Nelson’s John McIntyre, the current V8SuperTourer points leader, and Melbourne-based team-mate Stephen Richards are among the top ten qualifiers for the inaugural V8 SuperTourer endurance event in Taupo this weekend.

McIntyre, the V8 SuperTourers’ sprint champion, admits he’s definitely not happy with the qualifying speed shown by either of the two John McIntyre Racing Fords during Saturday’s two qualifying sessions.

“But we’re very confident about the cars in race trim as that’s what we focussed on today during the two 60-minute practice sessions,” says McIntyre, whose two-car team is the only one of the now 20-strong V8 SuperTourer field based at Ricoh Taupo Motorsport Park.

“A lot can happen during 400 kilometres of racing on a circuit like Taupo with 14 corners.”

McIntyre’s co-driver Jono Lester, the 22-year-old international endurance driver based in Auckland, qualified 16th in the co-driver session.

Meanwhile Richards’ co-driver, 18-year-old William Bamber, bought the #556 CRC Motornews.co.nz Ford through with the 12th quickest time. This means the former Suzuki Swift Cup champion from Wanganui was one of the quickest New Zealand-based drivers in the co-driver session which was filled with more experienced, international drivers.

The actual starting order will depend on which driver starts each race.

“Each driver must start one of the two races and the start order will be determined by their respective qualifying times. While I qualified eighth quickest in the lead driver session today, I may not start in eighth – it depends on the actual qualifying times of the drivers nominated to start my race.”

McIntyre says the team will work hard on their driver change and pit-stop processes overnight.

“Preparation and practice is vital in making the most of every opportunity to save a tenth of a second and even in a 60 lap, 200 kilometre endurance race, the final result can come down to the tiniest margin.

“We’re all really looking forward to racing tomorrow and it’s fair to say where we grid up isn’t where we expect to finish!”

Sunday’s schedule
• 9.30 am – hot lap rides
• 10.15 am – driver autograph signing session
• 11.25 am – race one 60 laps, 200 km
• 1.15 pm – refuel session and pit walk
• 1.45 pm – race two 60 laps, 200 km

“Remember, if you’re not at the track, you can follow the results online via www.v8st.co.nz or watch TV3 from 1 pm Sunday for four hours of coverage.”