Paul Radisich to race in TCR NZ

Former world touring car champion Paul Radisich will contest this year’s winner-takes-all TCR New Zealand event at Highlands Motorsport Park.

Radisich will steer a Volkswagen Golf GTI prepared by M-Developments, joining a growing field of top Kiwi talent.

Earlier this year, Radisich reunited with his world cup-winning Ford Mondeo SuperTourer for a handful of rounds of the Historic Touring Car Series. This included claiming a win in the opening race of the weekend at the Mobil 1 Classic Speedfest in Teretonga.

However, it has been over twenty years since he last got behind the wheel of a 2.0-litre touring car.

“It has been two decades since I drove a two-litre car in anger,” Radisich said. “I am very excited about being involved in TCR and look forward to being part of a history-making event.

“TCR is a great class, and I want to see it happen. It is world-class, so any young driver leaving New Zealand has some great opportunities overseas.

“It is a cost-effective category, relatively cheap to buy and run for the performance they give and the type of racing that they produce.”

Radisich is no stranger to the Cromwell circuit, having raced there in a Ford Mustang during the Carter Tyres South Island Endurance Series. He says he is a big fan of the technical yet fast layout.

“It really is a drivers’ track. It has a little bit of everything and certainly has Tony Quinn’s name all over it.”

It means that the TCR NZ field now sits at four. Jaden Ransley and Gene Rollinson will drive two Hyundais, while Jordan Michels has been confirmed to race in a Honda.

Allied Petroleum has also been announced as the naming rights sponsor for the TCR New Zealand Championship.

HWR (owner of Allied Petroleum) CEO Scott O’Donnell said the sponsorship was a great fit for the petroleum and lubricant business.

“Allied Petroleum has been a major supporter of the NZ motorsport scene for several years. From providing fuels and lubricants to keep the cars racing around the track to fuelling the vehicles of spectators who support motorsport, we are there supporting through our brands Allied Petroleum and our authorised distributorship of Mobil oils.

“The TCR champs have a lot of synergies with our business, the interests of our customers and the passion of our staff. Our sponsorship will allow some of NZ’s best drivers to compete in an international formula and is a great opportunity for the younger drivers coming through, to measure themselves against some of NZ’s best.”

The winner-takes-all meeting will see three races over 23-24 April.