Radisich And Murphy Do Battle In Auckland
25/2/2004 14:24 (Press Release) -
Paul Radisich and fellow Kiwi V8 driver Greg Murphy took part in a special challenge duel at Auckland's Viaduct Basin on Tuesday to launch the sole New Zealand round of the series at Pukekohe Park Raceway on 30 April and 1-2 May.
The king of Pukekohe, Greg Murphy believes he will be hard-pushed to make it four in a row at the PlaceMakers V8 Supercar Championship.
The new timing for the PlaceMakers-sponsored event will bring added competition according to Murphy, one of who is Radisich's Team Betta Electrical - Triple Eight Race Engineering Fords among the many challengers this year.
``It has to end some time. My run at Pukekohe has been unbelievable, but at some point it will end. I'm hoping it won't be this year though,'' Murphy said.
Murphy believes the new early-season date for the sole New Zealand round will not change things for him, although he is expected extra hot competition as all the teams vie for early-season points.
``We say each year that the competition is tougher, I know it sounds trite, but this year will be the toughest for sure.''
Murphy is picking Radisich as one of the big movers. His Triple Eight Race Engineering took over the Brisbane based team of Briggs Motorsport late last season and with a proven success in Europe, they are expected to become major players this season.
“They have won five British Touring Car titles with Vauxhall and were major opponents when I was based there,'' said Radisich, the two-time world touring car champion.
“The focus last year was all on this season, and it may take us some time to see the benefits on the race track, but I am very confident we will be a serious contender.''
Murphy said his Kmart Racing Team would use two of the six practice days before the season opener at the Australian Grant Prix early next month, followed by the opening round in Adelaide on 18-21 March.
Both drivers were critical of the further limitation to practice days from eight days last year to six this year. Both drivers said the New Zealand round of the series was one of the highlights of the season and they were looking forward to the May Day battle.
Murphy said Pukekohe was a favourite for him, after victories there over the last three years.
Release Date: 25/02/2004
Triple Eight Race Engineering
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