Interest high for new race series

Interest is high in the new Link STC Race Series which will make its debut throughout the South Island this summer beginning at Levels in Timaru on 16 October.

Already sixteen competitors have registered their intention to contest the inaugural series with many more indicating their interest. Those intending to race in the series come from a variety of backgrounds with a wide array of machinery, one of the main aims of the series. It is an exciting line up too with Craig Gilbert of Timaru in his Chev Camaro plus Neville Stowell in his potent Nissan Skyline GTR with Raymond Hart, Nick Smart and Murray Beeby in similar cars. Sharon Wood will line up in a new Subaru WRX while Kirk McLaren and 2010 Ashburton Street Sprint winner James Marshall will compete in Mazda RX7s. A host of Mitsubishi EVOs will appear in the hands of current Pro 7 champion Jarrod Parmenter, former National Junior Clubsport Champion Tim Cook plus Glen Hodgson, Todd Mudie and Phil Hood. Add in Noel Parish in a Nissan 300ZX, Donn McLaren in a Mazda MX5, plus Ryan Austin in a Toyota Corolla and in a short time the series already has a solid foundation.

The Link STC Series has now also confirmed the calendar for its five round inaugural season. It will debut at the Timaru International Motor Raceway over the weekend of 16/17 October with the second round to follow at Teretonga Park in Invercargill over the weekend of 5/6 December. Round 3 takes place at Powerbuilt Tools Raceway at Ruapuna in Christchurch on 5 March 2011 before the final two rounds at Teretonga Park (19/20 March) and Timaru (26/27 March).

The support of Link Engine Management will ensure good prizemoney for series participants. First overall in the series will receive $1500, second overall $1000 and third $500. There will be four classes (STC-A, STC-B, STC-C and STC-D) and the top three placegetters in each class for the series will receive $500, $250 and $100 respectively.

The series has also secured some TV coverage and details of what form this will take will be released soon.

The new category caters for cars of steel monocoque construction that have been modified for improved performance. The rules allow a reasonable freedom of modification and are free from such restrictions as boost limits, minimum weights or having to run a specific control tyre. STC is aimed at the widest possible variety of cars and permits a level of modification that will make fields very appealing to spectators. A range of engine swaps are permitted, catering for many cars that are not eligible for other classes despite transplants that are common and easily carried out. Body shell modifications are free enough to allow what is commonly done without the restrictions of other classes but without being as radical as some of the heavily modified categories. Slick tyres or any road tyres are permitted but the rim widths are limited to a 10 inch width which will prohibit the more expensive, wider rubber. The type of slick is limited to commonly available Dunlops, Kumhos and others at the lower end of the price range.

Information on the series for prospective competitors is available on the series website - www.supertouringcar.co.nz or visit - www.linkecu.com and then follow the link to the Link STC Race Series or phone Donna Cooper on 021 103 7016.