Nurburgring 24H: Kiwi Team preview

KIWI TEAM PREPARES FOR TOP SPOT IN GERMANY

New Zealand's Kiwi Team Nuerburgring is locked and loaded for their 5th consecutive year at the world's most challenging endurance race in Germany, the ADAC 24 Hours of Nuerburgring.

Following on from 2009's expansion to three race vehicles, the kiwi's will once again put their Lodge Auto Centre prepared 2 Honda Civic Type R's and Gotz Audi RS4 against a field of around 200 cars through the 25km long track across the weekend of May 13-16 2010.

The Gotz prepared Audi RS4 was the newest member of the team in 2009 and although needing a complete engine replacement during the race, The V8 powered race car is well prepared for another 24 hours in the hands of the New Zealand drivers. 2009's second place result behind a factory backed Aston Martin V12 Vantage is on the driver's minds as they will be trying to finish in the number 1 position in the SP8 class in 2010.

Both Honda's have been through their rebuilds and checks at the hands of Richard Field at Lodge Auto Centre in Hastings. Richard and his team have prepared both vehicles for the previous 4 Nurburgring races and the vehicles have an outstanding track record of not only finishing every race, but also being on the winner's podium every year. Kiwi Team Nurburgring are facing the 2010 race with the added incentive of bettering the 2nd place finish from last year, and winning the N2 class for the 4th year.

Bringing much needed experience to the team to tackle the many changing conditions and challenges of "The Green Hell" are returning drivers Ali Taylor, Andy Booth, Brian McGovern, Lewis Scott, Mark Corbett, Rod Hicks and Stu Owers. These drivers have all got valuable Nurburgring experience and podium results. Complementing this experience is a selection of fine New Zealand drivers eager to get on the circuit and experience this phenomenal event.

David Glasson joins the team and brings with him over 30 years of valuable race experience which will quickly be put to the test at practice laps leading up to race day. Greg Spark will be right at home in the Honda Civic Type R's this year as this is his race vehicle of choice in New Zealand. Matthew Noonan joins the team and having recently competed in the Hampton Downs endurance race has got a taste of the unforgiving wear and tear on both body and vehicle. Speedster Nick Chester brings some big car experience to the team and recent endurance races in Japan behind the wheel of a Subaru WRX STI have prepared him well for Germany. Rounding off the team of first time Nurburgring racers is Auckland based Porsche GT3 driver Peter Millener.

The 2010 race will be the 5th consecutive year the kiwi team has made the pilgrimage to the Eifel Ranges in Germany to the mystical Nurburgring. Last year's results of 2nd placing in both the entered classes (SP8 and Group N) are driving forces behind the determination of the team to return to their number 1 spots from 2006, 07 and 08.

-source: kiwi team