Tickford reveals Pukekohe tribute livery

Tickford Racing and Thomas Randle will farewell Pukekohe with a Kiwi-themed livery.

Randle will feature a tweaked livery for the second time in as many rounds.

The #55 Castrol Racing Mustang will carry the silver fern at this weekend’s ITM Auckland SuperSprint.

The silver fern has been added to the sides of the Castrol Mustang, as has the message 'ngā mihi, Pukekohe’.

The Te Reo Māori phrase, which means 'thank you, Pukekohe’, is in tribute to Pukekohe.

It was announced earlier this year that Pukekohe Park Raceway will cease motorsport activities in April 2023.

The red trimmings of the Castrol livery have also been made black.

Pukekohe first opened in 1963; the name itself is an abbreviated Te Reo phrase.

It translates to 'hill of the kohekohe’, which is a tree native to the region.

Randle will carry the livery for his Supercars New Zealand debut.

He has never raced at Pukekohe, but recently tested a Toyota 86 at the historic circuit.

The 2020 Super2 champion won the highly-competitive Castrol Toyota Racing Series five years ago.

With the title, Randle joined likes of Lando Norris, Lance Stroll and Nick Cassidy.

Randle, who raced in the top 10 at Sandown, was keen to pay tribute to the departing venue.

“I’m certainly excited to head to New Zealand and hit the track in the new-look Castrol Racing Ford Mustang,” Randle said.

“Pukekohe has such a rich history of motorsport from over the years, and while it’s sad that this will be our final race there I’m thrilled to get to race a Supercar there, especially with this awesome livery aboard the Castrol Racing Mustang.

"It’s a great tribute to New Zealand motorsport, the country is just mad for motor racing and the Supercars race is always packed there, so I’m really looking forward to being a part of it.

"I’ve never actually raced at Pukekohe before, but I have some great memories in New Zealand from winning the Castrol Toyota Racing Series back in 2017,

“Hopefully we can replicate that success when we head across the ditch."

Jan Willink, Brand & Product Marketing Manager of Castrol ANZ, was delighted to help farewell Pukekohe.

"Motorsport is in Castrol’s DNA, so we also felt it was important to pay tribute to the heritage of Pukekohe and the memories it has provided so many over nearly 60 years,” Willink said.

"As we all know, Kiwi race fans are extraordinarily passionate about their motorsport, we think the local crowd will love the new look on the green machine.

“We hope they’ll back Thomas and the Castrol Racing crew throughout the weekend’s racing."

Cars will hit the track on Friday. Purchase your ITM Auckland SuperSprint tickets now.