KEY POINTS:
Team Kiwi will be back on track in the V8 Supercar Series at the Oran Park round next month.
Team Kiwi Racing announced yesterday that they have finalised a technical partnership with Stone Brothers Racing after weeks of discussions with other teams and looking at other options.
Stone Brothers will provide technical support to Team Kiwi, as well as supply engines for the Ford, taking the number of V8 main-game cars using Stone Brothers engines to eight.
Team Kiwi Racing owner David John said he and his sponsors were excited about the future.
"We can't wait to get the TKR All Black machine back on the grid for our many fans, our sponsors and our team.
"Our focus has been to ensure we provide our sponsors and New Zealand public with the most competitive package we could for the Australian V8 Supercar Championship and that is part of the reason why we decided to go with the Stone Brothers Racing option ... They have been one of the best teams in V8 Supercars over the last few years and have an engineering reputation second to none.
"We must also thank all other teams who offered their support and put forward various options and opportunities to see Team Kiwi Racing back on the track."
John said TKR would be returning to its roots in continuing to provide young New Zealand drivers with the opportunity to step up to the main game in the highly competitive V8 Supercar Championship with the signing of Shane Van Gisbergen.
Van Gisbergen, 18, is a natural talent, having won the New Zealand Formula Ford Championship and numerous other New Zealand titles and honours.
"Shane has tested in a V8 Supercar on three previous occasions and has shown the ability to be fast and smooth at the same time," said John.
Van Gisbergen said: "This is a dream come true for me. I know I still have a lot to learn both on and off the race track but that is the challenge ahead for me and I look forward to repaying everyone who has shown faith in providing me with this opportunity."
He will have a rookie test day in the TKR All Black V8 Supercar before he heads to the Oran Park round of the Australian V8 Supercar Championship in Sydney on August 17-19.
