Trans Tasman Challenge 2008

Well, the weather had a good go at us at Taupo on  24-Feb, finally putting a stop to racing after 2 rounds of qualifying and 2 rounds of racing, at which stage the Kiwis were up 12-8. So it was up to Auckland the following weekend, for what should have been a classic showdown at the NZDRA Grand Finals, but in during the best summer New Zealand has had in 5 years,  the damn weather was even worse, with persistent rain on the Saturday, and Sunday morning dawned no better, which led to FramAutolite calling the meeting off by 7.30am.   This was a shame as the rain ceased shortly afterward, and by midday roads in the area were dry. Never mind, we cant change history.  What we can do is keep up the rivalry and comradery that exists between the two countries, over a barbeque and a few beers (ok ok, quite a few beers).  To this end, the tour was a resounding success, recycle bins have never filled up so fast!  Below are a few photos of "the tour". Not all are racing images, so for a change you can meet some of the faces behind the helmets. 

Taupo,  24 February 2008

Hold your mouse over each image to see image title..

So that was racing and Taupo.  Then, it was a week of hoping the weather would fine up and touring for the Aussies.  The touring was more successful than hoping for the weather.  So there was only one thing for it......party party party!

There was some cricket......and some drinking......and this was the only racing we did all weekend...

To Watch the TTC Shane Warne eat ya heart out Cricket Video, Check back here later to see if I've got it loaded

This shield was presented to the Aussie racers, crews and supporters, for coming (and putting up with all that bloody rain)!

Well folks, that's it for another year!  In spite of the weather and lack of drag racing, a great time was had by all. Kiwi - Aussie rivalry is alive and well, and waiting to contest another day. Officially, it was decided to call this year's challenge a draw, but leave the TTC shield (at left in above photo) in New Zealand, for the Kiwis to take to Oz when they next tour the Northern Territory. Keen to go? You should be, it is truckloads fun!

Last but not least, a huge thanks to  the following for their generous support, without which this year's challenge would not have got off the ground.....

Athol and Sharon Williams of

Ray Pratt of

Barry Sproule of

Steve & Lynda Zahorodny, and Tim Watkins of

and all TID staff who made the day happen

Trevor Fellows of

Mike Wittiveen of

Laurie Webster of