The star-strewn BNT V8 SuperTourers series shares top billing with the Toyota Racing Series for the first time in New Zealand motorsport history at Highlands Motorsport Park’s second race meeting scheduled for 25 and 26 January.

“Having the hugely popular V8 SuperTourers drivers and their teams here at Highlands with the support of Downer New Zealand is going to be fantastic, because every single race of this series is red hot from the get-go,” says Mike Sentch, general manager of the world-class motorsport facility.

“We can’t wait to see them strive to master the complexities of the 4.1-kilometre Highlands circuit as they race this far south for the first time. Just how much of an advantage will it be for Greg Murphy, Craig Baird, John McIntyre, Angus Fogg, Daniel Gaunt and Simon Evans to have raced on the circuit at our opening meeting, the Highlands 101, last November? And then there’s Andrew Waite, who’s a regular feature at Highlands as a driving instructor – he’ll be bringing a heap of on-track experience to his race role with Tasman Motorsports Group.”

Sentch is also looking forward to seeing the premier wings and slicks field on track. “Add the Toyota Racing Series to the mix and the shared top billing with the V8 SuperTourers creates another first for New Zealand motorsport and for Highlands Motorsport Park.

“We’re delighted to see that as New Zealand’s premier motor racing championship celebrates its tenth anniversary, they’ll bring a record 19-strong international contingent from 13 countries and four young Kiwis to create the 23-car grid for their first-ever event at Highlands circuit.”

The Toyota Racing Series entries include Brazilian Pedro Piquet, 15, the youngest son of three times Formula One World Champion Nelson Piquet, who joins the 2013 TRS championship-winning team M2 Competition. The teenager will be accompanied to New Zealand by his father, who expects to attend all five rounds.

“Completing the race card for an action-packed weekend of top-class motor racing at Highlands are the UDC V8 Utes and Autosure Central Muscle Cars, both very popular categories sure to deliver brilliant action over the two days of racing.”

Sentch adds: “We’re continually evolving various aspects of the Highlands Motorsport Park and recently created a new spectator viewing area dubbed the Silver Fern Berm along the back straight near the ‘bus stop’ corner sequence. Providing great views across the circuit and down into the pits, the new spectator area is fully-fenced, has food stalls and a bar area. Access is via Cemetery Road and spectators need to be able to walk some distance alongside the circuit to reach this area where they are able to erect gazebos and sun umbrellas.

“We’re also proud to have the support of Downer New Zealand for this event. Not only have they done a fantastic job with the special polymer/asphalt race circuit mix they supplied to seal the track, like us they are committed to ensuring Highlands is a world-class facility, both on track and for fans of motorsport. We’re delighted to have them as part of the team.”

The two-day event gets underway at 9am each day with a free pit walk and driver autograph signing sessions. Each of the four categories has three races over the weekend and the Highlands team again promises a spectacular array of lunchtime entertainment.

“With a record crowd at November’s three-day Highlands 101 event, we’re looking forward to seeing thousands more motorsport fans make most of the opportunity to enjoy top-class racing as Highlands joins New Zealand’s traditional summer motor racing season,” says Sentch.

Programmes can be purchased on-site for $10.00 with free FM radio broadcasting expert commentary.

Tickets are now available from the Highlands Motorsport Park office (EFTPOS and credit card only) or online from www.ticketdirect.co.nz. Children under 16 years of age are free when accompanied by a paying adult.

Fans can keep up with news and events from Highlands Motorsport Park by signing up for free e-newsletters via the website, www.highlands.co.nz, or following Highlands on Facebook and Twitter.