PITHER JOINS BNT V8s CHAMPIONSHIP AT TIMARU

Internationally experienced kiwi racing star, Chris Pither of Palmerston North, will make his first ever appearance in the BNT V8s Championship at Timaru International Motor Raceway this weekend.

The twenty-two year old will drive an Autotek prepared Ford Falcon supported by New Balance, Powerbuilt, Murphy Buses, Design Autotek and Sonata Lounge Suites.

Pither has been successful in a wide range of machinery since he made his motorsport debut as a youngster. After several seasons in New Zealand his career took him to Australia where he has raced with success in the Australian V8 Ute Series, the V8 Development Series and the V8 Supercar Championship. Last summer he returned home to contest the final round of the NZV8 Utes Series at Teretonga Park, finishing runner-up for the round with two wins from four races. That outing was a prelude to a full season in this years NZV8 Ute Series which Pither currently leads.

Pither has not raced at Timaru for several years although he does rate the tight, twisty 2.4 kilometre track as his favourite New Zealand circuit. However he admits he is "in at the deep end" this weekend. "I tested an NZV8 car several years ago but have never raced one." Pither did manage 10 laps in the rain and 4 or 5 in the dry at Powerbuilt Tools Raceway in Christchurch yesterday. "I wasn't sure what it would be like but it was surprisingly good. I've got nothing to compare it to but it fell in between the V8 Ute and a V8 Supercar. This weekend at Timaru I just want to be consistent and stay out of trouble."

Autotek boss Peter Cunliffe says the drive in the Falcon was about "giving a young fellow an opportunity." Cunliffe worked with Pither across the Tasman at Team Kiwi when the young New Zealander had several drives with the team. "We'll just see where he fits this weekend," said Cunliffe. "His laps at Powerbuilt Tools Raceway were just a familiarisation, letting him get the feel of the pedals and gearbox and so on."

Pither and the other BNT V8s Championship drivers will participate in two test sessions at the Timaru circuit on Saturday before the all important qualifying process begins at 3.55pm.

On Sunday Pither will be in action in three races. The first over 12 laps commences at 10.05am, the second also of 12 laps duration is timed to start at 1.00pm while the final race, a reverse grid event over 22 laps, is scheduled for 4.20pm.