Kiwi motorsport legend Greg Murphy took on a helicopter to see which was faster over a three-lap race at Pukekohe Park Raceway.
The stunt was part of the build-up ahead of next week’s ITM 500 Auckland V8 Supercars event, with Murphy – the all-time favourite at Pukekohe – the event’s ambassador.
“It’s the first time I’ve ever heard this happening at Pukekohe and it was too much fun to miss out on,” Murphy said of the chopper stunt.
He took on the Squirrel Eurocopter from Heletranz in the hands of chief pilot Steve Clarke in a three-lap race around Pukekohe’s famed race track.
“I have a bit of a top-end speed advantage. The Squirrel tops out at 220kph and I get some advantage from the start. But then again he can cheat around the corners – I can’t.
“It’s fun but then again we are both pretty competitive.”
After three spectacular laps with the helicopter at times just feet above Murphy’s race car, the Heletranz pilot edges ahead to take the chequered flag.
“I think he just got me. But there will need to be a protest.”
There’s plenty of action on the track next week with the ITM 500 Auckland at Pukekohe Park Raceway over ANZAC weekend on 24-27 April.
Motorsport fans will be able to experience support category action on Thursday 24 April, before an afternoon start on Anzac Day with V8 Supercars race action including the first 100km race. There will be two further 100km races on Saturday and one 200km race on Sunday.
Grandstand tickets for the extended race programme range from NZ$172 for unreserved seating for four days to NZ$232 for Gold Grandstand covered seating (with amenities and V8 Supercars Paddock Access).
Fans can also get a similar experience to the stunt with Heletranz providing a Heli-Hot Lap around the track during racing for just $85.
