One of New Zealand Motorsport’s longest running series is getting ready for the start a new season. The OSCA Super Saloon Series has been the mainstay of South Island Motorsport for over thirty years. Last year the series spread to the North Island and included a National Championship for the first time. The series has a new sponsor PRINTSTOP and promises to build on the success from last season.

Last season the North Island won the North vs South Challenge and a North Island driver won the National title. The South Islanders are determined to reverse the tables this season. A lot of work has gone in to preparing the cars during the winter and the competitors are keen to get back on the track.

South Island OSCA President, Evan Munt has been preparing his long serving Capri for this year’s series. He has freshened the engine and gearbox and fitted a new front spoiler to stop the air passing under the "Queen Mary", as it has been nick named by his fellow competitors. Evan is looking forward good season after working through a number of dramas last season.

Christchurch’s Dave McNaughtan sent his RX7 Turbo to the North Island for the winter where it has had new computer, electrics and fuel system installed and has been substantially lightened. Dave is looking forward to being much more competitive this seasons with more horsepower, better reliability and a lot less weight.

New for this season is Laine Etwell’s Lexus 4 Litre V8 powered, space frame Pontiac GTO. Laine ran at last round of last season for the first time but subsequently blew his engine up on a fun day after the season finished. A lot of work has gone in to preparing the car and after a few meetings of sorting it out should be a front runner.

Last season was not one that Dave Agnew would like to remember. He spent most of the season trying to get the engine sorted in his Volvo. When he finally did he blew the rear end as it couldn’t take the extra horsepower he had found. Dave has fitted a new rear end capable of putting his new found power to the ground and with his past troubles behind him he is looking forward to a strong season. Dave could be a dark horse for the championship if he has found reliability.

New comer Colin Dawson is looking forward to his first full season racing his Chev V8 RX7. He has competed in a few rounds over the past two seasons with very good results. Definitely a championship contender.

Invercargill’s Lawrence Knowler found a couple things wrong with his engine over the off season so he may not be able to defend his South Island Championship title this year. If he is able to get his car ready in time he is sure to be a top runner
in his V8 Camaro.

Last season Geoff Washbourne finished 2nd in GT2 in his first full season of racing. He is back this season with a new block for the Chev V8 Commodore and after learning the tracks last year he will be looking to go one better. He is a definite for an outside chance for the overall title.

Chris Blackwood makes a welcome return with his ex Tranzam Mustang now re-engined with a 3 Litre Turbo. The chassis has had a lot of weight taken out and the body is now an amazing burnt orange colour. The car looks great. Chris is yet to run the car but he will surely be a front runner once sorted

Wayne Ross will be back again this season with his Commodore Chev V8. Wayne will be looking for a bit more reliability this year if he is to take on the rest of the GT2 competitors for the title.

Also returning this season is Rob Lewis in his blue batman RX7. Rob is a hard charger and always near the front especially at Timaru.

The South Island PRINTSOP OSCA Super Saloon Series kicks off at Levels Raceway in Timaru on 30th and 31st of October. The second round at Powerbuilt Raceway in Christchurch on 26th and 27th of November is also the first round of the National PRINTSTOP OSCA Super Saloon Series.