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Queen of the drags

Thursday 19 December 2013

Drifting ahead

Thursday 19 December 2013

Hyundai ix35

Trading in the sleigh See page 4

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Thursday 19 December 2013

Bookings and enquiries contact Tracey Taylor on 07 578 0030 email: tracey@thesun.co.nz For editorial and news tips email: hamish@thesun.co.nz

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Thursday 19 December 2013

Farmer Motor Group’s VW specialists Blair Woolford and Charlie Shepard with NZ Car of the Year VW Golf.

Thursday 19 December 2013

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Weekend Wheels Bay of Plenty

Hole in one for Golf The VW Golf ’s success in being named New Zealand Car of the Year came as no surprise to Farmer Motor Group’s VW sales manager Blair Woolford.

A fan of the revamped 2013 Golf himself, Blair admits to struggling to see past it – even up against cars on his yard that are more than double its price. Earlier this month the car won the top title at the AA-backed awards – the country’s leading independent awards that have been judged by members of the New Zealand Motoring Writers’ Guild. “The feedback we’ve had about the vehicle has been absolutely pleasing. I’ve had so many people tell me they love it, and I’m the same – I think it’s a great car.” Blair says Volkswagen has “worked very hard to realign the model” so it more than matched what Japanese and Korean manufacturers are offering at the same price. “It’s everything that it’s cracked up to be,” says Blair, who reckons along with having all of the features of-

fered by its competitors, the Golf also offers superior European design, engineering and styling. “The car’s popularity has seen demand outstrip supply,” says Blair. Guild president David Linklater says the Golf offers premium European driving experience and quality at mainstream prices. “Volkswagen has been giving the compact car market a bit of a push with the Golf. While previous models have been popular, the new Golf is priced to compete with mainstream, non-European brands.” The compact car beat out nine other finalists to take the crown. Judges consider styling, performance, handling, economy, comfort, interior design, build quality and finish, practicality, value for money and the important X-factor when choosing a winner. Award winner: small car: Ford Fiesta; medium car:Mazda6; large car: Holden Commodore; sports/ performance car: Ford Fiesta ST; small/medium SUV: Mazda CX-5; utility: Ford Ranger; large SUV: Range Rover; compact car: VW Golf; luxury car: BMW 5 series and safest car: Volvo V40.

By Hamish Carter

December 27: Baypark super saloons and sprint champs The national super saloon grand prix champs will see top local drivers going up against the best 800 hp flame-belching monsters from around the country. The meeting will also host the region’s best sprint cars for the Bay champs. December 28-29: Awakaponga Summercross action Motocross fans will converge on Matata for the annual summer marathon event with racing during two days. Details: www.bopmcc.co.nz January 11: Baypark super stocks and saloons The excitement continues with a full programme of racing from mini stocks to sprint cars. Jan 18-19: Baypark National Drifting champs round Baypark is set to go off for what is expected to be another sell-out success with the third round of the D1NZ series held in the pits area. It will be held in conjunction with an actions sports event with top FMX, BMX, skate and scooter competitions. Details: www.d1nz.com

Beyond the Bay

December 27-29, January 1-2: Taupo drag action The NZDRA summer racing series hits Taupo with Nitro Nirvana Drag Racing on December 27-29, then a drag family fun day and summer nationals on January 1-2. January 4-5: Taupo Independent Race Class round It’s non-stop motorsport from more than 10 different classes, with cars ranging from Minis to Porsches competing, as part of the seven-round series. Details: www.irc.org.nz January 11: Meremere’s nitro drag shoot-out Two nitro dragsters will face off to battle for a new speed record, along with the regular excitement of the season’s second competition series meeting, with racing from noon. Details: www.framautolitedragway.co.nz January 17-19 and 24-26: Hampton Downs NZ Festival of Motor Racing Two weekends packed with motoring action on and off the track, including Formula One Ferrari demonstrations and the Historic Muscle Car annual showdown where classic Mustangs, Pontiacs, Camaros and other authentic 3000 cc-plus 1965-1974 era cars go head to head on the track. Details: www.nzfmr.co.nz

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Thursday 19 December 2013

Weekend Sun Thursday 19 DecemberThe 2013

Bay Driver

Perfect family wagon Hyundai ix35

Rated by many as one of the better compact SUVs on the market, the updated Hyundai ix35 offers even more for the discerning driver. The popular compact model has been ramped up with a few tweaks and a minor facelift, while the fundamental appeal of a versatile family wagon remains unchanged. Word is already out – even before the first stock arrives at New Zealand’s Hyundai dealerships – with almost all 2014 models due to arrive at Farmer Motor Group next month already sold. Dealership Hyundai manager Heath Kendall says the facelift upgrade includes modernisations to styling, the audio system along with the introduction of day-time LED running lights. “It’s got the appeal of your Santa Fe looks, with a few adjustments that build on its popularity.”

Whether you like heading off-road to go bushwhacking, or are attracted by their combination of space and practicality, the SUV has become dominant category in the new car market. Generous luggage space, high ground clearance and ease of entry, along with their suitability for an outdoorsy lifestyle – there is little wonder they’ve been a hit with Kiwi drivers. But the relatively new compact variety of SUV now offers a more suitable option for the smaller household. The Hyundai ix35 has quickly established itself as a good option in the sector in both New Zealand and Australia since its original release in 2010, and Heath is picking the adjustments will attract more supporters. Like all the good SUVs, it combines great looks with sleek, flowing curves and metallook roof rails adding to its sporty, youthful image. The interior is just what you’d expect – with the leather seats and steering wheel in the elite, adding a sense of refinement. Its five-seat capacity will suit the average family, while the generous boot space should be more than enough for Santa to stow all his

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presents (591 litres, 1436 litres with back seats down), or can comfortably take three large golf bags. The 60:40 split rear-seats give you the handy ability to accommodate those awkward loads, while the roof rails can be adjusted to accommodate roof-holders or a box for your bike, kayak, skis or other outdoor essentials. Beyond the cosmetic, the best changes are underneath with improvements to the suspension, which had been criticised for being too stiff. Hyundai has taken the issue very seriously, playing with the set-up to ultimately test 12 different versions of the front suspension and 24 of the rear before settling on the best. The result is a smoother, more comfortable ride with happier driver and passengers. Out on the road it packs reasonable power and avoids the heavy body roll you get with some SUVs. Driving is made easier with cruise control at your fingertips on the steering wheel, while the automatic six-speed transmission can be slipped into sequential sport-shift if you want to take more active driving control. Heading off the tarmac? The All-Wheel Drive function

improves traction and directional stability on gravel and other slippery surfaces. Driver comfort can be easily adjusted to your exact needs with the electric slide and recline function that will help you find the perfect position. Audio controls on the steering wheel allow you to move between functions and settings, while the Bluetooth, USB and auxiliary input for your iPod gives you the chance to set your driving soundtrack. Safety is a top priority in the ix35 which has earned ANCAP’s top five star safety rating – incorporating reverse sensors, a rear-view camera, six airbags (front, side and curtain), active head restraints (front), and enhanced brake control systems. Efficiency improvements have cut fuel consumption, giving the compact SUV good fuel economy compared with others in the class, covering 100 km on 7.5 litres. Whether you choose your car for rational reasons or are guided by emotions, you’ll find plenty to impress with the Hyundai ix35. It’s a versatile and practical family car packed with features at a good price which performs well and looks sharp. It’s definitely worth a By Hamish Carter closer look.

The Weekend Sun

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Bay Driver Thursday 19 December 2013

Thursday 19 December 2013

Open: Monday-Friday 8.00am-5.30pm Saturday 9.00am-5.00pm Open: Monday-Friday 8.00am-5.30pm Saturday 9.00am-5.00pm

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Thursday 19 December 2013

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Thursday 19 December 2013

Weekend Sun Thursday 19 DecemberThe 2013

Bay Driver

Cole comfort on podium

Cole Armstrong (right), returned to the podium at the Whangarei drift round, behind winner ‘Mad Mike’ Whiddett, and second place getter Gary ‘Gaz’ Whiter. season. Tauranga drifter Cole Armstrong “It’s only two rounds in [of six] – so we’ve has claimed his first podium of still got a good shot.” the national D1NZ drift series in Ideally, Cole would have liked to have debuted the new Skyline at the Baypark round Whangarei on Sunday, reviving his goal to win the series championship. on January 18, but didn’t want to compromise the car by rushing it. The GT and his RB34 Skyline will be engineered for different track “It is a great boost for the whole team,” types, to help his performance. says Cole, who after working at a mine in “We want to make sure we get everything Western Australia for the last eight months right,” says Cole, who is looking forward has returned to Tauranga where he’ll be based to competing in front of his supporters at for racing until March. Baypark. Cole has been working as a plumber in new “I will definitely be putting on a bit of a mining town of Roy Hill in WA to fund work show, but I don’t want to get carried away.” on his new 250 GT Skyline, which he aims Last year his over exuberance saw him crash to launch at the 2014 Rotary Nationals at at Baypark, breaking his steering rack – someMeremere on January 26. He’ll debut the car thing he’s determined not to repeat. there because the event is supported by his Cole came third in Whangarei, behind winsponsor V Energy. ner ‘Mad Mike’ Whiddett and second place “I’m keeping the details quiet, but it’s going getter Gary ‘Gaz’ Whiter. Fellow Tauranga to be a great car,” says Cole, who believes the driver Drew Donovan took sixth place at combination of a top car, his driving ability Whangarei. After two rounds, Cole is ranked and a great team of supporters, gives him a By Hamish Carter serious chance of winning the D1NZ title this fifth overall.

The Weekend Sun

Bay Driver Thursday 19 December 2013

Thursday 19 December 2013

Community drive helps family

Ken Frew from Tauranga Rotary Club, James Fowler-Oates, Nikki Stokes and Chris Verryt from Chris Verryt Cars with the family’s new wheels.

Tauranga’s Chris Verryt Cars prides itself on being able to offer ‘peace of mind and quality’ when people buy a car. That is exactly what Chris Verryt did this month, providing quality for community groups and businesses, which came together to fundraise and buy a 2004 Mazda MPV to gift to a deserving Tauranga family. James Fowler-Oates and Nikki Stokes family is unique – they have four children with their youngest two being 18-month-old twins Felix and Madeline, who suffer from severe disabilities. On December 11, the family received the vehicle, thanks to Tauranga Rotary Club and Acorn Foundation with help from Tauranga businesses and Smile Dial in Christchurch. Chris says the seven-seater vehicle is perfect for the whole family, with its sliding doors and extra space, making life a little easier. “They’ve got a lot on their hands, so it’s nice to be able to help,” says Chris, who supplied the vehicle with a new battery and car seat. “It was a great chance to be able to give back and says thanks; we’re very lucky to be able to be part of it,” says Chris.

Nikki Stokes says the family is planning to put the Mazda to good use during summer by finally getting on the road all in one car. “It means we can stick together as a family, rather than being isolated from each other,” says Nikki. “We will be spending a lot of time at the beach as the kids like to build sandcastles; and we will go to Waihi Beach at some stage. We will also go to Auckland and take the kids to the zoo and Kelly Tarltons. Just normal kids’ stuff; it’s really exciting.” Nikki says having the new vehicle “all a bit overwhelming at the moment with what everyone has done”. “It is just fantastic; it’s nice to know people are out there and caring in the community.” Tauranga Rotary would like to take the opportunity to thank the following local businesses which supported their Christmas appeal: Shed Boss, Pak ‘n Save Tauranga, Paper Plus Tauranga, Legacy Accountants, Supermac, Chris Verryt Cars, Daniels in the Park, Acorn Trust, Z Energy, New World, Harvey Norman, Brookfield, Gull NZ Ltd, Kmart, The Warehouse Fraser Cove, Crombie Lockwood, The Baby Factory and Carrus Corporation. By Reese Flaxman

Thursday 19 December 2013

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Thursday 19 December 2013

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Thursday 19 December 2013

The 2013 Weekend Sun Thursday 19 December

Bay Driver

The Weekend Sun

Bay Driver Thursday 19 December 2013

Thursday 19 December 2013

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Thursday 19 December 2013

The 2013 Weekend Sun Thursday 19 December

Bay Driver

Queen of the drags chasing crown Growing up in the Eastern Bay, the young Karen Hay developed an interest in rodding through her dad Lindsay Hay, who raced in the 1970s and early 1980s and was active in the Whakatane Rod and Custom Club. Karen can remember going to many car shows and trips to the drags at Meremere, but it wasn’t until 12 years ago that she finally convinced her dad to let her get behind the wheel. Rodding had taken a back seat in the family when Lindsay turned his attention to jet boat river racing and setting new speed records in the 1980s, but his passion for drag was reawakened when he came across a black 1932 Roadster in 2000, which he soon began racing. “Over the following two years of me crewing for dad, while he drove, I nagged him enough to finally get a turn.” So began Karen’s passion for racing, which has since seen her go on to claim a series of class records in the purpose-built 27T dragster she’s raced since 2009. Lindsay is renowned in drag circles for helping get the most out of engines; and the work on the car quickly paid off with Karen (now Raggett), breaking the 200 m/h barrier the next year (2010) and claiming the nationals in 2012. Karen lists other highlights as records she still holds in BB/A and CC/A classes and setting a record for the country’s fastest speed for a woman across the drag finish line (MPH) – but this season she aims to take it even further. “I am still chasing the ET (quarter mile

WITH A

FINANCE RATE 1

Karen Raggett, in her purposebuilt 27T dragster Evil 2.

racing ‘elapsed time’). Faye Grant ran 6.629 in 1990 and my quickest is 6.64 – so I won’t celebrate until I have both the MPH and ET.” It’s a target she’s had her sights on for a few years, but car problems slowed her down last year – with a loose screw blown into the supercharger, putting the car out of action for three months while it was repaired. Instead of replacing the supercharger they upgraded to a turbo for increased speed. This season they’ve installed electric fuel injection with the twin turbos and Karen is excited about how the roadster’s 482 Chev recently performed on the dyno. “We were over the moon with how it went. But there can be quite a difference between how it performs on the dyno and the track.”

Karen will be racing at her first major drag meet of the season at Taupo after Christmas, where she will “just have to see how it goes”. But she won’t be pushing the car to its limit until she gets to Meremere’s better track in January. Karen will race at the Drag Master event on January 4, but won’t “completely open it up” until January 11, when the track will be in prime condition for two nitro-powered dragsters aiming to cover the quarter mile in four seconds. All going to plan she’ll achieve her goals of taking Faye Grant’s record for the fastest New Zealand woman’s time ever and set a record for the country’s fastest turboed car – a title she will claim if she can cover the quarter mile in under 6.9 seconds. Karen is hoping for at least a 6.5 seconds pass this

season – and once she has ticked off these records, ultimately aims to run the car in Australia. Just as Karen is following in her dad’s tracks, her own daughter Bree, 13, has taken to racing a junior dragster and is already showing the family talent – beating both her mother and grandfather at a recent event in Tokoroa. “She showed she’s got great reaction times,” says Karen. If she is anything like her mother she probably also loves beating the guys. “I love the speed of drag racing and I love competing in a predominantly man’s sport. Sex shouldn’t have anything to do with your ability as a driver, but a lot of the guys still seem to think so.” By Hamish Carter

The Weekend Sun

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Bay Driver Thursday 19 December 2013

Thursday 19 December 2013

Open: Monday-Friday 8.00am-5.30pm Saturday 9.00am-5.00pm Open: Monday-Friday 8.00am-5.30pm Saturday 9.00am-5.00pm

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The 2013 Weekend Sun Thursday 19 December

Bay Driver

A car lover’s dream

Barry Walker and his 2008 XF Jaguar and Mount Maunganui Rotary president Les Creswell. Photo by Tracy Hardy.

Car enthusiasts are encouraged to see some of the best-loved vehicles at Mount Maunganui Rotary Club’s inaugural Show off your Wheels Auto Show.

ROTARY CLUB OF MOUNT MAUNGANUI PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY:

metallic red-wine finish and ivory leather interior. “It’s a fairly big car. It looks nice in that colour,” says Barry. “It’s got a true Jaguar finish. Everything is absolutely perfectly finished. “[And] it has a nice sound – a sound of class. It just feels nice when I’m driving it.” Show organiser Les Cresswell says the Hundreds of vehicles are expected to park event, which raises money for a variety of up at Mount Maunganui College grounds Rotary charities, gives the opportunity for on February 23 – and Tauranga man Barry individuals who aren’t car club members, Walker’s 2008 XF Jaguar is one of them. but have a “special and loved” car, to show it Barry’s brand new 2008 XF Jaguar arrived off in public. Individual car owners and car at his doorstep five years ago, following his clubs are encouraged to enter vehicles before life-long dream of wanting one. January 21, as spaces are filling up quickly. “My late father had his first Jaguar in 1957, The Show off your Wheels Auto Show is and a second in 1968. I’ve always wanted at Mount Maunganui College grounds on one,” says Barry. February 23. “Sometimes, I think that maybe he’s lookDay entry is $5, with primary school aged ing over my shoulder – so I better not put a children free when accompanied by an adult. 10.00am to 4.30pm Sunday 23rd February 2014, Mount Mau ding in it.” For more information, visit the webiste: Driving around the city, Barry says his car www.showoffyourwheelsautoshow.com often catches the eye of passers-by, with its By Zoe Hunter

10.00am to 4.30pm Sunday 23rd February 20

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Bay Driver Thursday 19 December 2013

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The 2013 Weekend Sun Thursday 19 December

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Thursday 19 December 2013

Recognising success

Photo by www.alittlebitsideways.co.nz

The future of motorsport in the Western Bay looks strong, says Motorsport Bay of Plenty president Geoff Andrews, with many talented drivers coming through the club and near record membership.

“Dave has been an absolute stalwart. He’s always helping out, whether it’s marshalling or organising events.” Geoff says the club would not have achieved the success it has without the on-going support of Dave and his wife, Linda Loughlin, who is club secretary during the last 20 years. Geoff says club talent was clear in the Along with taking the club’s Hillclimb hotly-contested annual awards given Challenge Trophy, Ben – who also holds out earlier this month, with members the National Hillclimb Championship – Phil Campbell, Ben Thomasen and also claimed the gravel sprint and gravel Dave Holder competing at the top level hillclimb cups. Talented young driver of motorsport. Mitch James claimed the club’s 2WD To build on growing interest in mohillclimb championship, while Emile torsport, the club has begun work on Thomson’s exploits in his Nissan Skyline developing a dedicated autocross track earned him two track titles. The sealed at TECT All Terrain Park in conjunc- Dave Loughlin received sprint title was taken by Phil Jones. tion with Rotorua Car Club, which the President’s Trophy. Off the track, awards went to Dee Byrne Geoff hopes will be completed by next as the most enthusiastic member, Shane Christmas. Ultimately, the club aims to build a rally Wright for outstanding marshalling, Megan Walker cross track in the park. for help timekeeping and Shane Tofts as the most Top awards at the annual awards went to the industrious member for help organising the national multi-talented Ben Thomasen for earning top clubsports championships at Baypark. John Bouzaid points at club events, while the President’s Trophy was given the hard luck award for his crash on the went to Dave Loughlin for his outstanding contriMacDougall Quarry Rd Hillclimb. bution to the club. By Hamish Carter

to Mount 

MARU ST

HOLKING ST

HEWLETTS RD

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Triple treat for Bay driver

Ben Thomasen, pictured competing in his Subaru WRX, is among the top winners of the Motorsport Bay of Plenty awards.

 to Bridge

Thursday 19 December 2013

Bay of Plenty rally driver Michael Young has finished the year on a high note, claiming his third Asia Pacific Rally win and the season’s Asia Cup title at the recent Thailand Rally. The 21-year-old Opotiki driver is delighted with his success in his third Asia cup season, attributing it partly to a ‘drive to survive’ strategy he’d been following, with safe driving to avoid unneeded incidents that could force him out of the race early. The same game plan paid off in the previous rounds in Malaysia and Japan, where some of his closest rivals were forced to retire from crashes or mechanical problems. “It’s unbelievable,” says Michael. “At the start of the week I never even thought about being Asia Cup champion, but it’s been such a crazy event with lots of ups and downs – and we’ve ended up on top.” Michael, and Hamilton based co-driver Malcolm Read, saw their chances boosted when some of the fastest drivers got into trouble and “unfortunately for them had to retire”. “This event is so tough on the cars. It’s hot, dusty and rough – and it’s all about who makes it to the finish.” Their main rivals included last year’s Asia Cup winner Yuya Sumiyama, who was in second-equal place ahead of the round, and rookie Shuhei Muta, who had been leading by 22 points. Despite their success, the Thailand rally was not without its own dramas for Michael and Malcolm after a rock got wedged in a rear brake calliper on the first day, almost ending their title chances early. “Luckily, Malcolm is a trained mechanic, so he was able to fix it on the side of the road after the end of the stage. He really saved the rally for us there, so I’m thankful he was with me again.” Michael pays tribute to his sponsors Cusco, Toyota and Dunlop for helping him this season, and is hoping to return to compete in the next series, which starts in Whangarei in April. “I will do everything in my power to make sure I’m back next year. I now have three titles to defend – so I’ll be trying my best to get back for next year, but obviously funding is always tricky.” By Hamish Carter

Bay of Plenty driver Michael Young in action during the Thailand Rally. Photo by Asia Pacific Sports Media.

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The 2013 Weekend Sun Thursday 19 December

Bay Driver