New Audi, same ethos

long- term goal is to represent New Zealand motorsport on the Australian stage through that country’s growing GT scene. However the team couldn’t commit to racing in the category at this early stage.

“I would love to have a racing car in the Australian GT Championship. But it all boils down to money,” said Evans.

“Australia has lots and lots of wealth, and we just don't have that in New Zealand. I'd love to go and do it, but I can't write cheques — that's not me. [ But it] might lead on to people being involved that could open the doors for sponsorship for the AGT.”

It isn’t the first time that a group of New Zealanders have taken on premier Australian motorsport, with Team Kiwi Racing and more recently Super Black Racing both fighting in the Supercars Championship. But Owen Evans has different ideas for Smeg Racing’s future.

He said TKR and SBR waved the flag for New Zealand, “but they had different dreams”.

“Whilst I applaud what they did, they didn’t attack it in the way that I want to attack it. I like the idea of the A1GP team — we were very successful in that.

“I think that’s the difference in what I’m aiming for.

“We’re just following in the footsteps of what’s happening around the rest of the world. Blancpain series, LMP1, LMP2, LMP3, and GT3; it's a big thing around the world, and it opens so many doors.”

The new Audi’s debut performance at the New Zealand Endurance Championship finale takes place in three weeks at Mike Pero Motorsport Park, with the three- round Eneos North Island Endurance Series in May.