The unmistakable whistle of turbochargers and the scent of high-octane fuel are set to return to the tarmac at Ruapuna, as a massive field of vintage machinery prepares for the John Fairhall Historic Touring Cars event. In a throwback to one of the most aggressive eras of motorsport, eight Ford Sierras headline 38-car historic grid for the ITM Christchurch Super440, bringing a concentrated dose of Group A nostalgia to the New Zealand circuit.
For those who lived through the late 1980s and early 1990s, the Ford Sierra RS500 represents more than just a car; it was the benchmark of the Group A era. The sheer volume of these machines appearing in a single event is a rarity, and the specific provenance of the cars entered makes this particular grid a living museum of touring car history.
The return of the legends
Among the eight Sierras, few carry as much weight as the Shell-liveried machine known as DJR6. Made famous by the legendary Dick Johnson and John Bowe, the car has faced a difficult road back to the track. It’s making its competitive return for the first time since a devastating fire occurred at Teretonga during the George Begg Festival. Lance Coupland will be the man tasked with piloting the restored icon back into action at Ruapuna.
The grid likewise features a poignant connection to the early career of one of New Zealand’s most successful drivers. Scott O’Donnell, co-owner of Walkinshaw TWG Racing, will steer the Whittaker’s Peanut Slab Sierra. This specific chassis holds a special place in the history books as the first touring car Greg Murphy ever raced, appearing with Kayne Scott in the Nissan-Mobil 500 Series at Wellington and Pukekohe back in 1992.
The depth of the Ford contingent continues with several other high-profile entries. Craig Innes is slated to drive the Texaco Sierra, owned by Bruce Miles, while Lindsay O’Donnell will be behind the wheel of the ex-Guy Edwards Kaliber Sierra. Rounding out the group are Andy Greenslade in the Benson & Hedges Sierra, Phil Mauger in the Caltex Sierra, Brett Stevens in the Playscape Sierra, and Robert McCallum, who will campaign a period-correct Tim Harvey tribute.
A diverse and competitive field
While the Sierras command the spotlight, the broader 38-car entry list showcases the diversity of the Group A and Super Tourer regulations. The grid is a blend of raw power and precision engineering, featuring some of the most coveted nameplates in racing history.
Nissan is well-represented with the arrival of the Skyline GT-R R32, driven by Stu Rogers, and the GTS-R HR31 steered by Steven Richards. These cars were the primary rivals to the Sierras during the twilight of the Group A era, known for their sophisticated all-wheel-drive systems and relentless pace.
The Super Tourer category also adds a layer of technical sophistication to the event. Greg Murphy returns to the cockpit, though this time in a Honda Accord, while Kayne Scott will be in the Nissan Primera P11. The BMW contingent is equally strong, with a variety of E36 and E30 models filling out the grid, including entries from Steve Kelly and Michael O’Dea.
Key Historic Entries to Watch
| Driver | Car/Model | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Lance Coupland | Ford Sierra (DJR6) | Return to racing after Teretonga fire |
| Scott O’Donnell | Ford Sierra | Greg Murphy’s first touring car |
| Steven Richards | Nissan GTS-R | Group A heavyweight contender |
| Greg Murphy | Honda Accord | Super Tourer era representative |
Why this grid matters
Events like the ITM Christchurch Super440 serve as more than just races; they are essential for the preservation of automotive culture. The effort required to maintain these cars in racing trim—often sourcing parts that have been out of production for three decades—is immense. When eight Ford Sierras headline 38-car historic grid, it is a testament to the dedication of the owners and mechanics who refuse to let these machines become static displays in a gallery.
The human element is what truly defines this event. Seeing drivers like Greg Murphy and Steven Richards return to the types of machinery that defined their early careers provides a bridge between the modern professional era of Supercars and the wild, unpredictable nature of Group A racing. For the fans at Ruapuna, it is an opportunity to experience the visceral sound and sight of the RS500s in a pack—a spectacle that has largely vanished from modern, highly regulated motorsport.
The event will be a test of both man and machine, as these historic cars are pushed to their limits on a circuit that demands precision. While the focus is on heritage, the competitive spirit of the drivers ensures that the racing will be as fierce as it was thirty years ago.
The next phase for the competitors is the final technical scrutiny and paddock setup at Ruapuna, leading into the opening sessions of the ITM Christchurch Super440. Fans and historians alike will be watching closely to observe if the restored DJR6 can reclaim its former glory on the track.
We seek to hear from the fans—which of these historic machines are you most excited to see back in action? Share your memories of the Group A era in the comments below.
