By BOB PEARCE
New Zealand racing driver Paul Radisich is renowned for his fast starts. Now he's hoping his first child inherits that skill.
Radisich and wife Patricia expect the new arrival in Queensland close to the weekend of November 11, when he is due to drive at the Pukekohe round
of the Australian V8 Supercar championship.
"I'm sure it's going to be early," he said in Auckland yesterday. "Hopefully it will be between the Indycar meeting at Surfers and Pukekohe."
Driving at Pukekohe, in what will be the biggest motor-racing event in this country in years, means a lot to the 38-year-old Kiwi.
"For us international drivers it's great to be able to play in our own backyard after spending so much time competing overseas," he said. "This is the one opportunity to show the folks back home what we're capable of.
"And this is the best touring car racing in the world, better than the British series where I competed before."
Radisich and Kiwi rivals Greg Murphy and Jason Richards were in Auckland for the announcement of Boost Mobile, a partner of Telecom, as sponsor of the Pukekohe races.
Murphy, who drives a Holden for the Kmart team, reckons Ford might have some advantage in the straights on the 2.8km circuit, but Radisich, who drives for the Johnson Ford team, believes it's too close to call.
Both agree that the field of around 30 cars for three 100km races with compulsory pit stops will be very even, with any of the top 15 capable of victory.
Richards, from Auckland-based Team Kiwi, is expected to earn a guaranteed place in the field. His team-mate, Angus Fogg, should get one of the wild cards.
The promoters IMG have been impressed by the response in NZ.
They have sold 15,000 corporate places for the three days, more than they do for the long-established race at Bathurst. Public stand seats sold quickly and extra seating will be installed.
