) to Auckland – Hampton Downs and return:

Roll On Roll Off (called RO RO): Costs are calculated on the volume of your trailer, using the three dimensions ... length x (including the drawbar), height x width. A common trailer dimension is 6.5m long x 2.3m high x 2.5m wide = 37.375 cubic metres:

Australian Port – Auckland, all inclusive AUD3355.00
Auckland – Australian Port, all inclusive AUD3070.00
Total round trip AUD6425.00

This figure includes all import and export documentation, Customs and MAF/AQIS clearance, port and line charges and oceanfreight to and from Australian port / Auckland port. NOT included are insurance (more on this later), transport to and from the port / Hampton Downs, or Quarantine-directed cleaning.

Containerised: Costs are calculated on the use of either a 20’ (one car) or 40’ (two cars) container:

Door Melbourne / Sydney / Brisbane – Hampton Downs, all inclusive 20’ AUD2330.00 40’ AUD3875.00
Hampton Downs – depot Melbourne / Sydney / Brisbane, all inclusive 20’ AUD3290.00 40’ AUD4690.00
Total round trip 20’ AUD5620.00 40’ AUD8565.00

Obviously the containerised option is the cheapest and in many ways more convenient and perhaps safer for the cars. They are picked up from your location and delivered directly to the track (which is where NZ quanrantine will do their bit), then the reverse coming home. OZ quarantine (AQIS) will do their bit at the ports here.

Insurance: NOT included in the above pricing, but recommended. Insurance premium is calculated on a percentage of the car and support equipment value using the formula ... value plus freight plus 10.00% x .125% with a minimum premium of AUD400.00. Assuming car and equipment are valued at AUD400000.00, freight AUD6500.00, 10.00% legal and accounting contingency, insurance value is AUD447150.00 x .125% = AUD558.95, all risks. Note this only covers the car while it is in transit. We would be pleased to arrange this for you, or you are welcome to take your own cover.
"In transit" includes from the time you have finished loading the container to the time it is delivered to the track and again, the reverse coming home. ie. your insurance cover would include to the time it is delivered to your location in Syd, Melb, Bris in OZ.
In the case of a RO RO the cover starts and ends from the time you deliver the trailer to the port and pick it up from the port in both directions.
I'm sorry if I had misled some of you, I thought RO RO was going to be the cheapest option, but as you can see, 2 cars in a 40 footer is the way to go.

These prices apply as at April 2011, the shipping company reserves the right to adjust prices quoted closer to the shipping time should it be neccessary.

Fuel is not permitted to be taken but will be available at the track.

Still sounds like a good deal to me.

The race meeting will have costs for entry and marquee hire and at this point in time I have no indication of these costs. I would imagine they will be around the same as a local meeting at worst. The organisers are keen to have us there but with the losses they incurred in the last 2 years they will have to charge us something in order to cover their costs.

Any more questions???

Cheers
David

[David Towe]

Time to start planning the trip, is anyone else from Sydney going and want to share a container with me to keep costs down?

[conrod]

Just to clarify things a bit, the meeting will be "BMW" themed, but will also feature a series of races for Gp.A and Gp.C cars. The organisers are working to get some assistance for drivers making the trip across the ditch, entry will be free and they are working hard to get sponsorships for the various races, and if that happens will mean some financial assistance as well, but nothing guaranteed there at the moment.

I have raced at Hampton Downs several times, and hands down it is the best track in NZ. Lots of elevation change, a good track design providing plenty of overtaking opportunities, and great viewing from the trackside or apartments.
Plenty of friendly racers here that can assist if anything is required, such as transporting cars around etc.

It would be great to see some of you guys over here, I promise you won't be disappointed:)

Conrad

[Coolvet]

Time to start planning the trip, is anyone else from Sydney going and want to share a container with me to keep costs down?

Can we fit two trailers in the container or just two cars?

Can you now spell out all the costs involved?
1. There is no meeting entry fee - right?
2. Container cost
3. Optional marine insurance
4. Accommodation?
5. cost of moving trailer?
6. Anything else?

Thanks

Carey

[David Towe]

Can we fit two trailers in the container or just two cars?

Can you now spell out all the costs involved?
1. There is no meeting entry fee - right?
2. Container cost
3. Optional marine insurance
4. Accommodation?
5. cost of moving trailer?
6. Anything else?

Thanks

Carey

Hi Carey, see post #30 of this thread, it has all the answers for you except accommodation. that can be a motel, trackside appartments, a campervan, on site camping etc. etc. The moving of a trailer could be done by hiring a car in NZ with a towbar or perhaps contact the NZ Datsun club for assistance. I'm looking at containerising the car and gear and having it delivered directly to the track and back home. It works out cheaper than a RO-RO.
Cheers
David

[Coolvet]

Hi Carey, see post #30 of this thread, it has all the answers for you except accommodation. that can be a motel, trackside appartments, a campervan, on site camping etc. etc. The moving of a trailer could be done by hiring a car in NZ with a towbar or perhaps contact the NZ Datsun club for assistance. I'm looking at containerising the car and gear and having it delivered directly to the track and back home. It works out cheaper than a RO-RO.
Cheers
David

Hi David, I had read post #30 already. It says there is an entry fee for the meeting whereas Conrod says there is not. Regarding hiring a car with a trailer, I don't know how commonplace that is in NZ but try hiring one here with a trailer. It is next to impossible. Did the container quote include delivery to the track or not or is that the separate RORO option? Plus, can you fit two trailers in one 40' container. You didn't reply to that.

Conrod, the possibility of sponsorships is to assist who? Are you working towards alleviating some of the costs that the Aussie contingent would be liable for? Can a deal on accommodation be arranged?

Thanks for your efforts.

Carey

[David Towe]

Hi David, I had read post #30 already. It says there is an entry fee for the meeting whereas Conrod says there is not. Regarding hiring a car with a trailer, I don't know how commonplace that is in NZ but try hiring one here with a trailer. It is next to impossible. Did the container quote include delivery to the track or not or is that the separate RORO option? Plus, can you fit two trailers in one 40' container. You didn't reply to that.

Conrod, the possibility of sponsorships is to assist who? Are you working towards alleviating some of the costs that the Aussie contingent would be liable for? Can a deal on accommodation be arranged?

Thanks for your efforts.

Carey

Hi Carey, the container deal is door(one pick up point in a capital city(Syd. Bris, Mel))-trackside-door(one delivery point in a capital city(Syd, Bris, Mel)).

The hire would only be for a car with a towbar if you are doing a RO-RO. You won't fit two decent size trailers into a 40 footer. Taking a trailer as being 6m long plus the drawbar, so about 7.5 m. You'd need a container roughly 15m long instead of the 12m (40 footer) as they are. You will fit two cars and spares in there though. They have many tie down points inside.

Don't count your chickens re the free entry until they hatch. It wasn't mentioned in post #30 because at that time, and still to this minute, nothing has been confirmed so I'm budgeting on having to pay an entry fee.

If someone can give me assurances they are going, then I can have a crack at the airlines for a deal. And if someone knows a motel chain in NZ I can have a crack at a corporate type of deal there as well, but we need numbers! I expect to have 4-5 people going in total from my team.

Do you want to share a 40 footer?

[conrod]

Hi David, I had read post #30 already. It says there is an entry fee for the meeting whereas Conrod says there is not. Regarding hiring a car with a trailer, I don't know how commonplace that is in NZ but try hiring one here with a trailer. It is next to impossible. Plus, can you fit two trailers in one 40' container. You didn't reply to that.

Conrod, the possibility of sponsorships is to assist who? Are you working towards alleviating some of the costs that the Aussie contingent would be liable for? Can a deal on accommodation be arranged?

Thanks for your efforts.

Carey

HI Carey,

just to clarify a few things. I have just spoken to Gerry Hodges again, who is coordinating the BMW/Gp.A/Gp.C entries for the meeting, and he has confirmed that there is NO ENTRY FEE for overseas drivers/cars.:) This will also include free practice on the Thursday. The sponsorship is to assist the Aussie contingent, but as yet nothing is confirmed, so please budget on no assistance here and if it does come to fruition then treat it is a bonus. Gerry is working hard on this though!:)

It is probably worth mentioning that the GpA/GpC/BMW races will be the stars of the show, and not just some supporting race. There will be a hardcover book printed for the meeting, as has been done for the Bruce Maclaren and Chris Amon meetings, whereby if you pre-purchase the book prior to the meeting, (I think it was $100 of our money) your car will get a whole page featuring your car, it really is a nicely presented professional looking piece.

As far as towing a trailer goes, yes rental cars don't normally have towbars fitted here either. But as I said earlier, we can organise towing trailers for you from the port to track for say cost of petrol, just make sure your insurance covers your car/trailer while over here. Do you guys use the same towball system as us? ie. 1 7/8" or 50mm? Flat or round 7 pin connectors?

Regarding fitting trailers into a container. You MAY get two trailers in a 40 footer. You will probably have to sit one drawbar on top of the other, so nose to nose. But width can also be a problem. You really need to do some measuring beforehand to figure if your particular trailers will go in. But I don't see why you would want to. Leave the trailer at home, and have the container delivered directly to the track, its one less thing to worry about. We do this with the F5000 cars, and it works well. You are responsible for loading and tying down your car and spares, and nobody else messes with it.:) Your containers are transported to the track and will be parked directly beside the marquee you will be working out of, so it doesn't get any easier than that!

As David has already suggested, two cars into a 40 foot container (no trailers) is the way to go, delivered directly to the track. David please check that the shipping company/MAF inspectors will NOT open the containers at the port on arrival for inspection. A friend of mine had his car damaged at Muscle Car Masters a couple of years ago when the inspectors/shipping company opened the container at Sydney, rolled the car out for a look, and then pushed it back in and did not tie it down again. If the containers are going to be inspected at port on arrival then we will make sure one of us will be present. I don't trust those gorillas!

For anyone contemplating coming over, please email me some details. Name, car, expected number in your party coming over etc. Gerry is about to send an email out to those interested, so he can keep you updated.

ctmotorsport@ihug.co.nz


Meanwhile I will do some work on getting some options on accomodation prices and come back to you.

cheers Conrad

P.S. back out to the garage now, I had better get this car built so I have something to race!

[David Towe]

Hi Conrad, Stewart Garmey has indicated that MAF will do their bit at the track so the containers won't be opened before arrival at the track and AQIS will do their bit at the ports on return. One small correction. In post no. 36 I indicated the return would be to door (one delivery point in OZ) which is wrong. It is actually to their depot in your capital city (Syd, Mel, Bris) sorry for the confusion.

When talking with motel people Conrad, can you try to get a chain type so those who want to do a bit of traveling before, between and after the meetings aren't locked in to one location.

With the internal dimensions of a container as they are, I don't see many of us being able to fit a trailer into a container. Mine definitely won't go in. I'll be in for the book deal as well.

Regards
David

PS. how about an update od the progress of your restoration please.

[conrod]

Hi Conrad, Stewart Garmey has indicated that MAF will do their bit at the track so the containers won't be opened before arrival at the track and AQIS will do their bit at the ports on return. One small correction. In post no. 36 I indicated the return would be to door (one delivery point in OZ) which is wrong. It is actually to their depot in your capital city (Syd, Mel, Bris) sorry for the confusion.

Okay cool, it is just a point worth keeping in mind whenever you are shipping cars around in containers. We all take great care with our toys packing and tying them down, but that is not always the case with inspectors and shipping agents if they have to remove them from containers :(







When talking with motel people Conrad, can you try to get a chain type so those who want to do a bit of traveling before, between and after the meetings aren't locked in to one location.


Okay, note to self, David would like Motel room with chains, whips etc.:)
But seriously, no problem, will see what I can do.




With the internal dimensions of a container as they are, I don't see many of us being able to fit a trailer into a container. Mine definitely won't go in. I'll be in for the book deal as well.

Regards
David

PS. how about an update od the progress of your restoration please.


I will get Gerry to make a note of the book deal in his email, and he can direct you to placing an order. The restoration of my car is coming along well, but it is a major job and I don't want to clutter this thread or forum for that matter with those details, as I don't think it is the place;) PM me your email address (not sure if I still have it?) and I will send some pics:)

Conrad

[Bill Cutler]

We're definitely coming with my car. Going to lean on an old friend in Hamilton for accomm, car, meals, nothing much.

Jervis is a definite possibility, I guess we will share a 40 footer.

[AndrewTurner]

Hi Dave,
I may be able to help if you require any further information about racing in New Zealand. I have a VH and a VK Commodore race car which I race in the Central Muscle Cars and Northern Muscle Cars. I also came to Eastern Creek and raced at the Muscle Car Masters in 2009, FYI we are planning to come again next year to race.
I am currently rebuilding one of my race cars into a Group C Marlboro replica, if anybody has useful info or high res pictures please send them.

Regards
Andrew Turner
Email: a.turner@nautech.com

[David Towe]

Conrod, can you confirm the dates please.

[conrod]

Conrod, can you confirm the dates please.

Hi David,

dates are Jan 20-22, and Jan 27-29:)

Did you get the newsletter from Gerry?

Conrad

[David Towe]

Got it, thanks. Looking good!:D

[David Towe]

The first press release from the NZ meeting is below. They are keen to have as many of us compete as possible, or even go as a spectator for your annual holidays. Take the missus for an over seas holiday, whether you tell her it's to a race meeting is up to you. ;)
Cheers
David

Press Release # 1 - The cars are the stars at 2012 NZFMR Celebrating BMW Motorsport
The 2012 New Zealand Festival of Motor Racing dates have been confirmed for January 20-22 and January 27-29 2012 at the superb Hampton Downs circuit and the third edition of the hugely popular event will celebrate a car maker for the first time.
The 2010 and 2011 New Zealand Festivals of Motor Racing celebrating Bruce McLaren and Chris Amon respectively caught the attention of the domestic New Zealand motoring and motor racing communities and proved to be the biggest motor sport events in the country in those years after the Hamilton V8 Supercar event.
For 2012 the festival organisers have decided to focus the spotlight on German manufacturer BMW, one of the great motoring brands in New Zealand and the world.
The event - the NZFMR celebrating BMW Motorsport - will feature some amazing cars from BMW's racing history, many of which have raced in New Zealand. Legendary BMW racers Jim Richards and Prince Leopold von Bayern of Bavaria are already confirmed and more big names are set to join in the action.
A feature class will be the 'Group A and Invited Touring Car Challenge' where classic BMW 635CSi and BMW M3s of the 1980s will once again battle other Touring cars including Ford Sierra Cosworth, Jaguar XJS, Holden Commodore, Rover SD1, Toyota Corolla and Toyota Corona cars. Many of these cars raced in the Nissan-Mobil 500 series at Wellington and Pukekohe in the 1980s and 1990s.

Emanuele Pirro/Johnny Cecotto BMW M3 - 1st place Wellington 2 Dec '90 (Jim Barclay photo)

Charlie O'Brien/Avon Hyde BMW 635CSi Wellington 25 Oct 87 (Jim Barclay photo)
Festival enthusiasts will also be pleased to hear that the spectacular Formula 5000s, colourful grids of classic Saloons & GTs, Sports cars, Historic Formula Fords, Formula Juniors, Classic Trials and Pre 63 Classic Racing motorcycles are on the bill along with the domestic BMW historic racing series. The Formula 5000 series in New Zealand is the strongest in the world by some margin and cars and drivers are once again expected to travel to the event from the USA, UK, Europe and Australia.

Peter Sundberg 1974 Lola T332 HU16 F5000 Chris Amon Festival 2011 (Jim Barclay photo)


Warwick Mortimer 1969 Surtees TS5-002 F5000 Chris Amon Festival 2011 (Jim Barclay photo)
It's not just the BMW and F5000 classes that will be big draw cards. In the past two years, around 150 drivers and classic racing cars from other countries have come to New Zealand and Hampton Downs to race and be part of the event.
With its stellar racing history in New Zealand, BMW was always the preferred theme for the third festival, as Festival Chairman Jim Barclay explained. "In common with other major motorsport festivals like the Goodwood Festival of Speed and the Goodwood Revival held in UK, we have an annual theme and as we want to celebrate cars and marques that have made an impact domestically and internationally as well as drivers, what better place to start than BMW - which has a rich history in motorsport.
"The brand also has a long and successful history in New Zealand not only as a car that many aspire to but as a highly effective racing machine that many of the greatest racing drivers have sampled. For us, choosing BMW as the subject for the third festival was an easy call, and it's great to be able to confirm that we have the full support of BMW in New Zealand and Germany as we work to make this the best New Zealand Festival of Motor Racing to date. Those weekends in January at Hampton Downs will be unmissable."

For more information about the Festival, check the Festival website www.nzfmr.co.nz
For questions about the Festival, contact Jim Barclay, Festival Chairman - jim@nzfmr.co.nz/ 09 4761112/ 021752514
For 80s, 90s, Group A, Group N and Schedule S NZ Touring Cars, contact Gerry Hodges, gbhodges@xtra.co.nz / 09 424 1367 / 0274 925 040
For Media questions, contact Richard Gee, Media and Communications Manager - richard@nzfmr.co.nz/ 02102711926

[David Towe]

Hi folks, it looks like we have 5 or 6 cars going to NZ and the time to make arrangements is now if you're going.
2 cars in a 40 foot container with tools/spares will cost about $4500 each car ($5500 for one car in a 20 footer). That price covers door to track and back to depot in Syd, Melb and Bris including all documentation and customs charges (if the car is clean enough to satisfy them) which makes for a pretty reasonable rate for two race meetings at what is reportedly a fantastic new facility near Auckland.
Cars can be put back in the containers each night and between race meetings for security.
We're planning a few days on a beach up north before the first meeting then a few days in Rotorua and Taupo between the race meetings. That should appease "err indoors"!
The latest news re the BMW works cars that will be there is that there will be a genuine M1 Procar there. These things were electric to watch in 1979 and 1980, possibly the wildest one make series at the time. Some drivers you may have heard of that competed in the Saturday races on Grand Prix weekends were Nikki Lauda, Nelson Piquet, Mario Andretti, Eddie Cheever, Emerson Fittipaldi, Alan Jones, Jochen Mass, Dieter Quester, Carlos Reutemann, Hans-Joachim Stuck and Marc Surer.
If you are thinking of coming let me know asap and shoot you all the if you need.
Cheers
David