NZ Super Truck Racing is back for the 2022/2023 season, and organisers are looking forward to a fantastic season.
The season kicks off at Manfield on Labour Weekend, 22/23 October, tying in with MTD’s 50 Years of Mack celebration. Races also have been confirmed at Timaru on 28/29 January 2023 and Invercargill on 18/19 March 2023. More rounds and dates will be confirmed soon. For those wondering, the chances of one more round at Pukekohe before its motor racing days come to an end are unfortunately slim, says NZ Super Truck Racing president Dave West.
“The first race was held at Pukekohe in 1988,” explains West. “The series had some big numbers in the early year, and then it died away a bit. It’s hopefully in a resurgence.”
Ten trucks are confirmed for this season, including the Kenworth T401 of Australian driver Steven Zammit, who will do his best against local talent. “It’s a really good field of trucks,” says Shane Gray, vice president of NZ Super Truck Racing.
“There’s lots of positive attitude and interest right now. In general, the races have lifted the game; the trucks have become super trucks, not just racing trucks. We have a good level of commitment this year. And everyone’s keen to see an Aussie get beaten,” he laughs.
The field will consist of some new and old faces, with Ron Salter making a return and Troy and Connor Etting entering the fray. “If anyone’s thinking about giving it a shot, get hold of any of us, and we’ll point you in the right direction,” adds West.
He says the committee is enthusiastic about the championship’s future. “There are some new and returning faces on the committee this year. There’s renewed energy, and everyone’s keen to promote the sport and have some good, fun racing.”
Spectators are welcome to come for the weekend, with qualifying and the first championship race on Saturday, and two more championship races and the ‘flying farewell’ on Sunday. The best bit is it’s entirely open to the public, who can interact with the drivers and get up close to the trucks.
More info will be available on the NZ Super Truck Racing Facebook page, and tickets will be available at the gates.
