[Mark Petch]

Instead of cluttering up other threads on New Zealand motor racing categories post your thoughts on the SARS category here.

The SARS [Ssangyong Actyon Racing Series] has the backing and support of both Ssangyong Korea, and the New Zealand importers The Great Lakes Motor Company, owned by father and son motor racing enthusiasts Rick and Deon Cooper, who dreamt up the concept and 'sold' the idea to Korea.

FYI. the cost of a "turn-key" SARS ute is $30,000 +gst, it can be financed and or leased for as little as $3,000 per race meeting and comes complete with a spare set of race wheels and tyre's.

Rick and Deon approached me at the NZGP meeting at Manfeild earlier this year and shared their vision to assist young competitors to get into something affordable after they have decided to move on from Karting or Formula first etc.

Having been one of the first people to purchase a Nissan Sentra [for John MacIntyre] when that one make series started back in 1993, and with the recent demise of the Suzuki Swift Series, I believe there is still a need for affordable one make racing, and the Coopers ute concept is a very novel twist on an old theme. As such I readily agreed to help were I could and that's mainly in getting the Series off the ground and attracting the sort of competitors that Rick and Deon Cooper want to help realise their dreams.

We will continue to give any genuinly interested young person the opportunity to experience the SARS utes at no cost to them for a weekend racing, save for any panel damage, and I am very grateful for the support of the Coopers in affording me the opportunity to allow these youngsters to "try before they buy" i.e.. before there parents or backers have to make any financial commitment.