THE PREBRIEF: ITM AUCKLAND SUPERSPRINT

Penrite Racing ventures to the land of the long white cloud, New Zealand, for the ITM Auckland SuperSprint as Supercars bids farewell to the popular Pukekohe Park Raceway this weekend.

Event 10 of 13 on the 2022 calendar, drivers battle it out for the Jason Richards Trophy this weekend, in honour of the late great kiwi Supercars driver who lost his battle with cancer in 2011. 

The driver that accrues the most points across the 3 races is awarded the trophy.

David Reynolds won a race here in 2015, while Lee Holdsworth was controversially robbed of his place on the top step of the podium last time the series visited New Zealand after the Safety Car picked up the wrong lead car.

The team will fight to stay inside the top 5 in the team’s standings, with Erebus nipping at our heels.

Holdsworth met with the world famous All Blacks rugby team earlier this week and let’s see if he picked up any skills to tackle a big weekend ahead after announcing his retirement. 

The Circuit: Based around the outside of a horse racing track, just like Sandown, this fast and bumpy layout oozes character and rewards drivers for their bravery.

With 11 corners and a top speed of 258km/h, the Pukekohe circuit will forever by stooped in Supercars history after the “Prince of Pukekohe” kiwi Supercars hero Greg Murphy, dominated the wins tally at the circuit after it was introduced in 2001. 

Race Format: SuperSprint – 3 races with 1 pit stop per race and  a qualying session for each race.

The Weather: Temps ranging between 7-16 and a 50% chance of rain from Friday to Sunday.

Race times (AEST): 

Friday: Practice 1 @ 12.40pm

Saturday: Practice 2 @ 9.35am, Qualifying @ 12.00pm, Race 27 @ 2.40pm

Sunday: Race 28 @ 10.55am, Race 29 @ 2.10pm

Supercars Lap Record: Shane van Gisbergen 1:01.5480s (2019)

Watch: Every Session Live on Foxtel and Kayo

Championship positions: Reynolds 7th, Holdsworth 14th.

Teams championship – 5th

Reynolds says: “Pukekohe is an awesome little circuit. I’m sad it’s the last time we’ll race here. It’s a bumpy and fast just like Sandown, and a bit old school as well with the track layout – long straights and fast corners with a couple of tight ones to book end it. I remember winning here in 2015

“It’s awesome to be back racing in New Zealand, I have some very fond memories from racing over here in Porsche’s early in my career. They love their racing and there’s plenty of cool spots to visit as well while we’re in town. 

“We want a nice solid haul of points and maybe even a podium before we go to Bathurst next up.”

Holdsworth says: “Pukekohe has been a great venue for Supercars and has always produced good racing. I remember Murph (Greg Murphy) dominating here back in the day. It’s always been an exciting track for spectators. 

“The last corner requires some serious balls to be quick. I like that because the drivers willing to risk the most can be rewarded.

“I can imagine the kiwi crowd will come alive this weekend for one last time. I’m looking forward to getting stuck into it and seeing what we can achieve. 

“After announcing my retirement, it would be fantastic to send off the final few races of my full time career with some handy results. ”