KIWI THUNDER

The 2018–19 season of drag racing is going to be a significant one, introducing the Kiwi Thunder Group One National Series — a joint series that will see the best in the country lining up side by side, with Group One competitors in Top Alcohol and Top Doorslammer battling it out for the top spot.

What’s significant about this, though, is that the Kiwi Thunder series will be held over four meetings between Masterton Motorplex and Meremere Dragway venues, having been developed by track promoters Gary Bogaart and Bob Wilton, with the sole objective of uniting all Group One racers, regardless of governing body. It’s a timely addition, with neither IHRA nor NZDRA running a local Group One points series this season.

“We believe that this series will benefit drag racing tremendously and will give the biggest show to the spectators that they have ever seen with these two classes”, says Wilton, who has over 25 years of experience in running drag racing events. “Both venues are superb, and will provide the best available traction for New Zealand’s quickest and fastest Group One racers, as well as providing the best amenities for our spectators.”

The first Kiwi Thunder Group One National Series event will take place at Meremere Dragway on 12 January 2019, sharing the stage with the Wellington Invasion meeting.

Though this will be a one-day meeting, all subsequent dates will be two-day meetings. You can find more information at dragway.co.nz or mastertonmotorplex.co.nz. KIWI THUNDER GROUP ONE NATIONAL SERIES 12 JANUARY — Meremere Dragway 16–17 FEBRUARY — Masterton Motorplex 9–10 MARCH — Meremere Dragway 23–24 MARCH — Masterton Motorplex