Full Throttle

In the States it would be called going cuckoo for Coco Puffs. Whatever it’s called in New Zealand, they’re doing it.

Reportedly hotels in the tourist area where Taupo is located, are all booked to capacity for this weekends event and private homes were being rented out for between $250 a night and $1500 a night.

One of the most expensive spots, Solitaire Lodge, has been booked by someone who at this point remains a mystery. Rumors have pointed at either the King of Bahrain, Sheikh Hamad bin Isa al-Khalifah or rockstar Eric Clapton.

Whoever it is the bill will run a cool $13,000 (9,043.28 USD) a night for the four nights they booked.

Kiwi, and former Formula One Driver, Chris Amon declares the track ready after a recent upgrade. Take that for what’s it’s worth. His reputation for bad luck was such that fellow driver Mario Andretti once joked that “if he became an undertaker, people would stop dying”.

“The main overtaking opportunities are at the end of the (830m) main straight and (into) the new turn nine where the pits used to be,” Amon said. “[The corner] opens up the track and that could be the fastest part of the circuit, even faster than on the back straight.

“It will probably be fourth gear in A1 cars and they’ll do well over 200km/h there. Turn nine will separate the men from the boys.”

Chief executive of the international A1GP organization is also impressed with the reception given by the Kiwis.

“We’re truly humbled by this reception, [a reference to the traditional haka performed by the Tuwharetoa Maori- ed] and it’s a great honour and privilege to be welcomed in this way.

“We thank you for the respect you have bestowed on us, and only hope we can bestow the same respect as we learn more about your beautiful country and beautiful culture.

“I’m not sure which is richer, an event like this or the racing on Sunday.”

The locals hopes for the weekend ride on Black Beauty, A1 Team New Zealand’s entry, and #1 driver Jonny Reid.

Currently fifth overall in the standings after Reid doubled up with Sprint and Feature race wins at the previous round in Sentul, Indonesia.

Interestingly enough A1 Team Germany sits atop the standings after five rounds. New Zealand and Germany share the same engineering teams and as a result technical data is a common resource, putting both their drivers on an equal footing.

Tossed into that mix is “history” between the two.

Reid crashed out of the second round in the Czech Republic after tangling with Germany’s Nico Hulkenberg on the first corner. Two rounds later, he had to survive another clash with the German in Malaysia to finish third overall.

Will history repeat? Will another shunt occur or will it be another Reid double on his home turf?

It should make for an entertaining weekend.

Cross Posted @ Asian Motor Sports

A1 GP, Grand Prix of Nations, World Cup of Motorsport, Sports, Auto Racing, Motorsports, Full Throttle