Motorsport: Holden and Ford rivals join to help Team Kiwi racing

Traditional rivals Ford and Holden are joining forces to help the plight of Team Kiwi Racing.

TKR, who had their car destroyed in a high speed accident at Bathurst, which left driver Paul Radisich with season-ending injuries, launched a public appeal to avoid closing the doors on the only New Zealand-based team in the V8 Supercar Championship.

The appeal had reached $100,000 so far, which was humbling, TKR team principal David John said today.

"We've got a long way to go but hope Kiwi race fans will support us so we can continue to provide opportunities for Kiwi drivers for many years ahead."

The Holden Commodore had been sold for $400,000 which was the down-payment towards their new Ford package with Prodrive for next season.

John said while all the funding and sponsorship was in place for the new 2007 deal, there were no funds left for the $400,000 shortfall due to be paid to Prodrive by December 1 as the team no longer had the car to sell.

John said he had been contacted by many Holden and Ford owners' clubs in New Zealand offering their assistance.

"They have put aside their obvious rivalries to recognise our need and support our fund-raising attempts around the country," John said today.

"They realise that ... if we can't make this work, then it is not only the end of the road for TKR but also for a New Zealand team in this championship probably for ever.

"It's been rewarding and has given our team some real boost to know they are getting so much support."

John said the team are hard at work to reach their target before the December 1 deadline.

"Right now we are preparing our lease car so we can get back racing and honour our obligations to the championship ... starting with the next round in Tasmania in less than three weeks time.

"And we are bringing our destroyed car back this week and we will take it on a fund-raising tour around the country to help boost our appeal."

- NZPA