M Developments have entered two cars in the Super Production round at Highlands Motorsport Park next month.
Helicopter pilot Mike Hall will steer a two-litre, front-wheel-drive VW Golf Cup car.
The meeting will be Hall’s first official competition in a race car.
“Getting out in a race car has been a big learning curve and I have really enjoyed getting to grips with what is an exciting NZ sport,” Hall said.
Meanwhile, FIA Group N 2WD New Zealand Rally Champion, Mike Sheehan, will drive his Cupra TCR machine.
The car has raced in blue riband TCR endurance events such as the Barcelona 24 Hour and Spa 12 Hour race and competed in the 2019 South Island Endurance Series with Ron Mackersy and Warren Good.
While rallying remains Sheehan’s calling, he is excited to take on the challenges of changing disciplines.
“Who knew such a car could have so much grip,” Sheehan said. “The differences between rallying and circuit racing are vast, and I have a great deal to learn, but the challenge of ‘swapping codes’ for a few years excites me.
“Working with the experienced and friendly team at M Developments is just the cream on top.
“I cannot wait to experience the rush of traffic and close door-to-door battling.”
The newly launched Super Production series will race on the same grid with TCR New Zealand across three races at the Cromwell circuit.
The class is designed to include high-performance factory-built production race cars. These include Ferrari Challenge and Porsche 911 Cup cars and various GT4 and pre-2007 GT3 cars.
The winning driver will be awarded the New Zealand Production Racing Championship title, which was initially discontinued back in 2011.
M Developments will also be fielding Paul Radisich in their Volkswagen Golf GTI for the inaugural TCR series.
The winner-takes-all event will be held on April 23-24.