bd 14/12/12

LIFTOUT

The Bay’s largest circulating, most read newspaper.63,430 copies

Friday 14 December 2012 Friday 14 December 2012Friday 14 December 2012

Serene SorentoSee page 4

Nitro ready to dra

g

��

The Weekend Sun Bay Driver Friday 14 December 2012 Friday 14 December 2012Friday 14 December 2012

No.1 The Strand, PO Box 240, Tauranga 3140 www.sunlive.co.nz phone 07 578 0030 fax 07 571 1116 email [email protected]

Bookings and enquiries contact Caro Leuschke 027 578 0035email: [email protected]

For editorial and news tips email: [email protected]

For Craig Mullan his love affair with drag racing began on dark roads out the back of Hastings in his two-door

Mark I Escort.

Craig, who is more often known by his nickname ‘Fingers’ which he earned from playing bass, goes quiet when I push him for details of exploits in his fi rst car, which he had at 16.

“Yeah, there was a bit of mischief. I don’t know if we can print any of that. You mean eight people in the car sliding around cor-ners?”

Craig quickly developed a taste for fun on the road, going on to get a ’60 Dodge Pioneer at 20, before his fi rst ‘offi cial’ racing car at 24 years old: a ‘66 Mustang convertible which he raced at Hasting’s Thunder Park from 1990.

“It was just like a fun day out more than a

competition, but that was where it all started. It had begun through car clubs and I got into hot rods, and the best and safest place to race was at the track.”

For Craig the excitement of racing side by side against an opponent and “pulling faces at them as you take off ” meant racing has always been about hot rods.

From the Mustang he went on to own a ’69 Plymouth Road Runner, before upgrading to a ’32 Austin Bantam Roadster – his fi rst seri-ous competition drag car which he brought in from the United States. The car was fi tted out with a Chevy 427 engine and a racing transmission.

Craig was runner-up in the point series in Meremere in his fi rst season in 2008-2009, before taking out the title the following year.

From back roads

Craig ‘Fingers’ Mullan and team member Dennis Whitley tune up the

‘Nitro Ape’ on Ian Metz’s dyno.

A Mark I Escort was Craig’s ‘Fingers’ Mullan’s fi rst car and a ’60 Dodge Pioneer was his fi rst

offi cial race car.

*Price shown excludes on road costs. Off er available until March 31, 2011.

ford.co.nz

For just $44,990* you could be driving a new Falcon XR6, complete with 6-speed transmission, 17” alloys and sports body kit. You wouldn’t want to miss out on that. Visit your Ford Dealer today.

$14,995WOW

$15,995WOW


The nostalgia drag racing fan and his partner Andi Whitley often head to the US to attend the big races of the season in Bakersfi eld, which they combine with buying classic Americana antiques and collectables such as Coke ice chests and pinball and game ball machines – which they bring back to sell.

During a visit in 2009 the pair met the owners of a similar Bantam with a distin-guished racing pedigree which they ended up buying.

They kept the car, Nitro Ape, in the US for racing until recently when they brought it back to New Zealand and began tuning it up for local conditions, in preparation for a series of races in Taupo after Christmas.

After covering the quarter mile drag strip in the US in a top speed of 8.68 seconds last year, Craig is aiming for a 7.5 second score in Taupo, in the car that has been drag racing since its track debut in 1962.

“It’s a reasonably famous car in the States – but it doesn’t make me drive it any differ-ently, I just drive it as hard as I can.”

Last weekend Craig tuned the car up with the help of fellow drag enthusiasts in Ian Metz’s workshop. Final tune-ups will be done in Taupo on December 28, with the help of friend and competitor Stormy Byrd, who will be competing in the nostalgia drags.

Stormy will be one of four Americans competing at the Taupo races in what Craig hopes will become an annual event.

“It’s the fi rst time any American cars have been over here to race since 1978. It’s going to be huge actually.”

At $1700 for a 200 litre drum, Craig is determined to make the nitro worth the expense. He believes it will cut a second off their time, boosting the top running speed of 150mph to 180mph.

For event details visit www.nzdra.co.nzBy Hamish Carter

...to nitro racing ...to nitro racing ...to nitro racing

Craig races the dragster in California.

TYRE WORKS has CRAZY PRICES!

$79

LIGHT TRUCK / VAN / TRAILER TYRESFROM AN AMAZING

$69CAR TYRES

FROM

Most tyres heavily reduced. But be quick they wont last!!!

$1594 x 4 TYRES

FROM an INCREDIBLE

235 70-16245 70-16


SPECS

SorentoSorento

Safety features or space? Smooth drive or power? Perhaps it is the fl ashy

entertainment system or the reversing camera that wins you over.

For me, with a family of six, any car that can comfortably accommodate an oversized family earns a rosey impression. And a rosey impression it was when I took off in the latest Kia Sorento, which has just arrived at Tauranga Motor Company.

Kia salesperson Craig Kite tells me the latest model shares the same seven-seat confi gura-tion as the previous model released in 2009.

While most people will rarely need to use all seven seats, Kia has realised offering the additional extra fold-out seating beneath the roomy rear gives a little

extra value for everyone, and a lot of extra value for bigger families. Looking around the car you can see they have applied a similar philosophy to various features, by adding value with lots of little extras exceeding the average driver’s requirements.

Compared to its slightly pricier cousin, Hyundai’s Santa Fe, that only weeks ago had impressed me with its varied features (including its seven-seat capacity), the Sorento competes well in all regards.

Pulling out from the Cameron Road yard, the Sorento R LTD 2.2 Diesel AWD Auto heads off with confi dence.

I am towed along in the slipstream, enjoy-ing the drive and following the road as it opens before me along the motorway, over the

harbour bridge to the Mount. This is driving pleasure at its best. Wheels solid on the ground, the Sorento is sure-footed, stable and safe.

Kia’s vehicle-stability management system comes standard, bundling stability control, traction control, ABS anti-lock brakes, electronic brake-force distribution, brake assist and hill-start assist control. Limited models also offer smart parking automatic parallel park systems.

Also standard are the handy rear parking sensors (front also included on limited options) which helps me manoeuvre safely into and out of those tricky spots, while a reversing

safety camera with a 130-degree wide angle lens helps take the guess work away.

SafetyIf safety is the hot button feature you crave,

the Sorento will impress you with its maxi-mum safety rating, thanks to generous use of airbags (driver and front passenger, front side, curtain airbags) along with active front head restraints and other assorted elements to make it an extremely safe family wagon.

Back behind the wheel, the car glides on. Heading up the Kaimais the Sorento has plenty of power to help you charge up the climb. The six-speed automatic transmission offers the option of clutch-free manual shift-ing for a sportier drive, when you really want to take control. The rest of the time the auto transmission provides smooth, seamless shift-ing with good fuel effi ciency.

Clever designDespite being a seven-seater, the car has not

sacrifi ced space for extra seating. Thanks to clever design adjustments, the latest model offers passengers in the second row another 30mm of leg room, while those in the back can stretch out another 9mm. Extensive stor-age cubby holes and cargo space ensure family buyers can take what they need – expanding from 258 litre capacity with all seats out to 1047 litres with the third row folded away and an expansive 2052 litres with both back rows down.

The car has all the wiz-bang gadgetry you would expect from a new SUV, with a touch-

screen entertainment centre incorporating radio, CD, MP3 player and voice-activated Bluetooth phone compatibility.

The display also becomes a screen for the rear-view camera. Auxilliary, USB and iPod docks allow you to play music straight from your device or recharge on the road, while an inbuilt hard drive allows you to save your favourite playlists.

A clever driver memory function allows you to set driver seat and mirrors in their ideal location for two different drivers, automati-cally springing into position at the touch of button.

Now that’s what I call adding value.Back down from my view over the Waikato,

I turn down a quiet rural gravel road to try the all- wheel drive mode – which the promo-tional material says offers added peace of mind no matter the road surface or the weather.

The car continues to feel fi rmly attached to the road even at speed, a challenge you can have with many SUVs when you leave tar seal. It is far from a full-blown off road trial, but suggests it’s more than just a good-looking shopping cart.

But I do know if I shelled out $63,490 for this model (or even $49,490 for the 2.4 Petrol AWD model) I would be limiting my real off-roading to well-worn paths and trails, rather than going bush.

Call me conservative, but I would not want to take the risk. With the Sorento avail-able in a mix of AWD and 2WD options, it might just be that the 2WD option is a better fi t for me. By Hamish Carter

Sorento – a l ve affair in the makingP

hotos by Caro L

euschke

Kia Sorento R LTD

2.2 Diesel AWD Auto

Engine: 2199 cc T

Airbags: Six

Max power: 145kW/3800rpm

Max torque: 436Nm/1800-2500

Fuel effi ciency: 7.3 litres/100 km

Price: $63,490


Ph. 07 578 1378 www.tmccars.co.nzCnr. Cameron Road & 3rd Ave TaurangaPh. 07 578 1378 www.tmccars.co.nzCnr. Cameron Road & 3rd Ave TaurangaTMC TAURANGA MOTOR COMPANY

Suzuki Dealer newspaper advertising#4660 0% Finance dealer pressYour newspaper can use this material, or if adaption is required, download the construction fi les from the Suzuki New Zealand dealer intranet.

140 x 262 mm

116 x 200 mm

000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000 000000000000000000000000000000000INTEREST INTEREST INTEREST INTEREST INTEREST INTEREST INTEREST INTEREST INTEREST INTEREST INTEREST INTEREST INTEREST INTEREST INTEREST INTEREST INTEREST INTEREST INTEREST INTEREST INTEREST FINANCEFINANCEFINANCEFINANCEFINANCEFINANCEFINANCEFINANCEFINANCEFINANCEFINANCEFINANCEFINANCEFINANCEFINANCEFINANCEFINANCEFINANCEFINANCEFINANCEFINANCE

INTEREST FINANCE

000000000000000000000%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% 000000000000000000000000000 INTEREST FINANCE%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%

⅓ DEPOSIT AND 2 YEARS TO PAYACROSS THE ENTIRE SUZUKI RANGE

⅓ DEPOSIT AND 2 YEARS TO PAY ACROSS THE ENTIRE SUZUKI RANGE

Right now you can buy any new Suzuki with 1/3 deposit and pay the remainder off over 24 months with no interest. Visit your Suzuki dealer or see the range at www.suzuki.co.nz today!

Right now you can buy any new Suzuki with 1/3 deposit and pay the remainder off over 24 months with no interest. Visit your

Suzuki dealer or see the range at www.suzuki.co.nz today!

Available from participating dealers until 31 December 2012 or while current stocks last. Excludes fl eet purchases and all other promotions. The 1/3 deposit is based on the RRP. A $375 documentation fee, $10 PPSR fee and normal lending and credit criteria apply.

Available from participating dealers until 31 December 2012 or while current stocks last. Excludes fl eet purchases and all other promotions. The 1/3 deposit is based on the RRP. A $375 documentation fee, $10 PPSR fee and normal lending and credit criteria apply.

AppraisedUsed Vehicles


MARQUE OF EXCELLENCE

FLEXIBLE ARRANGEMENT

Centred

Left Align




Right Align


FLEXIBLE ARRANGEMENT

Centred

Left Align




Right Align


Visitus.

116 Hewletts Road, Mount Maunganui, Tauranga City Tel: 07 578 6017 www.farmerautovillage.co.nz Follow us on Facebook

Visitus.


Visitus.

NZ NEWNZ NEW

NZ NEW

NZ NEW NZ NEW

NZ NEW NZ NEWWINNER

NZ NEW

NZ NEW


nznew

super saver nz

newsuper saver

super saver


Maunganui Road

Twee

d St

NEW

WOR

LD

SHELL

ShowroomHere

To the Mount

AUTOS

Central Parade Shops

super saver

super saver

super saver


The X240. The Great 4WD of China just got Greater. It’s packed with features including Alloy Wheels, Air Conditioning, Leather Trim, ABS, Blue Tooth,

Steering Wheel Controls and a Reversing Camera. And for a limited time we have reduced the price to $26,990 plus ORC. The Great Wall X240 just got Greater.

$26,990+ORC

w w w . g r e a t w a l l . c o . n z

The X240 4WD

OB1

457

Metallic paint an optional extra.NOW

FOR A LIMITED TIME!



$26,990+ORC


The X240 4WD

OB1

457


FOR A LIMITED TIME!

Great.Better than

Great.Better than Great.Better than



$26,990+ORC


The X240 4WD

OB1

457


FOR A LIMITED TIME!



$26,990+ORC


The X240 4WD

OB1

457


FOR A LIMITED TIME!


+GSTDrive Away$26,900

SBTSUPPLIED BY TOYOTA

SBTSUPPLIED BY TOYOTA

CHRISTMAS SPECIAL

NOW $119,995

$15 per day*FROM $18 per day*FROM

$30 per day*FROM$13 per day*FROM$14 per day*FROM$9 per day*FROM

$25 per day*FROM$30 per day*FROM

$18,995 $17,995

$39,995

$39,995

$32,995

$13 per day*FROM$14 per day*FROM

$18,995 $16,995


Visitus.


Visitus.


Demo

Demo

Demo

Demo

Demo

Demo

Demo

Demo

Visitus.

DemoDemoDemoDemo DemoDemoDemoDemo


116 Hewletts Road,Mt Maunganui, Tauranga CityTel: 07 578 6017 www.farmerautovillage.co.nz Follow us on Facebook

OPEN: Monday-Friday 8.00am-5.30pm Saturday 9.00am-5.00pm

116 Hewletts Road, Mount Maunganui. Tel: 07 578 6017 www.farmerautovillage.co.nz

Visitus.

116 Hewletts Road,Mt Maunganui, Tauranga CityTel: 07 578 6017 www.farmerautovillage.co.nz Follow us on Facebook

116 Hewletts Road,Mt Maunganui, Tauranga CityTel: 07 578 6017 www.farmerautovillage.co.nz Follow us on Facebook Follow us on Facebook

T H E C A R S AYS YO U ’ V E M A D E I T. T H E P R I C E S AYS , W I S ELY.

Chrysler is a registered trademark of Chrysler Group LLC

C H R Y S L E R 3 00 . D R I V E N B Y T H E D R I V E N .

The 2012 Chrysler 300 is a magnifi cent example of unwavering American determination.

· 210kw 3.6ltr V6 Pentastar or 176kw 3.0ltr V6 CRD· Over 65 safety and security features including colour

reverse camera · 8.4" full colour touch screen and connectivity system· World class craftsmanship, quality and design

From $57,990RRP + ORC.Book a well-deserved test drive today at chrysler.co.nz
































































The all new Dodge Journey. The 7-seater with style.The Dodge Journey has put an end to the seven-seat, family stereotype. From the designer interior, more powerful 3.6 Litre V6 Pentastar engine to the multi function touchscreen entertainment system it’s a whole new adventure in style. Test drive a Dodge Journey today, call 0800 NZ DODGE, text DODGE to 244* or visit dodge.co.nz

* texts cost 24 cents R/T Model pictured*+ ORC.$39,990*

RRp

Priced from

Call us today for a test driveGet summer sorted with a free Outback

Summer Roadie Pack valued at over $2,500*

*Offer based on retail price excluding on-road costs with no other offers included. Offer excludes lease, fleet, government & rental purchases. Summer Pack has a RRP value of $2,578.10 which includes accessories & fitment. Offer ends 23rd December 2012.

includes: • Travel Fridge • Roof Rack Kit • Cargo Tray • Rear Step Panel - Resin • Weather Shields • Front and Rear Mudflaps • Mat Set • Picnic Rug • Travel Flask

SuB

6342

/10/

2012

Outback Summer Roadie Pack

Get summer sorted with a free Outback Summer Roadie Pack valued at over $2,500*



SuB

6342

/10/

2012





SuB

6342

/10/

2012





SuB

6342

/10/

2012





SuB

6342

/10/

2012





SuB

6342

/10/

2012





SuB

6342

/10/

2012





SuB

6342

/10/

2012





SuB

6342

/10/

2012





SuB

6342

/10/

2012





SuB

6342

/10/

2012





SuB

6342

/10/

2012





SuB

6342

/10/

2012





SuB

6342

/10/

2012


Call us today for a test drive

• Weather Shields • Front and Rear Mudflaps

It’s official, the Subaru WRX is the epitome of performance. Rally-bred pedigree complimented by Subaru’s invisible advantages of All Wheel Drive, this is our most exhilarating car to date. Available in stylish hatch and sedan to suit your lifestyle. Only $45,990 + on road costs and accessories. Call us today for a test drive.











Call us today for a test drive




SuB

6342

/10/

2012










AppraisedUsed Vehicles

5 SPEED MANUAL


Automotive Trade Directory

From two wheels to four, former champion motocross rider Ben Thomasen is making his mark in motorsport once more

four years on since a major spinal injury forced him off the bike.

By Hamish Carter

Racing ahead in motorsport

On Saturday Ben was named Motorsport Bay of Plenty’s overall club champion and took out club champion titles in the 4WD speed and 4WD club class categories, along with winning the Maurice Washer Motors Challenge Cub as the club’s rally sprint champion for his success in the Mamaku Rally sprint. All club awards were based on the best 12 scores at the club’s monthly events.

Ben says after 15 years in motocross he was “a real adrenaline junkie” so was keen to get involved in motorsport again prompting him two years ago to buy a 2005 Subaru Impreza, complete with roll-cage for added safety.

His success follows on from fi rst places in

hill climb events in the fi rst round of the national series held in Gisborne two weeks ago. Ben hopes to follow this with up with wins when the series comes to the Bay of Plenty on January 19-20, before the fi nal national event is held in Westport.

Other class winners were: Shane Ward (under 1600cc class club champion); Shane Wright (1601-2000cc); JP Van Der Meys (2001-3500cc); Chris Hawkes (over 3500cc and V8 classes); Jenna Pitcon (overall ladies) and Mitch James (2WD speed).

Ben Thomasen.

bd 14/12/12

Documents

Transcript of bd 14/12/12