New Zealand, it’s been a while, but we are final back across the ditch, and back at Pukekohe Park Raceway for one last hurrah.
The cars and our containers have arrived, and we are ready for a massive weekend.
Format
It’s a 3-day format, with on-track action kicking off today with Practice 1 in the afternoon.
The traditional SuperSprint format sees a further practice session on Saturday morning, before a three-part qualifying session, and 41-lap race to round out Saturday.
We return on Sunday morning for back-to-back qualifying sessions, and two more 41-lap races to finish the weekend.
The Track
The 2.91km track is old-school fast, bumpy, and a handful for drivers the entire lap. It’s a place that requires maximum commitment, and the drivers who take the most risks are usually rewarded…. Until it bites.
Unfortunately, this will be our last trip to Pukekohe, with the circuit closing early next year. It’s been home to some awesome memories for not only our team, but the sport. We are all eagerly awaiting any news on where we will head in NZ next.
Tyres
We will be on the hard compound Dunlop this weekend, due to the high load of the fast circuit.
Pitstops
No fuel, just tyres, which means the race will be on in the lane. We are currently equal leaders of the pit-stop challenge in 2022, the guys have done a ripping job in pit-lane, and we know that’ll continue.
Weather
They don’t call it the land of the long white cloud for nothing… rain is forecasted, especially on Sunday, with 10-20mm predicted.
How to Watch
Every session, every lap, will be live on Fox Sports 506 and Kayo.
For the full TV guide, please CLICK HERE.
Remember, local New Zealand time is two hours ahead of AEST!
Chaz Mostert
“It’s been too long since we’ve been over here that’s for sure, it’s awesome to be back in New Zealand.
“This track is so cool, it’s going to be a real shame to see it go, we will definitely miss it and I think everyone is going to be fighting pretty hard to be that last Supercars winner around here.
“It’s been a few years since we’ve been here, and this will be my first time in a WAU car, so getting up to speed on Friday will be really important before we attack the weekend.”
Nick Percat
“It’s awesome to be back racing in New Zealand, the passion of the fans over here is incredible, we’ve really missed it.
“Pukekohe is an amazing track to be able to drive on, I just can’t wait to get out there for the first lap to be honest, it’s one of those places you hold your breath early. It’ll be sad to see it go, but we are all pretty keen on sending it off in style.
“We had a bit of a mixed weekend in Sandown but I can’t thank everyone enough for the work that’s gone in since then, keen to see some rewards with a strong showing.”