27/10/2005
NEWS STORY
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The car that has propelled New Zealand to fourth on the A1 Grand Prix championship table is heading home for the first time next month.
A1 Team.NZL chief executive Bob McMurray says the team is keen for the public to have a look at the car dubbed Black Beauty following Round 4 of the Series at Eastern Creek in Sydney on Sunday-week.
"We've been stunned by the support we've been receiving and want to give our supporters the chance to see the car up close and personal," McMurray said.
"We've been given the green light by the A1 head office after finalising insurance, transport logistics and security and we can't wait to show the car off."
The Lola single-seater will be on display at Giltrap Prestige, 100 Great North Road in Grey Lynn between 12 midday and 2pm on Saturday 12 November.
McMurray said the visit was officially sanctioned by the founder of A1GP, Sheikh Maktoum, who views New Zealand as the surprise package of the Series to date.
"The Sheikh has a real soft spot for the New Zealand team and he is likely to pop across after the Sydney round to show his support for us…a move that we're humbled by."
The car needs to be in Malaysia for Round 5, starting with assembly and testing on November 17.
After a third and three fourth placings, New Zealand lies fourth on the A1 championships points table behind France (50 points), Brazil (42) and Switzerland (34).