Taupo Events Go Off-road

Taupo is set to play host to yet another international event when the 2009 Asset Finance 1000 comes to town on September 11-13.

Considered the toughest off-road 4WD race in the Southern Hemisphere, the Asset Finance 1000 will take place in the forests east of Taupo with the pits based at Te Awa airstrip.

Over 50 teams will battle against each other during three days of exciting racing action with three teams travelling from as far as Australia.

One of the favourites is David Jameson who has competed in the humid jungles of Malaysia and throughout Australia and claims Taupo is one of his favourite tracks.

"It's a great track and my family loves being so close to the ski fields!" he said.

The race begins with a preview day on September 11 followed by two days of competition on September 12 and 13 when drivers will complete up to 500 km per day.

"This is an event Destination Lake Taupo has supported for five years - it adds another string to our bow as the events capital of New Zealand," said Warwick Hall, Manager of Event Marketing for Destination Lake Taupo.

"Off-road racing is a great sport for spectators - the organisers are offering a fantastic deal for people who pre-purchase tickets online - a weekend pass will cost $20 if purchased online prior to the event," continued Hall.

"September 12-13 will be a busy one in Taupo - we are also hosting the inaugural training camp for the BNZ Trainer Wheels programme, designed to help beginner riders participate in their first Wattyl Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge," said Hall.

Set in the massive production pine forests east of Taupo, the race track is based at an all-new pit complex on the forestry airstrip, and the roads used in the 53 km lap are significantly different from the course used for the previous race.

"The entry list thus far includes a high number of crews that are new to the sport of off-road racing," said event organiser Tony Saelman.

"The Taupo 1000 has always welcomed the four wheel drive and winch challenge drivers who love to get out in the forest - we are now seeing people come across from rallying to race in our event."

Local entrants include Lou Pilkington and Craig Halligan (Challenger/VW), Bruce Jaine and Ian Jensen (Challenger/VW) and Klem Christensen and Daniel Connor.