Super new series is exciting Kiwi V8 drivers

Rotorua driver Ant Pedersen says it's all on for the first round of the new and funky V8 Super Tourers.

The seven round event got under way at Hampton Downs yesterday, with Pedersen and driving partner Jonny Reid testing their Ford Falcon to the limit. Both drive for New Zealand team International Motorsport.

Pedersen 23, has been driving for International Motorsport since 2006 and said it was a great opportunity to get involved in a new and exciting racing series.

"I'm very happy. Happy for me and for motor racing in general. It's raised the stakes having this new series here in New Zealand. We will be looking to give it everything this weekend."

Pedersen now based in Hamilton and working as an accountant said the team had previously competed in the Development Series [in Australia] but the huge investment required meant he could only do the three rounds plus the two endurance races.

"Now that we've got the V8 SuperTourers Series here it means I can do the full season on tracks I know in a car which in terms of characteristics and feel is very similar (to a V8 Supercar)."

The V8 SuperTourer Series is based round a purpose-built chassis and 410kW (550hp) 7 litre V8 engine with manufacturer support from Ford and Holden.

The cars are similar to the Australian V8 Supercar and a far cry - both in technology and lap time terms - from the production-based Ford Falcons and Holden Commodores that have been the mainstay of the local motor racing scene of the past 15 years.

There were 16 cars on the grid yesterday with as many as eight former New Zealand Grand Prix winners including Reid, Craig Baird, Greg Murphy, Andy Booth and Andy Knight in the starting lineup.

Pedersen told The Daily Post it was good to be working alongside his driving buddy Reid once again.

"We drove together in the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge championship. He's a good dude and like me he likes to drive quick." Racing continues today and tomorrow, with the next round on April 7 and 8 in Christchurch.