The Australian GT Championship is headlining the re-opening of the new look Hampton Downs track this weekend.
The GT Championship will headline this weekend's racing at Hampton Downs since the Hampton Downs track has been refurbished, following a $30 million investment by new owner Tony Quinn.
V8 Supercars driver Craig Lowndes won't be racing this weekend, but was asked by Quinn if he wanted to have a few hot laps around the track this weekend, in Quinn's $4.3 million Aston Martin Vulcan.
The 42-year old had never driven a $4.3 million car before.
"It was a treat to drive," said Lowndes.
"Tony asked me to come over and do some hot laps over the weekend. Today was about familiarising myself with the car and the track.
"When Tony asked me to come to New Zealand and drive his Aston Martin, it was easy to come and say yes.
"It was a treat to drive."
There are only 24 of the Aston Martin Vulcan's in the world.
"I know there's only 24 of them in the world so I better make sure I get it back to the pits in one piece! I can't wait to put it through its paces," said Lowndes.
Other events to take place at the new look track over the weekend include the latest Lamborghini, Aston Martin, Porsche, BMW, Audi, Ferrari, Mercedes and Bentley race cars, who will contest the AGT Endurance title over 101 laps of the new 4km international circuit. There will be a top 10 shootout on Saturday. Support categories are Central Muscle Cars, GTRNZ, Aussie Racing Cars and drift superstar Mad Mike Whiddet.'
The 101 lap, 400km race will be live on CRC Motorsport tomorrow on TV3 between 1pm -5pm.
Newshub.
