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Sports stars warm up for BMW New Zealand Open with track experience at Highlands Motorsport Park
A selection of sporting celebrities competing in the BMW New Zealand Open took some time out today to participate in a different sort of challenge – driving a fleet of new BMW models as part of a series of skill tests at Highlands Motorsport Park.
The international sportspeople, consisting of rugby, cricket and golf representatives, were put through their paces by BMW Driving Experience instructor, Mike Eady.
The star-studded array of personalities included, amongst others, golfers Mike Hendry and Steve Williams, former All Blacks Andrew Mehrtens and Justin Marshall, cricketer Mark Richardson plus dual rugby and cricket international, Jeff Wilson.
“As would be expected, there was a huge amount of competitive rivalry amongst such a group of acclaimed international sporting superstars,” said BMW Driving Experience Instructor, Mike Eady.
“It was a closely fought battle between the codes and all players excelled in a variety of different experiences.
“Without naming names, there were a couple of guys who were able to adapt to the conditions better than others and managed to set some impressive times. All I’m at liberty to say is that, as far as I’m concerned, the best sports team won on the day.”
Each of the three teams had to put forward one person to complete each of the challenges, consisting of a gymkhana, acceleration test and an ‘ice slalom’ test on a skid pan.
Points were awarded for fastest runs, whilst clean runs didn’t attract any time penalties. A team challenge, worth double points, rounded out the on-track activities.
“The opportunity to drive a variety of new BMW models at the race track was simply sensational,” said BMW Ambassador, Jeff Wilson.
“It was an innovative exercise and quiet fascinating to see which sports people equipped themselves best in the different disciplines.”
Team Golf claimed the inaugural BMW Driving Experience Ultimate Driving Machine challenge, with team members including Michael Hendry (NZ), Steve Williams (NZ), and Brad Kennedy (Aust).
“I would have loved for my rugby team to win, but it’s only fitting the golf team claimed the title in the week of the BMW New Zealand Open,” said Mr Wilson.
“I still have my fingers crossed that one of my team members, or any player in the field for that matter, manages to ace the 16th hole at The Hills and wins themself a brand new BMW i8.
“Irrespective of who wins the BMW New Zealand Open, achieving a hole-in-one and winning this amazing new model would make for an incredible and very memorable experience.”
Team names and members are as follows:
Team Cricket: Mark Richardson (NZ), Graeme Swann (UK), Nathan Astle (NZ)
Team Golf: Steve Williams (NZ), Michael Hendry (NZ), Brad Kennedy (Aust)
Team Rugby: Andrew Mehrtens, Justin Marshall, Jeff Wilson (All NZ)
For further information, please contact:
Ed Finn, BMW Group Corporate Communications Manager
Mobile 021 504 494, email edward.finn@bmw.co.nz