In preparation for the upcoming ITM Auckland SuperSprint, Supercars drivers Shane van Gisbergen, fellow Kiwi Chris Pither and defending Repco Bathurst 1000 Champion Lee Holdsworth were inducted into New Zealand’s national rugby team, the All Blacks.
While it was only for a day, the three drivers were given for a special tour of the All Blacks Experience at SkyCity, possibly picking up some pointers for the racing this weekend.
All three are rugby tragics and thanks to Auckland Unlimited were given a tour by All Black #902, Ian Jones. They were each gifted personalised All Blacks jerseys, each featuring their racing numbers; Van Gisbergen #97, Pither #22 and Holdsworth #10.
They got up-close with the Bledisloe Cup – which for Holdsworth was bittersweet considering Australia hasn’t lifted the famous cup since 2003.
The experience showcased to the drivers a complete All Blacks experience, from the first-hand excitement and emotion of game day to the full force of the haka from inside a crowded stadium on a four metre high screen.
The visit will be shown in full during the broadcast of this weekend’s event which will be live on Sky Sport in NZ from Friday to Sunday.
The trio will now turn their attention to this weekend’s final ever Supercars’ event at Pukekohe Park Raceway, which begins with practice on Friday.
If Van Gisbergen wins all three races on his home track this weekend, he will break countryman Scott McLaughlin’s season record of 18 race victories.
Van Gisbergen leads the Repco Supercars Championship by 500 points heading into this weekend with the Ford trio of Cam Waters, Will Davison and Anton De Pasquale in pursuit of the dual-title winner.
Limited tickets are still available for this weekend’s ITM Auckland SuperSprint and can be purchased here.
