Bay Driver 14 March 2014

See page 4

Brought to you by

Friday 14 March 2014 Friday 14 March 2014Friday 14 March 2014

Solid class and flairColorado LTZ

DON’TSETTLEFOR ANYTHING

LESSSTOCK

ARRIVING

umg.co.nz

The Weekend Sun Bay DriverPage 2 Friday 14 March 2014 Friday 14 March 2014Friday 14 March 2014

Weekend Wheels

Bay of Plenty March 15: Stock car special: ASB Baypark SpeedwayAn exciting night of entertainment and action is promised at ASB Baypark with the Red Ant Design Sprint Car Gold Cup, the Bay’s super saloon championships and demolition derby titles up for grabs. Details: www.asbbaypark.co.nz/speedwayMarch 23: Rotorua motorsport: Ngongotaha hillclimbBay drivers can put their hillclimb skills to the test in the third round of Rotorua Car Club’s notorious Ngongotaha challenge. Details: www.mbop.org.nzMarch 26-30: American classic revival: Whangamata Beach HopRelive the classic American era at the week-long Beach Hop, with the fun starting on Wednesday with the warm-up party taking over Waihi’s main street. The fun continues in Whangamata with a packed calendar of events, culminating in car shows on Saturday and Sunday. Details: www.beachhop.co.nzMarch 29: Explosive speedway action: ASB Baypark SpeedwaySpeedway season continues in blazing glory with the Base Up Fireworks Extrava-ganza topping off what will be another exciting night of speedway action including the Bay super saloon champs and the super stock hit to pass event. Details: www.asbbaypark.co.nz/speedway

Beyond the BayMarch 15-16: Fram Autolite New Zealand Drag Nationals: MeremereQualifying on Saturday 11am-7pm, with racing on Sunday 10am-4pm. Details: www.framautolitedragway.co.nzMarch 15-16: Gisborne gravel racing: National hillclimb championship fi nalFour of the Bay’s rallying teams will battle the country’s best for honours in the Motorsport New Zealand Hillclimb Championships fi nal.March 22-23: Independent Race Class action: Hampton DownsA weekend of excitement with nail-biting racing across more than 10 classes on offer when round six of the IRC’s seven-round season comes to Hampton Downs. Cars from Minis to Mustangs, Datsuns to Mercedes and Porsches will compete. Details: www.irc.org.nz

are back!

M{ZD{ 2

FROM ONLY

$ 19995

+ORC

1

M{ZD{ CX-5

FROM ONLY

$39695 +O

RC2

M{ZD{ 6

FROM ONLY

$45495 +O

RC3

7 SEAT

M{ZD{ CX-9

FROM ONLY

$49990 +O

RC4

Terms & conditions: M-Deals offers valid for sales concluded between 1 January 2014 – 31 March 2014. 1 Recommended Selling Price for Mazda2 Classic with a manual transmission, includes GST but excludes on road costs (ORC). 2 Recommended Retail Price for a Mazda CX-5 GLX, includes GST but excludes on road costs (ORC). 3 Recommended Retail Price for a Mazda6 GLX Wagon Petrol, includes GST but excludes on road costs (ORC). 4 Recommended Selling Price for a Mazda CX-9 FWD, includes GST but excludes on road costs (ORC). 5 mazdacare Scheduled Servicing applies for passenger vehicles only and is valid for 3 years or 100,000km (whichever occurs first) from the date of first registration. Includes a 3 year Mazda Factory Warranty and Mazda On Call Roadside Assistance cover. Excludes all other offers and not available for fleet purchases.

Dealer details here Dealer details here Dealer details here Dealer details here Dealer details hereDealer details here Dealer details here Dealer details here Dealer details here Dealer details here

M{ZD{ 2

FROM ONLY

$ 19995

+ORC

1

M{ZD{ CX-5

FROM ONLY

$39695 +O

RC2

M{ZD{ 6

FROM ONLY

$45495 +O

RC3

7 SEAT

M{ZD{ CX-9

FROM ONLY

$49990 +O

RC4



M{ZD{ 2

FROM ONLY

$ 19995

+ORC

1

M{ZD{ CX-5

FROM ONLY

$39695 +O

RC2

M{ZD{ 6

FROM ONLY

$45495 +O

RC3

7 SEAT

M{ZD{ CX-9

FROM ONLY

$49990 +O

RC4



The Weekend Sun Bay Driver Page 3Friday 14 March 2014 Friday 14 March 2014Friday 14 March 2014

After an impressive start to the motocross season last year, Te Puke’s Logan Blackburn has been struggling

with poor starts and bike mishaps during the last month.

“It’s been pretty frustrating,” says Logan, 19, who is in third place in the New Zealand Moto-cross Championships 125cc grade with the fi nal round in Taupo only a week away.

Despite the latest bumps in the road – including a “shocker” performance at the second round in Tokoroa three weeks ago, where mechanical problems and a crash saw him drop from fi rst to third place overall in the series –

Logan’s determined to leave his troubles behind.“It’s just about more seat time,” he says, about

the extra effort he’s been putting into race starts after struggling to lead out of the gate.

“I’ve got the speed and have made up a lot of ground [when behind], but the big thing is getting off to a strong start – that’s what’s been holding me back,” says Logan.

“The frustrating thing is I used to holeshot [win the start] pretty much every race.”

After stalling at the start of Saturday’s second race to be last through the gate, Logan went on to

show his pace by clawing his way back to fi nish third. He also managed second place in his other two races, after get-ting through the gates in the top-fi ve bunch.

“It was okay, two seconds and a third but no fi rsts – and that’s what it’s all about,” says Logan, showing clear frustration he hadn’t made better improvements following the previous poor round in Tokoroa.

Logan did claw back the lead of second-placed Hadleigh Knight of Atiamuri by fi ve points, and is only 10 points behind. But Hamilton rival Josiah Natze continues to dominate the class, with an almost unassailable lead of 35 points.

“Hopefully, I can continue to make gains on Hadleigh and fi nish ahead of him,” says Logan, who essentially admits his shot at the top is out of his reach. “It’s not over yet but…” he pauses, not fi nishing the sentence.

After a consistently strong perfor-mance in the 2013 season, Logan had a frustrating fi nish to the national cham-pionships when he missed the 125cc class title by only one point. Hopes for a top season this year were boosted when he inched ahead of Hamilton rival Josiah to take the opening round in Timaru, but his grasp on the lead was quickly lost to the 15-year-old, who is racing his fi rst season in the class. Josiah’s dominance of the class contin-ued in Pukekohe where he won all three races.

Logan says his problems in Tokoroa had knocked his confi dence, but he is focussed on working on what he needs

to, including his starts, intensive fi tness work and training on his bike every second day. He also has weekly meet-ings with an advisor, where they go over any issues and work on strategies.

“The fi tness work is critical – you need to be at the top of your fi tness for all of your races –or you lose your edge.”

Beyond the national championships series Logan is looking forward to some down time, having decided to forego racing in Australia – where last winter he fi nished a respectable ninth in the highly competitive Monster Energy MX Nationals Under 19 division.

Instead, he’s taking time away from competition to have some old riding injuries fi xed – including breaking and resetting a leg that healed out of align-ment and removing a shoulder plate.

“A lot of my friends think it’s pretty crazy the injuries you get, but that’s just riding,” says Logan, who will be out of action from June to November.

But when he returns next season, the talented rider, who has been a sponsored professional since leaving Tauranga Boys’ College three years ago, plans to step up into the 250cc class.

“It gets pretty competitive in the 250cc class, so there will be lots to learn,” says Logan, who would also love to ride in the US or Europe in 250cc class in the next few years.

Meanwhile, Mount Maunganui rider and 2013 MX1 motocross champion Cody Cooper tightened his grip on the MX1 trophy by winning all three of his races and establishing a massive 37-point lead.

Aiming for a strong national finish

Te Puke’s Logan Blackburn battles for

points at Pukekohe last weekend.

Photo by Andy McGechan,

BikesportNZ.comBy Hamish Carter


SPECS

Imagination is a great thing. The instructions for Sideline Sid’s latest vehicle review were to go to Ebbett Holden on Cameron Rd to take a Colorado truck out for a road test. With visions of a workhorse, the reality was a heavy-hitting utility

vehicle with class and genuine fl air.

We received a real treat when the sales team at Ebbett Holden Tauranga gave us a Colorado Crew Cab LTZ 4x4 with loads of added extras to road test. The Colorado LTZ hit us between the eyes with its vivid Orange Rock colour, blacked out chrome, 20 inch alloy wheels and black checker-board deck cover – and did I mention the snorkel beside the driver’s door?

Make no mistake this is a serious vehicle that delivers a massive 500NM of torque and an unbeaten 3.5 tonne towing performance. There is enough grunt to take on any challenge – and when the going gets tough the TSC (Trailer Sway Control) HSA (Hill Start Assist) and DCS (Decent Control System)gets you home every time.

Throw any towing challenge you like at the Colorado LTZ 4x4 and it responds in spades. Whether it’s to pull a digger to a work site or take your big boat to the myriad of rugged of fi shing spots around the country, the Colorado LTZ answers the call of duty.

First impressions of the double-cab vehicle, with a huge deck, suggest it is perfect for a trip with mates to the bush or ocean

and ideal for a family with long distance travel aspirations.

The most critical cargo of the Colorado LTZ is the driver and passengers, with the Holden 4x4s engineered to help avoid trouble and sur-round you with strength.

The Colorado vehicles have a super tough body and frame constructed with high strength steel, with a safety cell giving maximum protection in the event of frontal or side colli-sion.

While today’s Holden vehicles come with all the usual bells and whistles of BringGo Navigation, Bluetooth streaming and smart-phone app integration, the Colorado 4x4s up the ante with some additional extras.

The Siri Eyes Free has voice command capabilities, which allow one to call people, select and play music and hear, and compose a text message, which is just like having a PA on-board with the driver.

The Pandora Internet Radio allows you to create your own personal station based on your favourite songs, artists or music types, with Pandora even suggesting new artists and songs based upon your personal preferences.

Tune-In Radio lets you connect worldwide with 70,000 live radio stations and two mil-lion on demand programmes.

However it is a number of simple features that really appealed to

the reviewer. Touch-screen radio tuning made changing stations on the go easy and simple, and the blue-light speedometer right in the middle of the dashboard

makes for no excuses in picking up a speeding ticket. Also having

the air-con at the touch of a button helps with stress-free driving.

With the Colorado 4x4s being high off the ground, the addition of a good old fashioned running

board makes getting into the driver’s hot seat particularly easy, even for old fellas like Sideline Sid.

Out on the open road, the Colorado LTZ had plenty of tow from the 2.8 diesel engine, with the six-speed automatic trans-mission responding to any challenge thrown its way. The Descent Control System gives a smooth and controlled hill descent when used off-road, while the Hill Start Assist holds the Colorado 4x4 stationary on steep hills before the brakes are released.

Around town, the rear view camera comes into its own when reversing into a tight parking space, in tandem with the rear park assist – which gives out with an audible warning when getting close to another vehi-cle or solid object.

The Colorado LTZ 4x4 auto has a recom-mended retail price of $61,990.

the Holden 4x4s engineered

and ideal for a family with long

to help avoid trouble and sur-

Heavy-hitter packs classy punch

Colorado Crew Cab

LTZ 4x4

Engine: double overhead cam 4-cylinder

Engine Capacity: 2776cc

Fuel: Diesel

Maximum Power: 147 @ 3600rpm

Maximum Torque: 500 @ 2000rpm

Transmission: 6-speed automatic

Brakes: front- disc, rear – drum brakes

Colorado LTZ 4x4 Auto (RRP) $61,990

Contact: Ebbett Holden (Tauranga)

Phone 07 578 2843.


MARQUE OF EXCELLENCE

FLEXIBLE ARRANGEMENT

Centred

Left Align




Right Align


FLEXIBLE ARRANGEMENT

Centred

Left Align




Right Align

TRAX LSAUTOfrom rsp$29,990 + on roads

CAPTIVA 5 LTPETROL AUTOfrom rsp$31,990 + on roads

COLORADO 4X2 LTCREWCAB AUTOfrom rsp$39,990 + on roads

THESE DEALS ARE AS GOOD AS THEY GET




When it comes to cars, Te Puke kiwifruit orchardist

Murray Toms likes to keep them simple under the hood.

“I can open the bonnet and know what’s going on, but I probably wouldn’t have a show to fi x any problems with the mod-erns. I think I’d have to call a mechanic,” says Murray, talking about the two ‘veteran’ era Dodge 4s he owns.

About 10 years ago Murray turned back the dial on motoring, buying his fi rst veteran-era car – a two-seater 1917 Dodge Roadster, beginning what has become a passion for the early era of driving.

“I already had a post-war vintage, a 1947 Chrysler; and I thought I should add a veteran to the collection.”

While some are put off the older cars by the frailty that comes with age, many others are deterred from the pre-1919 era class of cars by their idiosyncrasies. But the challenges of driving with crash boxes, double-clutching, Armstrong steering and two wheel brakes are just part of the package for Murray.

“There’s something special about them,” says Murray, who downplays the appeal that saw him head to the US in search of another Dodge veteran-era model four years ago – this time a 1914 version. Despite being three years older than his 1917 Dodge Roadster, the 1914 had only gone a fraction of the distance you’d expect after spending most of its life in storage.

The car was put in storage after its fi rst

owner died in 1919 where it had remained almost ever since, aside from a brief period from 1979, when it was bought for restora-tion. The partially-restored car was put back in storage after the new owner died.

Murray’s interest was tweaked when he saw it listed for sale but soon forgot about it. Months after he thought it would’ve been sold, he came across a note with the

details on. So he called up the US dealer to learn how the sale went, to discover it was still available. Before Murray knew it his offer had been accepted and he was plan-ning a trip to collect the car.

So began the fun part, with six weeks of reassembling and servicing the car, then a two-month road trip across the country from Detroit to LA.

“They didn’t think I was crazy, no, but they defi nitely thought I was game,” says Murray, who enjoyed a 3884 mile trip, attracting major media inter-est along with a send-off by Chrysler, which now owns the Dodge brand.

“I wasn’t worried about taking it on the road trip because I put it back together and serviced it. I knew how a good a condition it was in,” says Murray, about the car which had only racked up about 7000 miles when he bought it.

“They had always been very reliable cars in their day, so I didn’t have any worries.” Murray says the only problem was a broken fan belt part-way through the journey.

A slow road trip by modern standards, with the Dodge travelling at 40m/h, Murray says it was a fantastic experi-ence and a chance to really take in

the country on a journey which took him from Detroit to Niagara Falls, Yellowstone National Park, the Grand Canyon and eventually to Los Angeles for the vehicle to be shipped across the Pacifi c.

“The desert had a very special charm, especially fi rst thing as the sun was coming up. As we got closer to LA the traffi c built up and got faster so just before San Bernadino we stopped and arranged for the car to be trucked to the port.”

Murray says it was a wonderful trip “and the longer we drove the old Dodge the better it went”.

The Dodge has since clicked up to about 12,000km, with Murray reserving it for special occasions. Next week it will be hit-ting the road again for the national veteran car rally from March 19-23 in Te Awamutu, along with three other cars from the Western Bay.

Among those joining Murray will be Pamela and John Handley from Bunda-berg Australia, who are driving Roger and Irene Hill’s classic Darracq – with the Hills joining them on their own major road trip later this year when they will travel from Adelaide to Darwin.

Meanwhile, about 20 of the old veteran-era cars are expected to take part in the annual Brass and Nickel parade and display in Willow St on Easter Saturday from 11am-3.30pm, as part of a jazz event’s festivities.

Murray’s veteran motoring revival“They didn’t think I was crazy,

no, but they defi nitely thought

who enjoyed a 3884 mile trip,

Chrysler, which now owns the

up about 7000 miles when he bought it.

Murray’s veteran motoring revival

erns. I think I’d have to call a mechanic,”

1947 Chrysler; and I thought I should

taking it on the road trip because I put it back together and serviced it. I knew how a good a condition it was in,” says Murray, about the car which had only racked up about 7000 miles when he bought it.

cars in their day, so I didn’t have any worries.” Murray says the only problem was a broken fan belt part-way through the journey.

with the Dodge travelling at 40m/h, Murray says it was a fantastic experi-ence and a chance to really take in

the country on a journey which took him Murray Toms in his 1914 Dodge 4, which he drove across the US three years ago, pictured in Tauranga at last year’s

Easter Brass and Nickel parade.

Murray Toms’ Dodge 4 roadster (1914 model, left, and 1917 model) by Lake

Okataina on a recent run.

By Hamish Carter


AppraisedUsed Vehicles



w w w. g re a t w a l l a u t o . c o . n z

DEALER DETAILS

The X240 4WD


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

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

116 Hewletts Road, Mount Maunganui. Tel: 07 578 6017 www.farmerautovillage.co.nz116 Hewletts Road, Mount Maunganui, Tauranga City Tel: 07 578 6017 www.farmerautovillage.co.nz Follow us on Facebook

3.2 litre Diesel 4WD AUTO in Cyber Blue done 79,075km, fantastic looking vehicle fitted with running boards, tuff deck, ton-neau cover, nudgebar, towbar. NZ NEW

Mitsubishi Triton 4X4 2007

$29,990


Hyundai has unveiled a smart new executive sedan, which is set for release in New Zealand this year.

The all-new Genesis, which had its debut at the Geneva Motor Show last week, has received critical interest for its advanced capabilities.

While Hyundai New Zealand says the exact specifi cations of the model to go on sale here are still to be fi nalised, it will be similar to the European model with its higher levels of luxury, technology and safety.

The European market Genesis will have a V6 engine and eight-speed automatic with Hyundai’s in-house-developed HTRAC all-wheel-drive system, sophisticated multi-link front and rear suspension and near-equal weight distribution.

Among the vehicle’s strong safety focus is the world’s fi rst C02 cabin sensor, to avoid driver drowsiness.

At the Geneva show, Hyundai also unveiled the company’s optimistic vision of a future where mobility is more enjoyable with its Intrado concept car, which envis-ages how advanced vehicle technologies and intelligent design can combine to engage more effectively with driver and passengers.

The car’s use of lightweight materials, radical construction methods and advanced powertrain raises effi ciency, while the design focus inside and out is on meeting the needs of consumers with busy lifestyles.

Fashioned from advanced super lightweight steel, it is powered by a next-generation hydrogen fuel-cell powertrain, which can be refuelled in just a few minutes and has a 600km range.

Unveiling future of travel

Hyundai’s vision of the future car is called Intrado – a concept car unveiled last week.




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

OFFER MUST END 31ST MARCH

QASHQAI ST HATCH

$32,490+ORC FROM

(SAVE $5,500)

QASHQAI ST HATCH

$$32,49032,490FROMNAVARA ST-X 2WD

$34,990+GST FROM +ORC

(SAVE $6,050)$29,990+ORC FROM

X-TRAIL

RANGE STARTSRUNOUT

(SAVE $7,000)

PULSAR ST HATCH

$27,990+ORC FROMX-TRAILRUNOUT

PULSAR ST HATCH

$27,990+ORC +ORC 27,990+ORC 27,990FROM

(SAVE $2,000)

LIMITED STOCK AVAILABLE

OFFER MUST END 31ST MARCH

QASHQAI ST HATCH

$32,490+ORC FROM

(SAVE $5,500)

NAVARA ST-X 2WD

$34,990+GST FROM +ORC

(SAVE $6,050)$29,990+ORC FROM

X-TRAIL

RANGE STARTSRUNOUT

(SAVE $7,000)

PULSAR ST HATCH

$27,990+ORC FROM

(SAVE $2,000)

LIMITED STOCK AVAILABLE

FINANCEACROSS THE ENTIRE RANGE

1%FINANCE

ACROSS THE ENTIRE RANGE1%FINANCE

nissan.co.nz


Waihi is gearing up for its biggest Beach Hop warm-up party yet, with Go Waihi coordinator Brian Gentle saying the only detail left to organise

is more volunteers.“We’re sticking with our successful formula

– and we’re expecting it to be even bigger again this year,” says Brian, who is looking forward to the annual celebration of classic cars and 1950s pop culture at the upcoming seventh Waihi Warm Up Party.

The only change this year for the seventh warm up party on March 26 is the inclu-sion of a small retro caravan, inspired by the interest of a Waihi couple who are passionate

about their classic camper.“They go to the Beach Hop every year,

they absolutely love it – and with the grow-ing interest in retro caravans, we thought it would be great to include a small display.”

Brian is expecting a crowd of about 10,000 to descend on Waihi for the day, to take in the display of about a 1000 classic cars and hot rods on the street and the fun atmosphere.

Waihi’s main street, Seddon St, will be closed for a convoy of about 800 cars from Whangamata arriving at 10.30am, while other cars travelling to, and registered for, the fi ve-day Beach Hop are encouraged to park up on display in Rosemont Rd, en route to Whangamata.

“These closed streets are only open to those that have the fi ve-day ticket, but anyone else who wants to display can just park up the side streets, where you still get a lot of people taking in the cars.”

Brian puts the success of the warm-up event down to its tight area, which makes every-thing within easy walking distance – plus the fun, relaxed atmosphere.

“One of the highlights is always the Gold FM Drag Race down the main street, every-body absolutely loves it.”

In a play on words, the race is a relay event down the main street where teams of three men dress in drag for a run.

“It’s a real laugh. We have big, brawny blokes dressed up in drag, in all their regalia,

running along passing the handbag for a baton.”

Meanwhile, plans for Waihi’s annual hot rod dirt track race event the ‘Jalopy Dust Up’ the weekend prior has been cancelled due to a lack of entries. The Waihi Beach Dirt Track Club event, which has been held in Janu-ary since it began fi ve years ago, had been rescheduled to run on Sunday, March 23, as a lead-up event for the Beach Hop. The dust up is an old-school style event, with the emphasis on skids and a good old-fashioned rev-up for the vintage race cars and tradi-tional hot rods.

For more details on Waihi’s drag race and the warm-up party, go to www.goldfm.co.nz or www.beachhop.co.nz

Classic cruisers Waihi-bound

Classic 1950s cars and hot rods, and the Gold FM Drag Race have made the Waihi Warm Up Party a popular way to start the fi ve-day Beach Hop.

By Hamish Carter


Documents

Bay Driver 14 March 2014