The popular New Zealand Crosscar title is taking shape for the new season. 11 Crosscars are set to take on the first round this weekend at the Waimate 50, gravel edition. Competing at Horsepower Hillclimb.
Over 8 months has passed since the final round of the inaugural championship, and already the new season hosts some new names and faces. A popular platform for all ages and skill level, the Crosscar fraternity has been growing over the winter break.
Back to defend his title from the inaugural New Zealand Crosscar Championship, Matt Penrose lines up once again. Him and (Father/Mechanic) Tom were hard to beat through the 2020/21 season.
Penrose commenting “At any event you just go as fast as you can, you don’t worry about others to much. If you think about it, then that’s where mistakes happen.”
Though Horsepower Hillclimb is a new event for the championship, the road is familiar to Penrose through his earlier time in rally cars.
“I’ve actually only done the gravel event at Waimate, never the street sprint. So really looking forward to getting back on the gravel hill climb.”
Amongst those competing is the New Zealand Open 2wd Rally Champion, Ari Pettigrew. Bringing his young talent to battle.
“Matt Penrose will definitely be the toughest competition, obviously he won the championship last year and Matt and (father) Tom actually helped me when I first started out in motorsport in grass karting. So, it will be a bit strange finally competing against him.”
Throughout the field, there are plenty of new names that are set to attend Horsepower Hillclimb and beyond.
Alongside Penrose, Sean Haggerty will also make the trip south from Christchurch to represent Canterbury. Joined by Blenheim’s Paul Bugler and brothers Scott and Tim Alexander.
Jeff and Ollie Ward from Wellington return for a second season of the championship. Now the proud distributors of the Crosscars in New Zealand. While young star Jackson Clendon travels south to make his Crosscar debut and Matt Hayward will make the trip from Tauranga swapping the keys for his impressive Subaru.
But it’s not just the drivers, as the 2021 calendar will feature some of New Zealand’s premier events.
Crosscar championship promoter, Hayden Paddon, is proud of the upcoming events. “Starting at Waimate 50, the series will be packed with premier events including the famous Coronet Peak Hillclimb, our very own Ben Nevis Station Golden 1200 Hillclimb and finishing in Pukekohe, a place synonymous with New Zealand rally fans.”
Horsepower Hillclimb will run over the 23 and 24th of October with 6 qualification runs counting towards championship points. Then a shootout to determine event results.
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