Since is debut event back in 2008, every April the streets of Hamilton, New Zealand have been turned into a racetrack and it has become a very popular and well attended event from motorsport fans all around NZ and if not the world. Everyone is speculating but just who out of all the drivers have the most chance of winning big this weekend in the latest exciting installment of the ITM Hamilton 400.
The Main Chances
As always everyone will be looking to beat one of the best drivers ever, Jamie Whincup, who has a very good record in Hamilton, winning four of the seven races that have been held on this circuit. The second most successful driver here has been HRT driver Garth Tander who won the first three races in the very first event. In terms of the two brands of cars involved in V8 Supercars, Holden have won five and Ford have won twice out of the seven races held throughout the last three years. The statistics suggest that it is Ford’s time to shine this time around, but with the star power driving the Holden brand this year you have to think that it will be a complete domination by Holden this weekend. Look for Team Vodafone and Jamie Whincup to have a big blowout at this weekend’s race.
The Circuit
The street circuit winds around the Frankton district of Hamilton and is very dangerous with very limited passing opportunities making qualifying more important here than it is on most race tracks. The most prominent feature of this street circuit is the turn two hairpin where most accidents occur. The chicane is also known to be very dangerous as it offers nothing but a wall to drive into if the driver makes even the slightest error on entry. Look for carnage at these two points on the track right throughout the race weekend.
Summary
It is going to be a great weekend of motorsport and with wet weather in the forecast we could well see some surprise results or we could see yet another domination from Jamie Whincup. Personally I would like to see some good close racing and maybe see a surprise victor, like young kiwi Shane Van Gisbergan who drives for Stone Brothers Racing and is said to be a star of the future in the sport of V8 Supercars. You can catch all the action from this years ITM Hamilton 400 LIVE on Channel 3 right throughout the weekend.
