Motorsport: Evans dominates opening NZ Touring Cars round

Simon Evans leads the NZ Touring Cars field at Pukekohe. Photo / Supplied

Simon Evans and his Smeg Racing Holden have claimed round win at the opening round of the BNT NZ Touring Cars this weekend at Pukekohe.

Claiming victory in the opening race on Saturday, Evans followed it up with two further victories in the races held today.

Tom Alexander, also in a Holden claimed second for the weekend, with Hamilton's Lance Hughes finishing third in his Holden.

Cambridge driver Nick Ross had a hectic weekend, with two DNF's on Sunday with his Nissan Altima plagued by mechanical dramas, and was disappointed following his strong performance on Saturday which saw him claim second place in race one.

For Evans however, it was three from three, despite being challenged in the last race by a hard charging Sam Barry in his Toyota Camry.

"That's a great way to start the championship," says Evans.

"It was good to be pushed by Nick Ross yesterday, and Sam Barry was pushing me hard in that last race today. I feel they will get stronger as the season gets going. Nick will sort out his mechanical issues and will be back on us at the next round, and I know Sam will get faster too once he learns more about the Camry."

"I think it's going to be an exciting season."

Liam McDonald of Invercargill took out the round in Class Two of the championship, from Steve Taylor and Brad Lathrope.

"Really great weekend for us to start off the Championship with. We didn't have a flash day on Saturday but managed to claw it back today with two race wins," says MacDonald.

"We struggled managing the rear tyres a little bit with the way we set the car up, so that was a bit tricky to manage, but we held on. I've never raced at Taupo, but am looking forward to heading there next month."

Round two of the BNT NZ Touring Cars will be held at Taupo, Dec 10-11.