Fifteen cars competed at the 4.1km circuit, and for many of the drivers it was their first time ever racing at the highly technical track. However, talking to them over the weekend, they all raved how wonderful the track was and how good it was to drive such a challenging track.
Unfortunately for Mike Wallace, a routine engine swap between the Ruapuna and Highlands round didn’t go as planned for the team. Hoses and fittings between the two engines didn’t line up or fit and with such a tight turnaround time, and the team trying to get from Dunedin to Cromwell in time, Mike made the difficult decision to withdraw from the meeting.
Friday’s track action had two practice sessions ahead of their qualifying session in the afternoon. Current championship leader Andy Knight set the pace in both practice sessions, with Andrew Porter, Nick Ross, and Shane Holland all hot on his heels. Bruce Kett would miss the second practice session due to a crackedone second separated Knight and Ross, with Andrew Porter, Rhys Gould and Tristan Teki making up the top five. Championship contender Craig Boote started from seventh.
