NZ names support V8 Supercars

Some of New Zealand’s and sport’s finest spent time at the V8 Supercars on the weekend, along with over 128,000 fans who supported the event.

Guest of Red Bull Racing Australia and Skipper of the Emirates New Zealand team in the America's Cup Dean Barker was at the track on Sunday, hoping to see Jamie Whincup take a win, though he was torn between supporting his Kiwi compatriots as well.

Barker, who is a self-confessed far of motorsport, had the opportunity to go for a hot lap with New Zealand favourite Greg Murphy around the Pukekohe circuit earlier and couldn’t be happier to be on the grid.

“It was amazing – I’ve always loved motor racing,” he said. 

“Not particularly good at it but to go for a run around here in a V8 was very cool…

“Obviously this season is very close and the Ford guys had a good one in the last one, but my heart’s with the Holden team!”

Amongst others who turned out was local band Titanium, who had the privilege of performing single ‘Come on Home’ on the grid and meeting popular local driver Scott McLaughlin.

While the Titanium boys had not been to a V8 Supercars event before, they were excited to be part of the proceedings – and particularly enjoyed the opportunity to go for a ride in the course car around the high-speed, 2.91km Pukekohe Park circuit.

They were excited to meet McLaughlin, who has made ‘jandal’ part of the vernacular over in Australia after his post-race comments at the Clipsal 500.

The boys agreed Andrew from the band had similar hair to McLaughlin – “sort of Bruno Mars-y?” he joked.

With a couple of the boys having attended stock car races and the NZV8s, they described V8 Supercars as the next level, and felt the significance of racing on ANZAC weekend.

Other special guests included Black Caps cricketer Mitchell McClenaghan, All Black and Rugby Union Legend Dan Carter, and Vodafone Warrior player Nathan Friend.

Craig Lowndes and Jamie Whincup actually had the opportunity to learn some tips from the Warriors in the lead-up to the event, before having Friend on their turf on Sunday.  

“It was just awesome to have a good run around and have a kick,” Whincup said of the experience.

“Lowndesy and I talk footy more than we talk about cars at the race track so it was great to meet the guys and have a kick around.”

Stay tuned to v8supercars.com.au to see more on special guests at race weekends, and make sure to always keep your eyes peeled in the paddock – you never know who you may spot!