A host of New Zealand motorsport stars are set to go head to head at this weekend’s Valvoline Superstock Charity Invitational at Paradise Valley Speedway in Rotorua.
Drivers like three-time 24 Hours of Le Mans winner Brendon Hartley, four-time Bathurst 1000 winner Greg Murphy, and world renown drifter Mad Mike Whiddett will each take part in the Garage 16 Celebrity Challenge for two days of dirt track racing.
Also joining the driver lineup is Andre Heimgartner, Richie Stanaway, Chris van der Drift, Darren Kelly, Fanga Dan, Simon Evans, Avalon Biddle, and Lance Hughes.
The event marks a nostalgic return for each driver with many not having racing on dirt for a number of years.
They will each trade the cars they’re normally used to for 1500kg steel machines that have been designed specifically for full contact racing, which is sure to produce some great entertainment for fans.
“The last time I drove a Super Stock was at Huntly in 2005, so been a while,” said Murphy.
“Really looking forward to having another crack and getting out on the track with some mates from a bunch of other motorsport disciplines.”
It’ll be somewhat of a Supercars reunion with Murphy’s 2022 Bathurst teammate Stanaway and fellow Kiwi Heimgartner also set to compete.
“I can’t wait to take part in this event, paradise valley was my home track growing up & it’s been 15 years since I last raced there so it will be nice to return to the roots & for such a great cause,” said Stanaway.
Heimgartner added that he was excited to be supporting an event which will raise funds for charities like The Ronald McDonald House and Starship Children’s Hospital.
“It’s been ten years since I last raced on dirt, so I’m looking forward to the challenge and supporting a great charity,” he said.
Attendees will also be treated to the main competition including TWS Superstocks, PTS Superstocks, Saloons, Ministocks, and Stockcar Teams Racing.
A fireworks display is set to round out the weekend’s proceedings on the Saturday as well.
The Superstock Charity Invitational will get underway at Paradise Valley Speedway on Friday, 16 December from 7PM to 10:30PM and Saturday, 17 December from 6PM to 10:30PM.
If you can’t see it in person racing will be streamed live on The Pits TV. The cost to watch Friday night’s racing is $38 and Saturday’s is $43. Not bad for two full evenings of entertainment!
Coverage can be viewed for 72 hours following the beginning of the stream, only after the live show has finished.
Header Image: Graham Hughes | Sportsweb Photography
