We’re headed across the ditch to see our friends in New Zealand, as Pukekohe Park Raceway hosts the Auckland SuperSprint this weekend.

We’re headed there with a fresh look, thanks to Mobil 1™, who have increased their presence for the round.

The SuperSprint round comes much earlier than previous seasons. In the past, we’ve come to know it as the penultimate round of the season, while this year, it is the precursor to the Enduro Cup, and the lead-in to the Bathurst 1000.

It’s a unique preparation for this round. Our two containers of spares and garage equipment were packed up and sent over on September 2, while the cars were loaded up at Avalon Airport last Sunday, September 8.

The 2.91km circuit is home to races 23 and 24 of the championship, with two 200km, 70 lap races across the weekend.

Both James and Scott have been on the podium in Pukekohe before, so it’s a place they are more than familiar with.

It’s a fast, bumpy track that requires maximum commitment, and is a handful for the drivers for the entire lap.

The Dunlop wets are expected to get a workout across all three days, with plenty of rain on the radar.

Practice 1 and 2 kick off our weekend on Friday, while the Top 10 shootout returns.

You can catch every session live on Fox Sports.

James Courtney

“It’s always nice to head over to New Zealand, it’s a fun track to drive, and it’s always great to get over there and see the fans. It’s a track where you really have to muscle the car around, which is always enjoyable.

“It’s a bit different heading over there before the enduros this year, but it gives us a chance to improve the cars and get a result before we head to The Mountain.”

Scott Pye

“I can’t wait to get over to New Zealand, it’s always a really enjoyable round.

“In terms of tracks to drive, it is a lot of fun, you’re always on the edge and it’s full commitment.

“This weekend is an important one with the Enduro Cup just around the corner. The rain is going to spice things up as well, so it’ll be one to watch.”