Motorsport Plus. Issue 007. by Motorsport Plus Magazine

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ISSUE SEVEN. 2015

PLUS FEATURE 11 MOTORSPORT BRYAN CLAUSON. MSP INTERVIEW

Dirt track mega star and Indy 500 starter, Bryan Clauson, joins us to talk about the season and to look towards 2016.

We talk to one of the one of the secret weapons of the Marsh Motorsport Top Fuel team, Dom Lagana.

We talk to one of the rising stars of the DTM category and someone who is practically an under cover kiwi, Tom Blomqvist.

We highlight just some of the achievements New Zealanders have achieved in 2015

PLUS FEATURE 18 MOTORSPORT TOM BLOMQVIST. UNDER THE RADAR PLUS Q&A 24 MOTORSPORT NITRO WHISPERER. DOM LAGANA PLUS FEATURE 29 MOTORSPORT 2015; THE YEAR THAT WAS. COVER SHOT:Bryan Clauson @ Springs Speedway. IMPACT PHOTOGRAPHIX EDITOR Ayrton Brant Editor@MotorsportPlus.co.nz INSTAGRAM: @Motorsportplus_Ayrton DESIGN + IMAGING Ayrton Brant ADVERTISING Gary Brant Sales@motorsportplus.co.nz Mobile. 021 338 773 CONTRIBUTORS Impact Photographix/Victoria Pickett, James Selwyn Photos.com, Jonathan Byrdâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Racing, Bryan Clauson, Dom Lagana, Tom Blomqvist. PUBLISHER Motorsport Plus Ltd (09) 239 3495 PRINTERS PMP MAXUM Ltd. (09) 928 4200

Disclaimer MotorsportPlus Ltd. has a copyright and may not be reproduced in whole or in part without permission of the publisher. Neither editorial opinions expressed or facts stated in advertisements are necessarily agreed to by the editor or publisher. Whilst all efforts are made to ensure accuracy, no responsibility will be taken by the publishers for inaccurate information or for any consequences of reliance on the information.

MOTORSPORT CIRCUITS WORLDWIDE

C H A M P I O N S

World DD2 Masters, FIM European Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Cup, 24 Hours Du Le Mans, IndyCar, Japanese Formula 3.. Podiums and victories in WRC, GP2 and V8 Supercars. Quite clearly, 2015 was one of THE years for our sport as a whole. Achieving more than the ball sport fans in the media could even comprehend. We cannot wait to see what 2016 brings us! IMAGE: AYRTON BRANT/MOTORSPORT PLUS

HUNTLY SPEEDWAY.

H I G H S

A N D

HUNTLY, NZ

L O W S

On the NZ debut of American Midget car star Zach Daum, it was Brock Maskovich and Shayne Alach who would take the spotlight. Maskovichâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s night would take a turn for the worst, after a turn one incident during the A Main would see him be pushed off....by a tractor? The John Deere would then proceed to ride his left rear, destroying his CSI shock and exhaust in the process. Needless to say, the car would not be the same thereafter - eventually pulling in with engine dramas whilst fighting for the top spots. IMAGE: AYRTON BRANT/MOTORSPORT PLUS

MEREMERE DRAGWAY. MEREMERE, NZ

# O F F S E A S O N P R E P

Shane van Gisbergen leads former HiQ Components New Zealand Formula First champion, Matt Higham and co. during a track day at Meremere Dragway. IMAGE: AYRTON BRANT/MOTORSPORT PLUS

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BRYAN CLAUSON INC.

MOTORSPORT PLUS INTERVIEW WITH BRYAN ‘THE BULLET’ CLAUSON. IMAGES: JAMES SELWYN PHOTOS // JONATHAN BYRD’S RACING

Most of the NZ fans will know you from your exploits in the King Chassis across NZ and AUS over the last few years. Do you remember how this deal even came about? How do you rank the time “down under” with your vast experiences? Looking back on the first time I came down to NZ, it seems kind of crazy. Shaun Insley called me on Thanksgiving and asked me to come down and race the international midget series at Western Springs. I said yes! I didn’t even have a passport! So I got my passport, packed my bags, and ryan! Where do we start? From a headed down under for the first time. It turns out that saying yes was one dominant quarter midget career, to racing of the best choices I’ve ever made! I can’t thank the Insley family enough your first sprint car at 14, to associations with for bringing me down - Shaun and Justin are great people and great to multiple legendary teams…. to qualifying for work with. Brian and Annette Theobald of United Truck Parts make it all one of the greatest races on the planet. You possible and I love having the opportunity to drive their 39USA midget! are arguably one of the modern day open The atmosphere at Western Springs is unlike anything here in the states, wheel legends, but do you get time to reflect so racing there is really exciting. Everyone is always so welcoming, which on your career so far? really makes the trip enjoyable. The Insleys and Theobalds are like family I’m not sure legend is the right word to describe now, so I can’t imagine not coming down every year! me at this point in my career, but I have been fortunate enough to be surrounded by a lot of great Justin Insley, owner/designer behind the King chassis, is one of people that have given me the opportunity to do the elite minds in the speedway world this side of the planet. Tell some pretty awesome things. From making the us about your working relationship with Insley and how important A-Main at the Knoxville Nationals, to winning the it is to have someone who has a common goal. Chili Bowl, to standing on the starting grid at the Oh yeah, working with Justin and having him on my side has been a huge Indy 500… I’m proud of everything my teams and I advantage! Obviously our time together over the last few years has lead to have accomplished together. I have the coolest job great results. Last year’s trip down under, winning 7 of 8 races, was a huge in the world and I love where I’m at in my career. testament to how great the King Chassis really is. Justin and I get along I get to wake up and every day and go to the really well, so working with him at the track has always been enjoyable. racetrack, what more could I want?

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“The Byrd family is incredible. David Byrd reached out to me about running the Indy 500 and I thought he was crazy! Turns out he is a little bit crazy, but he has been an incredible person to have on my side and he has given me so many opportunities that I wouldn’t have had without him.”

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“Last year’s trip down under, winning 7 of 8 races, was a huge testament to how great the King Chassis really is. Justin Insley and I get along really well, so working with him at the track has always been enjoyable.” -BRYAN CLAUSON

New Zealand’s Western Springs is arguably midget car racing’s capital on this side of the world, how would you compare the events and shows you’ve attended to some of USAC’s/POWRi’s best in North America? The fans at Western Springs are awesome! The crowds are always so impressive, which makes it really fun to race there. Since I’ve been making the trip down for so many years, I always see a lot of familiar faces. There is so much history at Western Springs and that makes winning there even more memorable. The 50 lapper at the Springs is one of those marquee events that every driver wants to win, so getting that done and adding that to the win list back in January is something I’m proud of. Western Springs does a great job of making events have a special feel and that adds a level of excitement for everyone from the fans to the drivers and teams! You have your own race team/development program - Bryan Clauson Inc. - which has included Brock Maskovich. How do you feel seeing people you give opportunities to thrive under your brand? When we created the Bryan Clauson racing program, the goal was always to bring in young drivers, help them develop their talents, then pass them on to the next step in their career. The perfect example of our program is our latest driver - Spencer Bayston. Spencer has improved tremendously over the last couple years with us and now he’s getting ready to make the move to Keith Kunz Motorsports. I can’t take the credit for the success BCI has experienced. My dad, Tim, works really hard to keep the program going. Another program associated to BCI is Racers For Autism. Can you tell the fans a bit more about the special occasion preceding Chili Bowl? Yeah, the Racers For Autism event started at the 2015 Chili Bowl. I have a friend, Ben, who is autistic. Ben is my biggest fan and has met everyone at the races. Ben usually leaves an impact on the people he meets and one of those people happened to be my midget car owner in the states. My car owner, Joe Dooling, decided he wanted to do something to raise money for the Autism Society of America. So we planned our first event for the 2015 Chili Bowl and it was a huge success. We ended up donating $40,000 to the Autism Society of America. Our whole goal is to spread awareness and acceptance for autism and I think we’re doing a good job at it! We’re really excited for our 2nd annual Racers For Autism event and we’re looking forward to raising even more money! The event will be on January 11th in downtown Tulsa in conjunction with the 2016 Chili Bowl.

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“Being an Indiana boy, the Indy 500 was always a dream, So being able to actually do it - qualify and race in the greatest spectacle in motorsport is really something special.”

The Indy 500 is one of the biggest motorsports events in the world, where few drivers will ever have the opportunity to live out the dream of qualifying for the biggest motorsport event in the world. Is this something you’ve come to terms with, or does going back every year bring back the same emotions? The second time was just as surreal as the first time! The Month of May is so crazy that it’s hard to really take it all in when it’s happening. Driver introductions at the 500 is probably the coolest thing I’ve ever experienced. Being an Indiana boy, the Indy 500 was always a dream. So being able to actually do it - qualify and race in the greatest spectacle in racing is really something special. Although no doubt a tough month of may, Jonathan Byrd’s Racing is committed to yourself. How does the faith the team has in you and knowing everyone believes in your aspirations in becoming an Indy 500 contender make you feel as a driver? The Byrd family is incredible. David Byrd reached out to me about running the Indy 500 and I thought he was crazy! Turns out he is a little bit crazy, but he has been an incredible person to have on my side and he has given me so many opportunities that I wouldn’t have had without him. Jonathan Byrd’s Racing has a history of taking short-track drivers to Indy, so being able to continue their legacy is really special. David likes to say the Byrd Family is in the “BC Business” and I’m looking forward to continuing our relationship for years to come! Talking about associations - you and Joe Dooling have formed an iconic partnerships, paving the way to victory lane on many occasion. Describe to us how you value the Dooling family in the terms of your career. My relationship with Joe Dooling started in the best way possible. Our first race together was Chili Bowl - and we won! Joe has been an incredible person to drive for and I’m so thankful for his support. Joe is a huge part of my plans for 2016 and I’m looking forward to even more success together!

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I might be a little insane, hence the name “Circular Insanity”, but I’m going to try to race as many times as possible in 2016. We’ve named the adventure the “Chasing 200 Tour: Circular Insanity.” 2015 has been busy for you! Over 115 races, the 500... But tell us about 2016. I might be a little insane, hence the name “Circular Insanity”, but I’m going to try to race as many times as possible in 2016. We’ve named the adventure the “Chasing 200 Tour: Circular Insanity.” Everyone asks who came up with the idea, and honestly, I was the crazy one who thought of this. I wanted to be able to race every big race, across Midgets, Non-Wing, and Winged Sprint Cars, in the country. I’m fortunate to have people surrounding me who encouraged me and made this crazy idea a reality. I have a great group of partners and owners who are making this possible, Jonathan Byrd’s Racing, Cancer Treatment Centers of America, Matt Wood Racing, Joe Dooling, and Brodie Hayward. It all kicks off on January 1st at Western Springs! Coming back to NZ again, but what can the fans expect from the 39USA United Truck Parts King Chassis team this year? I’m hoping to do exactly what we did last year! I know we’ll be a threat at Western Springs, Shaun and Justin work so hard on my car all year long. I can’t wait to get back down there and get back to work! What advice would the USAC Champ, Chili Bowl winner, and Indy 500 starter Bryan Clauson give to young Bryan Clauson starting out in quarter midgets that would help him on his way to success? Oh man… Tough question! I think I would tell myself to take

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it all in and really enjoy each step of my career. I had a pretty serious injury when I was 17-years-old and that really put life into perspective. It sounds crazy now, but I’m thankful for that time in my life because it allowed me to slow down and realize what is really important. Social Media - how can the fans find you online? I’m on Twitter - @BryanClauson Instagram - @BryanClauson. Fans can follow my racing pages too Twitter @BryanClausonInc and Facebook: Bryan Clauson Racing My dog Chevy is also on social media, so you can follow her too - Twitter @ChevyClauson and Facebook: Chevy Clauson.

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om! Although most of us in the motorsport scene know of you and where you’ve come from, the kids out there – along with some media types – may not know the kiwi influence in your life and driving career. Can you give us a rundown on who is Tom Blomqvist? Well.. I was born in the UK to a Swedish father and a British mother but I moved to Auckland, NZ when I was 6 years old with my mum and little brother. I spent my childhood growing up in NZ and I did all my karting there too so I have a strong connection with the country. I always head back for the christmas period, its a time of the year I very much look forward too. Its always great to get away from the racing and spend a good month with friends and family. The Blomqvist name is legendary in motorsport world wide. How have you managed to come to grips with the pressure the Blomqvist legacy carries? Yes that was easy, I never felt any added pressure to be honest. I was probably too naive. Kartsport in New Zealand during your era was arguably one of the most competitive in recent years, with many of New Zealand’s premier talent here and abroad all running against you back then. Talk to us about that golden era of kartsport and how important is was for you, honing the skills you have used to great success in your career. Looking back on my karting era in NZ and now looking at how far the majority of us have come is quite remarkable to be honest. We never would have thought that would have been the case when we were all smashing up the tarmac at Mt Wellington Kart club. When I was young I always wanted to race karts in Europe but I think it was a good move to stay in NZ . It meant I came into car racing with no expectations after a karting career in Europe. Mitch Evans, Nick Cassidy and I, we were all best buds back in the day and now to be all racing overseas is pretty cool to see!

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Once you had reached a level of success in New Zealand, you headed to Europe, specifically Sweden, for a chance to further your career in the Swedish Formula Renault Series. Was getting into Europe early crucial in adapting to the, what seems from the outside at least, cutthroat world of Euro Formula Series? Like I mentioned before, coming to Europe with no European karting experience, in my opinion, was a plus. I decided to race in Sweden because Dad had some contacts and we were able to find some sponsors to fund my year in Swedish Renault. I came with no expectations and I didn’t really know how I would get on. But after a few races I was quite competitive, one thing lead to another. People believed in me and I moved up the ladder, but it was good to get in at only 15 years old. I learnt my trade young. Open wheel success came almost instantly for you. After winning the Formula Renault UK series at age 16, the youngest ever, you were named as a finalist in the Mclaren British Racing Drivers Club award, just missing out two years in a row. How did it feel to be recognised as one of Britain’s elite drivers? Did it give you confidence going into the ridiculously competitive European Formula Three Series? I had success early in my car career but that gave me a false point of view on the whole motorsport scene at the time. I thought it would be easy to progress up the ladder after my results in UK Renault. At the time I didn’t know the importance of funding, I was still young and rather naive. It was good to be recognized for sure, but without the funding you can not progress in the ideal way. I had confidence in my own ability but I never knew when I would be given that shot in the right machinery at the right time. F3 Euroseries, FIA European Formula 3, German Formula 3, Macau...and the Red Bull Junior driver team – you had a mega stint of elite Formula racing, with many successes and a few low’s as well. What did you take away from that stage of your racing career? Are there lessons you could give to potential Blomqvist’s of the next generation? Those early years in Formula 3 were probably the toughest years of my career, it was at a time when nothing seemed to go right for me. We struggled a lot to get a budget together to compete with a top top team. We were always scraping around for last minute deals or free drives but when you don’t have the best equipment it is always difficult to shine. It wasn’t until the end of 2013 when I was give an unbelievable lifeline by the Gelael family (Jagonya Ayam) they were to support me fully in 2014 with a drive at Carlin, one of the very best teams. I had a great year and one thing led to another and here I am. One lesson I learnt is to never give up and loose faith. You never know what may happen.

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“Mitch Evans, Nick Cassidy and I, we were all best buds back in the day and now to be all racing overseas is pretty cool to see!” ALSO ONLINE @ ISSUU.COM/MOTORSPORTPLUS

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“If I were to give one line of advice it would have to be; believe, never lose sight of what you want to achieve because anything is possible.” 22

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fter your final run in a Formula 3 machine in Macau, the announcement of your BMW M4 Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters (DTM) drive was made. How did it come about? I had been getting good results on track in my F3 and my manager Mark Blundell was working hard off track to see if there were any opportunities out there for me in 2015. BMW then offered me a test in December at Jerez in their M4 DTM car and the test went relatively well, it must have as they were back in contact not long after and I had my first professional contract shortly after that. It was a special moment for us all. Pre Season testing saw you be highly competitive, even ending a day with the fastest overall lap time. Were the results what you were expecting going into the test sessions? What did you have to change driving style wise to get the pace out of the car? I expect my self to be competitive thats for sure, I’m there to be fast and not only get the best results for myself but for BMW also. Luckily for me I have been able to adapt relatively quickly as it is a different beast to what I have been used to so far in my career. Although they look like a touring car the performance is similar to a single seater in terms of downforce, but they are twice the weight of a Formula 3 car so thats takes some getting used to.

We have asked this question in previous interviews with some interesting responses, what advice would the current BMW M4 DTM driver Tom Blomqvist give to the 16 year old Swedish Formula Renault star, Tom Blomqvist? Thats a tough one! I have never thought of that but if I were to give one line of advice it would have to be; believe, never lose sight of what you want to achieve because anything is possible. For new fans out there, where can they follow you on social media? Yes, I have a twitter page and instagram account which are both under the name @ tom_blomqvist I also have a Facebook page, facebook.com/ tom.blomqvist.racing Finally, with the new car for the season, here’s a chance to thank those that have supported you along the way! Well first and foremost I have to say a huge thank you to my family who have always been with me and supported me since the word go, they never lost faith in me. I also have to say a huge thank you to my manager Mark Blundell at MB Partners who has been with me for the last few years now, we have made great progress together and I owe a lot to him. I also can not forget the Gelael family who supported me through out 2014. Without there support I may not be in the position I’m in now. They gave me the opportunity to showcase my ability. Finally all my sponsors and supporters Ive had over the years who contributed to my racing.

2015 was one of the more competitive championships in recent years, but with the pace you displayed during testing, what were your goals for the year? This year was a learning year for me. I know the quality of the field and the competitiveness of the championship, I wasn’t expecting to come in and be the best straight away, but that was the long term goal. I went into each event race by race, try to maximise the weekend, learn from my mistakes and use that to develop my skills. There are a lot of new scenarios that can play out in DTM that I’m not used to so I need to gain the experience. However, I’m here to do the best job possible.

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N I T R O WHISPERER MOTORSPORT PLUS TALKS TO NITRO TUNER AND DRIVER, DOM LAGANA

om! Some of us know you as one of the leaders of the Mount Shop/Marsh Motorsport Top Fuel team down here, but you're also part of a legendary family in the drag racing ranks. Can you give us a run down on the Lagana legacy? The Lagana family legacy all began with my father, Bobby Lagana SR. He started out running his own repair/hot rod shop at a young age and slowly stepped up from running gassers and modified cars to having one of the first nitro funny cars. Just like my brother Bobby I was basically raised at the racetrack probably experienced my first nitro dose when I was about a month old. Growing up going to the races with my brother and two sisters marie and laura and my wonderful mom Marie was our version of family vacation. Dad would load up the open bed 1969 ford ramptruck with the funny car and parts and tools, load us kids up and head to the races. We went as a family and my mom and dad always made sure the number one thing was to enjoy our quality time with eachother and enjoy the races for what it was which was getting to work and tinker on the racecar, see all of their friends and family at the track, and enjoy the opportunity to be part of nitro racing and drag racing in general. The top fuel part of our family began in 1992 when the ihra had temporarily got rid of the nitro funny car class so the old man when out and purchased an ex top alcohol dragster and turned it into a top fuel car. We all wondered how he was going to fit the dragster on the ramptruck which was designed for hauling the funny car. He made a “roof rack” on top of the sleeper of the cab and the rest was history. One of our biggest and proudest accomplishments as a family team was in martin Michigan at US131 motorsports park in august of 2003 when we accomplished a life long goal of my dad mom brother and the entire family. We ran our first ever four second and 300 mph run in the ¼ mile at 4.95@297mph than came back and ran a 4.87@302mph. Bobby and I have developed a very tight bond over the years now and although we have your average big brother little brother fights we wouldn’t have it any other way. We still live eat and breath nitro racing and go on to race in memory and honor of our late mother Marie who passed in 2000 and our father bobby who passed in 2013. We are very lucky to be able to be in the positions we have now and to have the equipment to be able to compete with.

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Drag racing fans would have recently seen you crack the top ten in qualifying at Las Vegas in the Rapisarda Top Fuel car, then going on to make the second round. How good was it to get back behind the wheel of a Top Fuel machine? It was great to get back behind the wheel for 2015. We had an incredible weekend, qualifying top half and winning the first round. I must have my stars aligned great because the 3 outings I have had with the Raipsarda family we have qualified top half twice, set and reset both theirs and my own personal career best numbers and made it to the second round of eliminations. Truthfully, I am very thankful for the opportunity. You’ve been associated with them for a while, driving their machine at Indy last season. Can you talk to us more about the Rapisarda outfit? The Rapisardas first raced in the USA in 2010, at Las Vegas and since have made big jumps in stepping up their operation. The brothers, Santino and Santo Jr. are heading the operation, with their dad Santo Sr, as well as many family members and friends. They have one complete operation that lives in Brownsburg Indiana and now 4 complete top fuel cars that live in Sydney Australia. Similar to our family, Santo Sr started off Drag racing and has passed the family business down now to his boys. They also race in honor of a family member as their brother Louie passed away in a racing incident in 1990. Some may not have recognised, but the Rapisarda brothers were also in New Zealand, assisting the other Top Fuel team in the country – The Fish Family Racing squad. Was that an enjoyable challenge, going up against some of your acquaintances along the way? It was very enjoyable. I get along well with the Rapisarda brothers, we are usually texting or sending pictures of some new part on the dragsters, or joking about the drag racing video game. Having them in the other lane was nothing too new, as we have raced them in the past with our family car in the USA, but it was pretty exciting I think having them assisting Reece and his team and me helping out with the Marsh team. Every member of both the Fish Family team and the Marsh Motorsport team was very excited and wanting to be a part of that first 300 mph run.

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“Top Fuel cars are very temperamental in the worst way, it will find any weak link in the parts as well as blow up or smoke the tires just because you didn’t talk to it the right way before the run.” Let’s talk about your New Zealand trips. Each time you’re here you are in for a short stint of time, but make one of the bigger impacts on the NZ Drag Racing scene. This time around, you and the team at Marsh Motorsport cracked the 300MPH on the first day of competition. The pace of things, turnaround, media commitments etc are far less intense down here – is this one of the drawcards of heading to NZ? When Tony originally approached my brother and me, he mentioned that the goal of the whole top fuel car was to become the country’s first 4 second and 300 mph quarter mile car. It was exciting to become a part of it as we both knew how special it was running our first 4/300. It may have happened over 20 years ago in the USA, but I think that it’s pretty special that so many years later it can still get such a great reaction from fans. With the next Top Fuel event not scheduled for a fair while, what can the fans look forward to the next time Top Fuel ace Dom Lagana hits kiwi soil? We have already begun ordering the necessary parts for Tony’s car to run next year in January. Obviously the next goal would be to run the 500 km/h if possible. If the track and weather conditions are close to what they were in March, there will for sure be a great opportunity for either top fuel car to eclipse that goal. I think also the first side by side 4’s at 300 will happen as well. That would be very exciting. Top fuel cars are very temperamental in the worst way. It will find any weak link in the parts as well as blow up or smoke the tires just because you didn’t talk to it the right way before the run. That’s why when everything does go as planned you need to enjoy it celebrate it than hopefully try and just repeat the performance. As much work as we all do that crazy car still has a mind and direction of its own. What’s on the agenda for you for the remainder of the NHRA season? Surely with a successful round recently, it’ll get some doors open? We will campaign our family top fuel car at a few select nhra races this year as well as bringing out the “project” funny car we have teamed up on with Aaron Brooks and John Stewart. Also in the mix of all that probably run about 5 select match races. And am always on call for whatever race the Rapisarda’s will appear at next in the USA.

Finally, motorsport and Drag Racing in particular requires a huge outlay, both in personnel an in sponsorship backing. Here’s your chance to thank the people that have help you along the way. First and foremost I have to thank my Mom and Dad and family. They raised us all in a great environment and taught us how to not only drag race but to live and survive and be happy. I couldn’t ask for a better life or better opportunities along the way. Also would like to thank my brother Bobby. We have more time together than most brothers get to ever have. He has taught me everything that I now know about Drag Racing and has been patient in my learning curve. We always like to push each other’s buttons but that what having a brother is for. If we had to quit tomorrow (not that we want to) we have been lucky to enough to accomplish and experience so much great stuff, just because of the sport of drag racing and I’m very thankful for that. Tony and Anthony Marsh and everybody involved have been awesome. We all have become great friends. Tony treats me like one of his own kids when I’m in town. It’s great to watch him and Ant working together on the team. A special bond gets built just through working and spending many hours together on everything. Got to thank everybody that’s come and helped us on the weekends and spent the late hours at the track working. We met many great friends at the track that are now like family. Also have to thank the numerous sponsors and privateers that have helped us along the way as well as other teams out here. Most of all though we race in honor of our Mother and Father as a thank you to show them what a great legacy they left our family with.

After watching Anthony Marsh run the first 4 second, 300mph run, it was evident to see who was one of the major factors in the feat.

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More than your usual tuner, Lagana is one of the most underrated drives on the NHRA scene today. Here he is running the ‘Project’ Funny Car, a collaboration of efforts between the Laganas, Aaron Brooks and John Stewart.

RETURNING THE FAVOUR The Mount Shop/Marsh Motorsport team headed to the United States of America during the winter offseason, to help the Lagana Brothers run their Top Fuel dragster “Nitro Ninja”. The event was an IHRA meeting, held in Cordova, Illinois USA. As Dominic Lagana (fastest man in IHRA drag racing) comes to NZ to help the team, it was only fitting that the Marsh Motorsport crew went to repay the favour and also learn some more from the experts. As it worked out Dominic won the event earning him the crown for the IHRA World Series. The kiwi team gives a huge thanks to to Bobby and Dominic Lagana, for giving the team the opportunity and also for their hospitality shown towards them while there.

“Got to thank everybody that’s come and helped us on the weekends and spent the late hours at the track working. We met many great friends at the track that are now like family.”

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A GLIMPSE OF 2015.

Before we dive into 2016, we look at the some of the highlights of 2015 in the world of kiwi international motorsport (in no particular order). Think there’s someone missing? Email Editor@MotorsportPlus.co.nz and tell us about it!

Brendon Hartley. FIA WEC World Champion.

Earl Bamber. 2015 Le Mans overall winner.

Scott Dixon. Four time IndyCar World Champion.

Hayden Paddon. 1st WRC Podium/5th Overall.

Mitch Evans. Podium @ Le Mans //GP2 Victories

Richie Stanaway. Multiple race winner. GP2 // WEC GTE

Nick Cassidy. Japanese Formula 3 Champion

Avalon Biddle. EJC Women’s European Cup Champion. 29

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Ryan Urban. 2015 DD2 Masters World Champ.

Tom Blomqvist. DTM Race winner. ALSO ONLINE @ ISSUU.COM/MOTORSPORTPLUS

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28 December - North Island Super Saloon Championship 30 December - International Midget 40 lap, Valvoline Saloon Series 4 January - South Pacific Super Saloon Champs & FMX 6 January - NZ Sprint Car Championship, SSCAR Burger King Super Saloons

27 February - Super Saloon Bay Champs 12 March - Bay Champs 26 March - BOPSA Points Night/Golden Oldies 9 April - Ramp Demolition Derby & FMX 23 April - Fireworks Extravaganza Closing Night Harry Fredricksib Gold Cup

Come early and enjoy a buffet meal with the family, walk through the pits, meet the drivers and see the race cars up close before racing starts!!! Secure KIDZONE with bouncy castle, face painting and more TICKETS AVAILABLE AT: FLAMECRUSHER, EVENTFINDA, ASB ARENA OR AT THE GATE

• Adult $20.00 • Children $10.00 (6-16 year old) • Seniors $10.00 • Family Pass $50.00 (2 adults, 3 children) • Children under 6 free. • 28th & 30th Dec, 4th & 6th Jan - Adults $25.00 & Families $60.00 www.bayparkspeedway.co.nz

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