Our Story

Truck Racing was first established in New Zealand in 1989. The founder members were just normal every day guys who decided that racing tractor units sounded like a great idea after seeing the Europeans and Australians Racing.

 

There were originally 8 A Class Trucks, 13 B Class Trucks and 2 C Class trucks.  

 

We have to be grateful to these guys with their foresight that they set up a fantastic sports club and established rules that we still follow today. (With a few minor adjustments.) Of course the Technical Regulations have had to be adjusted to fit with the ever changing technology but with the same basis. Some of our Founder Members were Trevor Woolston, Dennis Hulme, Alistair McLauchlan, Dean Sinton, Robin Porter, Ian Tulloch, Ron Salter, Calvin Bonney, Peter Hanna, Don Wright. Some of these members have stayed involved with Truck Racing till present day.

 

In 1991 Truck Racing became extremely popular drawing huge crowds and had extensive television coverage.

 

TRANZ has had many renowned drivers over the years such as Denny Hulme, Gary Davies, Neil Allport, Jim Richards, Avon Hyde, Ron Salter, Inky Tulloch, Robin and Andrew Porter, Calvin Bonney, Johnny Hepburn, and many more. In recent years Kayne Scott/ John Hepburn and Angus Fogg have raced in The McGinty Towing Kenworth which is one of the original race trucks from 1989.

 

At one stage Possom Bourne even took on a Kenworth. There are too many people to name individually and there are many many tales to be told by them.

 

1991 also saw the first Trans-Tasman challenge being held and was a resounding success setting a precedent for future Challenges. This has continued over the years on both sides of the Tasman with the usual Kiwi Aussie rivalry. Trans-Tasman challenges in Australia were mostly raced at the now demolished Oran Park in Narallen Sydney but were also challenged in Baskerville in Tasmania and Lakeland in Brisbane. We of course also have Trans-Tasman challenges in New Zealand. Just a few of the Australian and New Zealand Racers who challenged The Trans-Tasman are Frank Gaffero, Robbie Frankovich, Jim Richards, Rob Russell , Steve Millen, Paul Radisch, Charlie Zammit,

Joe Scarcella, The Bomber John Bomberlie, Bob Middleton, Beau Hewat, Jeff Mackin, Daniel Baejema, Bill Seiders, Arnold Ahrnfield, Rodney Crick, John Falk, Kiwis: Calven Bonney, Ron Salter, Robin and Andrew Porter, Neil Allport, Malcolm Little, Inky Tullock, Gary Davies, Shane Gray, Troy Wheeler, John Hepburn, and many more. The relationship between ANTRO and TRANZ members is very strong and there are lifelong friendships that have been started on a love of Truck Racing.

 

At one stage we had a lady’s race and this was really popular. Some of the Brave Ladies were Natalie Salter, Sandra Purdie, Gaylene Jones, Liz Lowe, Lynn Sinton, and Noelene Thompson. These ladies raced the same trucks at the same speed and on the same tracks as the men. Some of these women are still involved today.

 

Truck Racing in New Zealand has a solid following of staunch fans bringing in large crowds. New Zealand Tracks that the Super trucks have raced at are Pukekohe, Bay Park, Taupo, Manfield, Ruapuna, Timaru and Teretonga.

 

Timaru’s South Canterbury Car Club Levels Raceway has been a favourite for Truck Racers and Fans alike and has steadfastly supported Truck Racing through the lean years. Today we still have the Trans-Tasman challenges the original founder members set up. The tracks we race at present are Timaru’s Levels Raceway, Christchurch’s Raceway at Ruapuna, Taupo Raceway Central N.I., Manfeild Raceway lower N.I., Teretonga in the deep south and hopefully one last Hoorah at Pukekohe. Races are basically the same format as set down in 1989.

 

Truck Racing is very much a family sport with many of the teams having extended families involved. A lot of the Crews are voluntary enthusiasts with a similar passion of Truck Racing.

 

There’s no doubt that Supertruck Racing is a man’s world. The smell of diesel, grease, smoke, sweat and dust certainly can’t be compared to a Tupperware Party!! However, the women just love the thrill, the spectacle, the courage, commitment and strength that it takes to be a “Real Man” that being a “Truck Racer” commands.

 

The Women mainly organise (the men) the social activities and many from other racing categories are openly quite envious of the camaraderie, friendship and support between race truck teams. There is no doubt that these teams are united in supporting each other whether it is to crawl under a big MACK to fix a broken wing nut or help install a new motor in KW. It is truly enlightening to be a part of this great association.