Continuity is key for Cambridge driver Nick Ross as he prepares for the new season of the BNT NZ Touring Car Championship, which kicks off in November at Pukekohe.
Now in his 14th season of competition in the V8 category and a previous winner of the championship, the 41-year old says he’s eager to get underway with the new season, with the biggest event of the year at Pukekohe – the ITM Supersprint.
“It’s the biggest event on the motorsport calendar here in New Zealand, with over 100,000 fans watching over the three days,” says Ross.
“I enjoy Pukekohe, it’s very fast and you have to be totally committed to get a good lap time. We went well there in April which was the final round of last season, claiming a third and a win, so we’ll be looking to try and continue that form.”
The off season has seen his Concept Motorsports team meticulously go over his Total Lubricants Nissan Altima to improve some of the reliability issues that troubled the car last season.
“We did have a few reliability issues last season which was frustrating, because when the car was running well we were making steady progress on track and getting some good results.”
With a number of engine problems experienced last season the team has re-engineered the cars oil system in an effort to eliminate the reoccurring issue.
“Engine reliability was a big thing for us, we’ve analysed what the issue was and have redesigned the oil system in the car which we are confident will eliminate the problems we had.”
Ross predicts the action at the front of the field will get tighter this season as new parity rules comes into play.
“The category has made parity changes which will see the engine performance between the different cars more evenly matched. But in saying that, there are a lot of young guys coming through such as Tom Alexander and Sam Barry who should be quick.”
“For me, and I guess everyone else it’ll all be about limiting the mistakes.”
The BNT NZ Touring Cars will compete in a six round 2016/17 championship season starting at the Pukekohe, November 4-6.
Nick Ross, the TOTAL Lubricants Nissan Altima and Concept Motorsport will again be supported this season by TOTAL Lubricants, Jim Wright Nissan, Ryco 24/7, C&R Developments, Connex, Team Wino, Auto Trail Ltd, 82C, and Tyre Traders.
