Motorsport: One out of the box

The first serious test session for the new V8SuperTourer has passed without any dramas. Photo / Supplied

The first serious test session for the new V8SuperTourer has passed without any dramas, and there were a lot of big grins from both drivers involved.

Current and three-time NZV8 champion John McIntyre completed the most laps during a day-long shakedown test of the new V8 race car at Hampton Downs Motorsport Park last Friday, with two-time champion Andy Booth also enjoying a good stint behind the wheel.

In 92 laps on the 2.8km Hampton circuit, the prototype V8SuperTourer didn't miss a beat.

"We had absolutely no major issues with the car," says McIntyre. "This is one outstanding race car straight out of the box and we've had a really successful day."

The prototype V8SuperTourer has only just been completed and had been on a 15-lap low-speed outing at Hampton Downs the previous Tuesday.

McIntyre said that despite the wet conditions early in the test session, it took just a few laps for him to feel comfortable in the 7-litre V8-powered racer.

"Within three laps at the most I felt very confident in the car, confident enough to be reaching speeds of well over 200km/h, sliding the car and getting to grips with its handling."

Various suspension adjustments were trialled to ascertain the car's balance and handling on the demanding Hampton course.

"The chassis and handling is very responsive and able to be fine-tuned to suit conditions and the driver.

"There was a dry line right at the end - just a little damp in places - and our last lap was 1min 7.2sec, and there's definitely a lot more pace yet to come.

"From an engineering point of view, the car's power, robustness and ability to dial in to suit each driver will give competitors a lot of confidence in the car," says McIntyre.

Among those at the test session were the three main members of the working group behind the new series, Mark Petch, Garry Pedersen and Wayne Anderson.

Petch said they couldn't be happier with how the car performed straight out of the box. "We've hit the nail on the head," says McIntyre.

"To take an idea, see it evolve into a CAD drawing, see it constructed and now watch the finished car on the race track - it's amazing."

The V8SuperTourers inaugural seven-round race series at Hampton Downs is from February 17-19.