Circuits
Ruapuna - Round 2 - 26-28 November 2010
- Nearest City
- Christchurch (13km)
- Circuit Description
- 3.44km, 11 corners, Anitclockwise
- Surface
- Hot mix bitumen
- Top Speed
- 220-230 km/h
- Spectator Facilities
- Terraced seating, covered decks (hospitality), raised embankments
- Lap Record
- Paul Pedersen - Ford Falcon BA - 1:30.267 (2005)
- Website
- http://www.canterburycarclub.co.nz
A Falcon perspective - John McIntyre
This is a technical circuit with a mixture of fast and slow corners linked by a long straight. There are plenty of passing opportunities, a favourite of mine being the entry and exit of turn 1. It's a high speed turn into a slow corner that opens on the exit, and can cause much drama early in a race. The next corner is my favourite: "Pothole", with its fast entry and blind apex, it takes time to master. Up to 3rd gear and back to 1st for the hairpin which has a passing opportunity at its exit. You shoot into a tight complex of 2nd and 3rd gear corners, which make or break your lap time. You need very good car balance to be fast through here. Now you're heading towards the most important corner, the left hand Sweeper. Carry good speed through the middle of this corner and squeeze the throttle wide open as early as you dare to be at maximum attack down the straight. The car needs to brake and turn very well here as there are 7 braking zones.
A Commodore perspective - Andy Booth
Without doubt one of the most technical tracks in NZ, experience is key here and the locals always go well. Combined with some of the best facilities for a permanent circuit, Powerbuilt is always a pleasure to visit. With a long and extra wide front straight combined with a virtual labyrinth of tight infield turns it provides many passing opportunities resulting in close exciting racing. Car set up is critical and a car that looks after its tyres will be rewarded with good results over the course of the weekend. The network of infield turns, much of which is negotiated in 2nd gear requires thought and patience, easy to 'over drive' and kill your lap time. To be blunt it's a track I've struggled with for many years and don't count it amongst my most rewarding in terms of results but it will be the ultimate reward when I finally get it right!!!!
