ABOUT
TA2NZ
Paul Manuell is the founder of both TA2NZ and Eastern Automotive Performance Centre. His racing credentials include:
2001 – 2002 NZV8 Champion
2016 NZV8 Ute Sprint Series Champion
2019 Asia TA2 Champion
2019 – 2020 NZV8 Ute Champion
2020 – 2021 NZV8 Ute Champion
Passionate about all aspects of racing, Paul was invited in 2019 to race in the TA2 class in the Asian Series in Thailand and Malaysia. Paul, along with his co-driver Jaylyn Robotham, won the championship. After meeting TA2 Australia founder, Peter Robinson, and knowing him from previous 20 years of racing V8’s here in New Zealand, Paul saw and knew the need for a close parity equal racing V8 category in New Zealand.
There are now 10 cars on the grid, with the strongest interest to date in growing and developing a standalone TA2NZ series.
Building Nautech Electronics up from a home based operation to a worldclass manufacturing facility, has given Andrew and Alison Turner the skills to help with the business side of things. Andrew is a motivated race car driver having driven in Central Muscle Cars, and currently BMW and TA2 categories.
TA2 Muscle Car Series
TA2 Muscle Car Series is the current evolution of America’s legendary Trans-Am Series which started in the 1960s.
Born in the USA to perform on the fast-flowing circuits of New Zealand, these PBR specification cars are built to the highest quality by one of the best USA race car manufacturers, Howe Racing. Initially powered by a touch of New Zealand heritage by the race proven McLaren built 6.2 litre LS3 V8 engine, these super costs effective V8 race cars have taken the motorsport world by storm.
With huge popularity and growth in Australia with over 120 sold and grids of over 40 cars, these modern style sport coupes come with the option of three different body styles and represent amazing value.
Our same-spec racing series sets driver against driver. Your skill behind the wheel, not the money spent on an engine, is what will set you apart and propel you to the top of the pack.
The age old rivel of Australia vs New Zealand is now alive and well with the introduction of TA2.
With the USA Trans Am and Nascar at the forefront for motorsport of late, TA2 is the ultimate path for the best of our NZ talent.
TA2 Cars
The PBR design of this fantastic formula has taken true parity to another dimension with the same chassis, powerplant, running gear and all componentry, but with the option of body shapes – Ford Mustang, Chev Camaro or Dodge Challenger.
The TA2 Body Styles
Ford Mustang
Chevrolet Camaro
Dodge Challenger
With engines restricted to 525 horsepower, TA2 promotes permanency while aiming not to sacrifice performance. The NZ cars are all be powered by a blueprinted 6.2L LS3 Chevrolet engines. Thus, TA2 represents one of the world’s best value platforms in racing.
TA2 Car Specs
Chassis: PBR Specification Manufactured by Howe Racing Enterprises
Body: Gen Six Mustang, Gen Six Camaro, Gen Five Challenger
Minimum Weight: 1250KG (including driver)
Fuel Capacity: 84 litre fuel cell
Engine: 6.2 Litre Custom Built LS3, maximum 6500 rpm
Gearbox: 4 Speed G Force, Hollinger 4 spd
Brakes: Callipers Wilwood, Rotors– Wilwood
Suspension: Hypercoil
Shocks: Penske
Diff: Tiger quick change with Detroit Locker
Wheels: 15’ x 10’ Bassett steel rims
Electrical: Motec Dash
At 1250kg and over 525 hp, there is no other car that compare to the performance of these cars in their price range.
