Petrolhead flashback: V8 Supercars at Pukekohe (the first time)
This weekend is the NZ round of the Australian V8 Supercars at the Pukekohe circuit near Auckland. Since I’m not able to be there, I felt compelled to dig into the archives.
After hosting the Supercars for the first few years when the NZ round was born, the event returned (to the surprise and celebration of many) to its first home after five years in Hamilton in a street race format.
I went to each of the Pukekohe events in my capacity as flag marshal, a beloved voluntary position I’d filled since 1992. By the time the V8s came to our shores, I was a point chief (like a team leader) and SO excited and proud to be helping make the event a success.
Below are a few snapshots from 2006 and 2007, the last two years before the event relocated. Aside from a couple taken by Mike who was on the scene for the 2007 race, there are none of the actual racing (marshals taking photos during races is a bit of a no-no, especially at high profile meetings), but they’ve brought back happy memories of what we do behind the scenes. With what I’ve seen televised so far this weekend, I’m really missing being part of it.
Marshals’ briefing 2006
Getting a ride out to our flag point
My flag crew in 2006
A parade (HOG I think) circulating. This was the last time we had clear views up the back straight – the next year a huge fence went up (safety and all that). And the view in 2013 has changed again with the introduction of a chicane
Applauding all of the drivers was something we always endeavour to do
Race day 2007 and we’re back at the hairpin
I’m waving the yellow flag which suggests someone fell off the track somewhere
The job includes dressing oil and clearing debris from the track – very occasionally, with a ‘helpful’ audience
The first (and last to date) time mum and dad came to the track while I was marshaling
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tall tales 
Enjoyed these flashbacks Hayley. Brought back some memories for me not somuch for the V8s but the saloon car racing that myself and a hard core group of friends went to at Pukekohe and BayPark many many times. A great sport to follow.
Janice
I don’t recall you ever mentioning that Janice … Which seems odd that you didn’t sometime over the years but then my memory isn’t the most watertight! I never made it to the old Baypark track.
As I was typing my comment I thought had I said all this before and hoped that I was not repeating myself. I thought I had but maybe not. It does seem odd but cannot explain it. I remember speaking about a friend whose husband Ian was involved with the marshalling and he does remember you. We were in Auckland today and with some friends who went to the V8s over the weekend said it was great. The atmosphere great too. So your blog has really stirred up some interest Hayley. Look forward to more. Love Janice
I remember Ian well. Auckland, that’s not a trip you’d make often these days, hope you enjoyed it.
We do enjoy our trips to Auckland I always feel very at home there and love catching up with friends. However the trips are few and far between.
Great post. As a car lover I appreciate this post.
🙂