Motorsport: Hometown heroics would be perfect gift

Team Kiwi boss David John celebrates his birthday tomorrow and his dream present would be victory for Paul Radisich in the opening V8 Supercar race.

Pukekohe is the perfect venue, with the sponsors and supporters of the one-car team cheering on the black Holden that has taken on the Aussies in a competition that is Ocker to the core.

The burly John is something of a contradiction. Born and raised in Adelaide, he conceived, founded and has run from the start an operation designed to fly the New Zealand flag and encourage Kiwi talent.

It was in July 2000 that he unveiled the project in a bleak Penrose workshop, which served as the team base under the direction of Martin Collins.

By October that year Jason Richards and Angus Fogg were on the grid in a Team Kiwi car at the famous Bathurst 1000. Neither had raced a Supercar before and there were plenty of glitches along the way, but they finished 16th in a field of 42.

Next season Team Kiwi were in the championship. Since then Richards and Simon Wills have managed 11th place at Bathurst, Craig Baird put the car on pole at Winton and now Paul Radisich has shown that top-10s are no fluke.

As the team take to the track at Pukekohe today, it is a very much more confident operation.

John has sold 25 per cent to Tauranga businessman Bernie Gillon, whose Jennian Homes is a major sponsor.

Before the season started, Team Kiwi entered into a technical partnership with Paul Morris Motorsport, allowing them to share development data and the services of a new engine builder.

Radisich, twice a World Cup touring car champion, signed up as driver and he has been provided with a brand-new VZ Commodore. He has already shown that he can run round the front of the field.

"There's renewed enthusiasm in the team," said John yesterday. "Bernie's addition has strengthened our financial position and also given us renewed confidence.

"I think Paul has been rejuvenated and we can only profit from his experience and commitment."

At a black-tie dinner and fundraising auction this week, supporters celebrated the past and looked forward to the future. The driving suit Richards wore for that first Bathurst went for $2200, and the vote of confidence came in the $5600 paid to have an advertising logo on Radisich's suit for the rest of this season.