Check back for video coverage of the race on nzherald.co.nz later this morning
KEY POINTS:
A Grand Prix racecar will take on a Boeing 777 in the ultimate quest for speed at Auckland Airport this morning - as long as the weather holds.
The A1GP car driven by New Zealand star Jonny Reid will race the Air New Zealand plane, controlled by the company's chief pilot, Dave Morgan, along parallel runways at 9.30am.
The race is to promote the arrival of 21 nations for the A1GP Taupo on January 20. New Zealand is currently third in the standings.
A1 Team NZL said it approached Auckland Airport about the promotion six months ago and Air New Zealand had joined after safety and environmental concerns were allayed.
Airport chief executive Don Huse said the airport never closed but for the first time in its 42-year history the schedule had been adjusted to squeeze in the race.
Mr Huse said the race was not a public event, but the racecar would be on display in a public carpark afterwards and driver and pilot would be on hand to meet fans.
Footage of the race would be posted online.
Captain Morgan said the jet would be light, with no passengers or freight and minimal fuel, and the big challenge would be keeping it on the ground long enough. He said the race would use less fuel than a test flight.
The participants are keeping a close eye on the weather. A trough bringing substantial rain is expected to close in on Auckland this morning and stay for the better part of two days.
- NZPA
* The pre-event picture above, supplied by the organisers, shows a Boeing 747 not a 777.
