Man of the moment Fabian Coulthard has set himself the ITM 400 Auckland next month to show his native country what he has got.
Coulthard dominated the MSS Security Challenge at the Rolex Australian Grand Prix, and along with fellow Kiwis Shane Van Gisbergen and Scott McLaughlin were the talk of the town in Melbourne.
Coulthard won two of the four races, Van Gisbergen race two and McLaughlin race four, completely shutting out the more favoured Australians at their home track.
“It’s awesome. We have all had pretty much a dream run,” Coulthard said today reflecting on his fantastic weekend.
“It’s good for New Zealand. New Zealand needs to get behind us. We should be pretty happy with the quality of Kiwis we have in the field. It’s time to fly the flag.
“I wish it was team racing because the Kiwi team is pretty strong. We are not far away from Pukekohe and the Kiwi people have got three great drivers to support.”
McLaughlin admits the result was beyond the team’s and his own expectations.
“It’s a pretty surreal to get my first race win so early but I’ve worked hard and so have all the boys. They deserve it completely,” said McLaughlin.
“I definitely didn’t expect it but I had a great car and everything’s working really well and I’m comfortable with everything at the moment.”
Coulthard said the completely transformed Pukekohe track would make it one of the most exciting circuits in the world.
“I’ve done plenty of laps on three-quarters of it, not just the new bit. From what I have seen it’s awesome. It’s going to create more passing opportunities and be safer with the approach speed not so fast. It’s going to be great.”
The works include improving and replacing safety barriers, debris fencing and curbing, some resurfacing, major alterations to the pit area, new pit garages, control buildings and addition of two new corners on the back straight.
After two months of demolition, earthworks and infrastructure improvements, construction is now at its’ peak with the new pits and control buildings almost complete. The buildings rest on a new massive concrete pad area constructed after the removal of 9000cm of soil.
The new pit complex houses 32 pit garages as well as providing a significant service area behind the pits, while the pit lane has been re-aligned and drainage and storm water improved.
The new curbing and widening of some parts of the circuit is almost complete which will provide for cleaner and safer racing while the two new turns on the back straight have now been sealed.
Along with the track changes with a dramatically improved layout, there are refurbished spectator facilities including new viewing grandstands and premium viewing areas.
Tickets are on sale for the ITM 400 V8 Supercars at Pukekohe Park Raceway on 12-14 April. Tickets for the event are on sale from Ticketek or as little as NZ$30, with three-day general admission for NZ$110 and three-day grandstands from NZ$145. Kids 12 years and under are free for general admission with a ticket bearing adult.
