21/12/2025
Chur Whanau
Been a bit slack on the updates lately with racing and juggling work priorities.
As you may or may not know, 93R has sold and sheโs got a new home down in Christchurch. As for the old man youโre never quite sure if heโs going to retire or not. For me though, I need to make sure I keep the wheels turning on 193, or I might get the boot out of the seat ๐
We kicked the season off with a couple of shockers for 193. From broken shocks, snapped torque arm bolts, broken driveshafts and the driver having a few too many takeaways over the off-season ๐คฆ๐คฃ
After taking a fair bit of damage at the triples, we hauled the car down to Hunter Built HQ. Massive thanks to Kenny Boy, Devon, Jordan โThe Pipe Benderโ Mason, and my old man for the huge mahi on 193. True Hunter fashion the steel arrived just hours before trophy night but the boys got stuck in and gave 193 a brand new nose. Even rushed, the work looked like a work of art. Absolute beautiful workmanship, Kenny G.
Once the new nose went on we noticed our bumper heights were all out, so with Kenny Boyโs help we slapped on 335R rear shocks, did about a 30-second setup, and headed to the track. Big thanks to our good mate Robbie Mabey for lending us his scales. We put the car on the scales at the track and she was pretty much bang on ๐ช
We only managed one race that night before the gremlins struck again. The battery died before race two and the carb horns decided to leak fuel everywhere. With no replacements, our night was done. Still, the drive and handling of the car was unreal and way easier to drive and we were fizzing for the next meeting.
Heading into club night, we were pumped to be asked to run in the Rebels inter-house competition. After years of watching the old man teams race, we were more than ready. Unfortunately, due to some legal circumstances outside the clubโs control, the event couldnโt go ahead. Gutted, but it is what it is and racing still went on at the Valley.
Race one was a real challenge track-wise, but we worked through the pack to grab 3rd. After a proper debrief from Ken and the old man, we went into race two with a different approach. Trusting Kenโs setup and adjusting my driving style, I realised 193 still had a sh*tload more to give and I just wasnโt letting it. Came home 3rd again after a tough start.
Race three, we pushed a bit harder, but a few laps in the centre of the right rear decided to part ways with the rest of the rim and we had to retire. Still, super impressed with how the car was handling.
Race four was pretty much a sprint. As the track slicked right up, I pushed harder and harder and was buzzing with how well the car stuck. With a bit of help from Rotoruas hard man Robbie Morris, we managed to secure the win. Absolute stoked and cracking my first win for the team after all the hard work everyoneโs put into our waka.
Overall, Iโm wrapped with how the carโs running and canโt wait to hit the track again at the Stockcar North Island Champs next weekend.
Massive thank you to my cousin Ken for your input and for telling me what I need to hear when I come back in. Next season could be interesting just saying ๐
And a massive thank you to my old man for the tireless efforts to get 193R going. Even with hardly any spare time in his days before heading back to work, heโs still out there grinding, putting in the hours and making sure the car is ready to roll. Always backing me, always keeping me honest when Iโm not quite getting something right. Absolute legend.
Massive thanks to my sponsors who have backed us over the years, OโBriens Plumbing Rotorua, Tuihana Logging, Mฤmฤ NZ and Hunter built. Without your support and input we wouldnโt be able to participate in this crazy sport we all love. Truly grateful. Massive thank you.
From our crazy family to yours, wishing you all a safe and Merry Christmas. Weโll catch you back in the Valley on the 28th ๐๐ค
