The schism between rival V8 classes in New Zealand remains the major priority when talks between MotorsportNZ and V8 SuperTourers re-commence.
MotorsportNZ wants talks to resume next week following preliminary discussions between the two bodies which resulted in some positive steps last week however a firm date is yet to be fixed to resolve the matter.
Shayne Harris, the president of MotorsportNZ, admits that the state of motor racing in New Zealand has not been ideal over the last 18 months and he is seeking a peaceful solution to the current fractures within the sport.
Similarly the chief executive of V8 SuperTourers Didier Debae is seeking an early resolution where the future of the NZV8 category remains in a precarious position.
A recent discussion on a drivetime radio show that included MotorsportNZ president Shayne Harris and the general manager of the governing body, Brian Budd canvassed the issue of the future of the NZV8 Championship.
“We had a meeting at Hampton Downs last Saturday and it looks like we have a significant amount of cars committed for next season so that’s pretty good,” Harris said on the show.
“There are 15 of the old cars and three of the new cars ready to go.”
According to Harris three options were put to the teams and drivers of the NZV8s regarding their Championship which included starting prior to Christmas and two alternatives suggested for the New Year.
Debae is optimistic that common ground will be reached between the two organisations.
“Hopefully we will find a resolution quickly and we will look at it in a couple of months and pat everybody on the back and everybody will be happy,” Debae said.
One of the options for the NZV8s was the possibility of the series being merged with the V8 Challenge Cup which runs on the V8ST programme.
Suzuki dealer principal and Suzuki Swift Cup series creator Paul Burborough, who was also a guest on the same radio show, confirmed the one-make series will run a Championship alongside the V8ST next year.
However MotorsportNZ says that it “delcared” its own Championship at the same time saying that if there are any team owners or drivers out there who want to run for an NZ Championship then there is one available.
In other words there is the provision, albeit an unlikely one, for two Suzuki Championships to take place next year.
cmon you guys,for the sake of our chosen sport,sort your shit out and get on with the show,no one knows where anyone is at.
I don’t see a problem, Paul, what’s wrong with having two different v8 championships? The more variety the better in my book! By the time both series get sorted with Toyota, Nissan, etc., etc. getting involved, it’ll be great! The only thing that gets me is the fact that some teams are bringing in overseas drivers to race NZ cars in NZ races for NZ championships! Give our local guys preference, I say! Btw I don’t have a problem with Steven Richards, Greg Murphy, Craig Baird, Coulthardt, Johny Reid.
PK.