Every single corner counts. One momentary lapse of concentration doesn’t mean losing the race, it means losing your life. Pikes Peak International Hill Climb is the world’s highest race and one of the most gruelling events in all of motor racing. At an altitude of 2865 metres, even the start line is high enough to leave anyone short of breath. But it’s the climb to the towering 4300-metre finish line that punishes drivers and their vehicles.
As the drivers climb toward the summit, the thin air slows driver reflexes and robs engines of precious power. Although the race may only be held over one weekend each year, preparation is a 12-month task. One mechanical fault or a split second lapse in concentration and you may as well have left the car in the garage.
For Andrew Hawkeswood, the driver who secured fourth place overall in 2005, the garage
isn’t some multi-million dollar Stateside workshop, it’s a farm shed out the back of south-east Auckland.
“Running on C16 race
gas, the combination
creates over 800hp at all
four wheels, which in a car
weighing around 900kg
makes for some
serious acceleration”
Granted, it’s a pretty cool shed, and there is no shortage of tools and equipment, but it doesn’t come close to the setups of the international competition. The machine that was created in Andrew’s workshop is nothing short of amazing, as his finishing position in the legendary event goes to show. And for the record, his fourth place was achieved with a flat tyre for the last few kilometres, slowing the car substantially.
Coming from a rally background and having owned more tough competition cars than he can remember, Andrew always wanted to have a go at the demanding Silverstone Race To The Sky, held annually in the South Island’s wild Cardrona Valley. He made his first attempt back in 2003 driving a Group A-spec Mitsubishi Lancer Evo VI. The rush of driving along a cliff face on unpredictable terrain was clearly addictive, because Andrew went from wanting to have a go to wanting to win. Since then he’s competed every year, finishing second overall twice and third overall once.
The man to beat, both here in New Zealand and over at Pikes Peak, has been Japanese nutcase Nobuhiro 'Monster’ Tajima, in his 1000-plus horsepower, Suzuki-based gravel basher. Taking the title was a long-term plan, however, and Andrew knew it wouldn’t happen with his first serious vehicle — it was simply a stepping-stone to a machine capable of beating Monster.
With an Evo VII rally car in the shed, Andrew and mechanic/fabricator/all-round handyman Norm Soo developed a plan to construct a full space framed car with a carbon fibre Evo-style body shell. As you’d expect, the rules for the 'Unlimited’ class are pretty much unrestricted as long as the vehicle is built to safety standards. The team knew they could create a totally wild machine unlike anything ever seen in New Zealand.
Using the rally car body as the plug, a carbon fibre mould was taken from it. The front guards, bonnet and bumper are all one piece, as is everything from the windscreen rearward except the front doors. All up, the carbon fibre body weighs in at a mere 35kg, doors included. Enabling the shell to be so anorexic is the minimalist use of materials, except where strength was required. The doors themselves are nothing more than a skin with custom catches and a small reinforcement through the centre. There is simply a Velcro strap at the top of each, which is used to keep the tops closed when the vehicle isat speed.
Although all windows in the vehicle are constructed from lightweight Lexan, a panel behind the driver’s seat rules out any chance of rear visibility. The reason for the panel was again weight saving, and instead of running a floor in the rear of the vehicle, the rear firewall (of sorts) is all that protects Andrew from the elements.
Once the body was constructed, up to eight people toiled full-time on the vehicle in a rush to get it ready for its first event. While Norm worked on piecing together a motor, Neville Smith knocked up a full space frame chassis. Strong enough to absorb impact should the unthinkable happen, the chassis is also super-lightweight. Not being based on a modified production floor pan meant that every aspect of the chassis was tailor-made to suit the application. Starting from the front, custom rose-jointed suspension arms were fabricated and mounted to the chassis.
Although in the stock location and built to factory specifications, the rose-jointed arms negate the need for suspension bushes and allow for various adjustments to be made. Attached to the custom arms are custom-made sway bars and high-spec Proflex coil-over shocks, complete with remote reservoirs.
The result is a handling package that is adjustable in a range of ways to allow for the bumpy top end of Pikes Peak, or the smoother Cardrona track. Achieving the perfect suspension setting for the US event in particular is no easy task, as the lower half is smooth tarseal and the second half of the rise is rugged dirt and rock.
With 137 corners on the Race To The Sky, and even more in Pikes Peak (not to mention sheer drops of up to 6000 feet around 1828m on one side), overlooking the brakes isn’t recommended. Not wanting to test the vehicle’s safety structure, Andrew and the team opted to fit AP callipers and 304mm rotors up front. These and the Brembo rear callipers are both at the mercy of a Wilwood pedal box with driver adjustable bias. Pad choice is again critical, and an area where much research was undertaken before the current combination was settled upon.
With the thin air at high altitudes robbing engines of up to 30 per cent of their power and much of the competition running over 1000hp, big horsepower was essential. Although Norm spends most of his days working on rally cars, he has built his fair share of high power street and drag motors, so he knew exactly what was required. Unlike the drag motors, the motor for the hill climb car had to be able to stay at high RPM for periods of up to 10 minutes at a time.
The basis for the build was a Mitsubishi Lancer Evo VIII 4G63 engine, although these days the block and heavily modified head are the only factory parts remaining. A stroker crank, along with ultra-strong Cunningham rods and forged Wiseco pistons, increased capacity from two litres out to 2.4 litres.
“All up, the carbon fibre body
weighs in at a mere 35kg, doors
included”
“With the thin air at high altitudes robbing engines of up to 30
per cent of their power, and much of the competition running over
1000hp, big horsepower was essential”
The rotating assembly, with custom steel flywheel and triple-plate AP Racing clutch, has been balanced to allow the engine to rev far higher than factory internals would allow. Up top the 4G63 head has been as modified as the most competitive drag items and now houses seriously oversized valves. Just like the drag cars Norm has built, HKS camshafts and adjustable cam gears are in charge of power production, throwing fuel economy out the window.
Speaking of fuelling, 900cc injectors now feed C16 race fuel to the engine. Providing the fuel to the aftermarket rail is a Bosch 044 fuel pump, SX fuel pressure regulator and -8 braided lines. Forcing air into the engine is a hybrid Turbonetics turbo mounted to a custom exhaust manifold that also holds a 45mm external wastegate. A 3-inch exhaust takes spent gasses from the engine and runs down into the passenger’s side sill, before exiting the side of the vehicle.
Depending on track conditions, the car runs one of two carbon fibre front ends. The one on the car for our photoshoot is by far the tamer of the two; the other has the mother of all splitters built into it. Regardless, the large vent in the front of both feeds cool air into a custom intercooler, custom alloy radiator and custom oil cooler.
With no roads in New Zealand coming even close to the 4300m height of Pikes Peak, the crew had the MoTeC engine management system for altitude adjustments. Instead of tuning at the track, the ECU was removed from the vehicle and taken in a helicopter and re-tuned at certain altitudes to simulate what happens during the Pikes Peak climb. Running on C16 race gas, the combination creates over 800hp at all four wheels, which in a car weighing around 900kg makes for some serious acceleration.
ransferring the power to the road is a custom five-speed dog box that feeds a bigdollar Modena front LSD diff and Cusco rear. The factory AYC has
been kept, but it’s now controlled by the MoTeC Centre Diff Controller. All four axles have been custom made and heat-treated to withstand the huge stresses placed upon them.
During our shoot I was lucky enough to be handed the key, or rather, shown the start button for the car to take it for a drive. Chances are this was the most insane car I will ever have the thrill of driving. Sure, there are cars out there that produce similar power levels, but let’s see them handle and stop the same as this one. Although my drive was short, it didn’t take long to find out why the Velcro straps were on the tops of the doors, as both rain and wind pelted us at speed. With a bunch of gauges, but no speedo in the car, I’m unsure what speed I ran up to. Let’s just say it was quick enough to make long-time NZPC lens man (and my usual co-pilot) Clutch break into a girly giggle as his knuckles turned white around the cage.
Perhaps it was the wet road, or perhaps it was the wheel-spin as the car came on boost in third gear that scared him. Then again, I made sure to listen to Andrew’s explicit instructions not to change gear till it hit the limiter. Really, I don’t blame Clutch for giggling — if I were in the silly seat I would have done exactly the same. But in the driver’s seat, I was concentrating too hard to even notice how insane it was.
To tell the truth, I have no idea what RPM the limiter was even set at; although slow to come on boost, as soon as it does, your eyes are occupied with the rapidly blurring scenery, rather than the tachometer.
So where to from here?
With the future of Race To The Sky in doubt, it’s hard to say. Andrew does have another vehicle under construction, but with and currently none on the calendar, that project may be put on hold. He did mention that the Evo is for sale, although he would also like to throw it down the drag strip or perhaps have a go at drifting in it too. On the rally scene, Andrew is well known for his crowd-pleasing and flamboyant driving style, and is no stranger to throwing a car perpendicular at speed. So if he does try his hand at drifting, I have no doubt he will be successful. And at least when drifting there won’t be a cliff nicknamed 'Bottomless Pit’ on the side of the track.
Even if the vehicle doesn’t get used competitively again, it is still nothing short of a work of automotive art and a credit to all those involved in the build. It is without a doubt the most insane machine I’ve ever had the chance to drive. Not bad for a 'stepping stone’ to a competitive vehicle; I’m just hoping I get the chance to experience the power of the new one first-hand too.
Tuning Menu
Engine:
Mitsubishi 4G63 2.4-litre 4-cylinder DOHC 16V, stroker crank, Wiseco forged pistons, Cunningham rods, HKS camshafts, HKS
cam gears, oversized valves, titanium retainers,900cc injectors, custom throttle body, customexhaust manifold, custom intake manifold, 45mm external wastegate, hybrid Turbonetics turbo, K&N filter, custom intake, 3-inch exhaust, custom radiator, custom intercooler, MoTeC engine management system
Driveline:
Custom-built 5-speed dog box, AP triple-plate clutch, steel flywheel, Modena front LSD diff, Cusco rear LSD diff, MoTeC Centre Diff Control, heat-treated axles
Suspension:
Fully adjustable Proflex coil-over shocks/springs, custom chromoly arms, custom sway bars,
Brakes:
AP 4-pot front callipers, 304mm AP rotors, Brembo rear callipers, Wilwood pedal box
Wheels/Tyres:
15×8-inch gravel wheels, 18×10-inch tarmac wheels, Michelin tyres
Exterior: 35kg carbon fibre body, custom wing, Lexan windows, one-piece front
Interior:
Chromoly space-frame chassis, Sparco seats, Auto Meter gauges Performance: Dyno Power — 810hp @ wheels, Weight — 900kg
Driver Profile
ANDREW HAWKESWOOD
Age: 37
Occupation: Earthmoving Contractor
Previously Owned Cars: Mazda RX-3s,
Mazda RX-7s, Mitsubishi Lancer Evos II-IX
Dream Car: Lancia Delta S4
Build time: Four months with up to eight people working full-time
Length of ownership: Three years
Andrew Thanks: Neville Smith @ Cougar Chassis, Buckley Systems, Norm Soo and Richy Ebbitt
The legendary Bob Dylan once sang, “the times, they are a-changin’”. Sure, the grammar was a bit off, but the point was made. Things change, progress is made. Admittedly, he was referring to the social upheavals of the ’60s, but I find the line applies in almost every facet of life.
Hell, if someone had told me 10 years ago that everyone I know would have a little gadget in their pocket that they could use to talk to mates on video, watch the news, send text messages, play games, or any of the other million things cell phones can do, I would have probably told them they were dreaming. And if someone had said to me even a few years ago that I would one day write about a nine-second street car, I’d have laughed out loud. Hell, even a 10- second legitimately street drivable car seemed unlikely.
But as we now know, the times, they have a-changed. Case in point, Sam Mercer’s 1995 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution III. At the V Energy Drinks 4&Rotary Nationals earlier this year, the car was piloted to an astounding 9.97-second sprint down the quarter-mile, hurtling across the finish line at 233 kilometres per hour. Hearing Sam’s claims of the car’s fully streetable nature, we decided a closer inspection was most definitely in order.
“Sam’s Evo is capable of nines, yet there we were, cruising
through the backblocks of Howick, attacking corners and
pummelling straights as though it was any other street car”
Walking into the East Auckland-based Boost Performance Ltd, which Sam co-owns with good friend Nathan, it became immediately apparent that they;
a) know their stuff when it comes to building fast cars; and
b) boast a very impressive knowledge of little-known yet somewhat hilarious bed-time party tricks. I could see I was going to get on well with these guys!
Heading over to the Evo sitting in the corner of the shop, I noted that, sure enough, there was a stereo, the power windows did work and there was most definitely a full interior in the car. All that differed from the Nationals to today’s shoot were the wheels and tyres, changing from 16-inch Sieg 3-piece drag rims and 225/50R16 Hoosier Street rubber to a sexy set of 17-inch Work Meister S1 rims, wrapped in 205/45R17 Federal treads.
As we rolled out of the driveway on our way to the shoot location, I asked Sam about the motor. As it turns out, Sam has owned the 4G63 for a fair few years in different shapes and forms. Its most recent incarnation, however, was achieved with help from Brett Lee-Sang, who actually piloted the car during its sub-10-second jaunt. Down below, the block sports a set of JE pistons and a set of Eagle rods, the latter held together with ARP rod bolts. Interestingly, the factory crank shaft remains, although the bearings have been replaced with ACL examples.
Finishing up the bottom end is a set of ARP main studs and a distinct lack of balance shafts. The shafts are often removed in hard tuned 4G63s, as the bottom end is usually balanced by a machinist when being rebuilt, and the shafts only add rotational weight within the motor. Remove the shafts, reduce the rotating mass, make more power. Simple!
Above the steel head gasket sits a fairly worked twin cam, 16-valve ported and polished head. Spinning HKS 272-degree cams off HKS cam gears, the head sports a set of ARP head stud bolts, Crower valve springs and titanium retainers, making sure nothing falls to pieces at high RPM.
With a motor this well built, making reliable, bigpower is not difficult, especially when using a large Precision GT ball bearing turbocharger. This big-boosting huffer sits off a custom exhaust manifold, right next to a Tial 46mm external wastegate. A K&N air filter and custom intake pipe feeds air to the turbo, which then spits out through a custom-made bar and plate intercooler on its way up to the head. As it enters the head, flow is improved thanks to an enlarged throttle body and intake manifold setup. In terms of fuelling, Sam has opted for a custom-built aluminium fuel cell in the boot of the car, which houses a hard-working Aeromotive fuel pump. Aeromotive has also supplied a fuel pressure regulator, sitting on the end of the stock fuel rail supporting four 850cc injectors.
Once set alight, the engine setup makes a serious amount of power, pumping out 435kW to all four wheels thanks to a well-tuned EMS computer and GReddy Profec-B boost controller. Sam has thetalented Kent at Warkworth’s Speedsource to thank for that.
Even on its lower powered, daily driven street tune the Evo was brutal, and as we made our way through the outskirts of Auckland, 3-inch exhaust howling, its true beauty became apparent; this was no show car. Sure, there was a 'Girl Power’ cover draped over the rear seat, but that wasn’t the point. Sam’s Evo is capable of nines, yet there we were, cruising through the backblocks of Howick, attacking corners and pummelling straights as though it was any other street car. Now that is impressive.
“Once set alight, the engine setup makes a
serious amount of power, pumping out 435kW to
all four wheels thanks to a well-tuned EMS computer
and GReddy Profec-B boost controller”
Corners are handled with grace thanks to a set of adjustable coil-overs, which also don’t hurt quarter-mile times when set to the right height and dampening. Furthermore, Sam has installed front and rear sway bars, and Nolathane bushes all round. Stopping duties have been entrusted to the stock 2-pot Lancer Evo III callipers and discs, although the pads have been upgraded, as have the braided lines. As you can see from the spread, looks haven’t exactly been a huge priority when building this Lancer, the only modifications being a carbon fibre bonnet and a shaved boot spoiler. That’s not to say the classic Evo III shape is a bad one; a lot of enthusiasts prefer it to any other, and it must be said that Sam’s example looks very tough cruising down the road, sitting super-low
on those Work rims.
For a single digit car, taking a cruise is a remarkably comfortable affair. Strapped into a Recaro SPG seat, I took a look around the cabin, trying to locate anything that would give away the car’s immense power. But no, unless you count that incredibly camp Girl Power seat cover proudly displayed in the back, the Mitsi’s interior is as plain as can be. Of course, Sam did need to install the bare necessities in the form of a trio of Auto Meter gauges and a GReddy peak/hold electronic boost gauge, only there so Sam knows his engine is in good health. Before anyone kicks up a stink, let it be made clear that Sam isn’t exactly welcome back on the drag strip until he installs an NZDRA-approved roll cage. That doesn’t bother him too much. Knowing his car ran the time is all that matters, so for the immediate future Sam is just out to enjoy his super-quick street car, roll cage or not.
Tuning Menu
Engine: Mitsubishi 4G63T, JE forged pistons, Eagle rods, factory crank, ACL bearings balance shafts removed, ARP main studs, ARP
rod bolts, ported polished head, HKS 272-deg camshafts, HKS cam gears, crower valve springs, titanium retainers, steel head gasket, ARP head studs, K&N air filter, enlarged factory intake manifold, enlarged throttle body, Precision GT ball bearing turbocharger, Tial 46mm external wastegate, custom exhaust manifold, custom intercooler set up, GReddy blow-off valve, aluminium fuel cell, Aeromotive fuel pump, Aeromotive FPR, 850cc injectors, ignition voltage booster, Taylor 10mm leads, NGK plugs, 3-inch exhaust system, HKS muffler, alloy radiator, EMS computer, GReddy Profec-B boost controller
Driveline:
Mitsubishi Evo V 5-speed gearbox, OS Giken twin-plate clutch, OS Giken flywheel, Cusco front/rear LSD diffs
Suspension:
Fully adjustable coil-over shock/springs, front/rear strut braces, Nolathane engine, gearbox & diff mounts
Brakes:
Factory Evo III 2-pot callipers and discs, braided brake lines, upgraded pads, Motul brake fluid
Interior:
Recaro SPG seats, Momo steering wheel, Auto Meter boost gauge, Auto Meter water temp gauge, Auto Meter oil pressure gauge, GReddy peak/hold electronic boost gauge, Girl Power rear seat cover
Exterior:
Carbon fibre bonnet, shaved spoiler
Wheels/Tyres:
17-inch Work Meister S1 street rims, 205/45R17 Federal street rubber, 16-inch Sieg 3-piece drag rims, 225/50R16 Hoosier
Street drag rubber
Performance:
Dyno Power — 435kW @ wheels, 0-400m — 9.97 @ 233kph
Driver Profile
Sam Mercer
Age: 26
Occupation: Director
Previously owned cars: Mazda Familia GT-X, Mazda Evo I, 2x Evo II, Nissan Skyline R32 GT-R, Nissan 180SX Type-X
Build time: 12 months
Length of ownership:18 months
Sam thanks: Nathan, Vic & Jess @ Boosted Performance, Kent @ Speedsource, Brett Lee- Sang and everyone else who has helped out.
Name: Kristina
Age: 22
Occupation: Student/Model
Hey Kristina, I notice you have a pretty heavy accent there, where are you from?
I’m fron Russia actually. A city called Vladivostok
Ah, yes, I know it well. (I actually have no idea where that is, but I’m trying to sound smart. Although I think she has seen through my ruse!) So, why did you leave?
My father decided it had become far too dangerous a place to grow up in, with all the Mafia problems they have over there.
Ok, well, we certainly welcome (with open arms!) hot foreign models here in New Zealand. Besides the obvious, what do you do to pay the rent?
Well, I’m quite lucky as I still live at home, so there is no rent to pay. But at the moment, all my money comes modelling promo work.
How can an average guy attract a, well, seriously above-average girl somewhat like yourself? I know it’s possible — I’ve seen it!
I think the key for any guy, whether they are good-looking or not, is to just be a nice, friendly and confident person when they are meeting girls, and not be all over them like a sleaze.
Get your own photoshoot by the professional team at Parkside. Click here to find out more.
Oh, well that kind of answers my next question, but I’ll ask it anyway. Is there anything that guys always do, but never should, when trying to impress you?
There are quite a few things to be honest. But yes, the biggest one is coming on too strong, being too sleazy and making it too obvious that all you want to do is touch my boobs
(Mental note, less with the random boob touching.)
So, do you have a boyfriend?
No, I don’t at the moment.
I see! So what do you like to do for fun?
I’m into martial arts actually. I have a first-degree black in Tae Kwon Do, and I do a bit of kick boxing too.
Good to know, don’t mess with Kristina. How did you get into that?
My Dad is a boxer, so he has always encouraged us with combat sports.
What kind of car do you drive now?
It’s a 2004 Toyota RAV4
Is it modified at all?
Yeah, it is actually. It’s got a full body kit, 18-inch rims, tints, neons and a sound system. I love it.
What if you could choose any car in the world, what would it be?
I really like those BMW X5s, so I’d probably have one of those.
So you probably like flashy, showy cars over no nonsense speed machines?
I used to be into fast cars when I was younger, but not so much anymor e. I just like a good-looking, classy car.
Should NZPC readers expect to see you elsewhere in the future?
Well, I’d like to become a TV presenter, so hopefully on the screen. I’m just not sure if I should do it here or back in Russia. I do a lot of catwalk modelling too.
Oh, I have a feeling you would be pretty damn popular if you were on TV in New Zealand. You could be like Eva the Bulgarian, but actually hot. Ok, now I have to ask the obligatory question we all want answered: hot guy with a shitty car, or ugly dude with a nice car? (Crosses fingers.)
I truly think that as long as he is a good person, it really doesn’t matter how hot he is, or what he drives. When I was younger, I would have thought differently, but I was
immature.
Good answer, thanks for your time Kristina!
Interview: Pedey Kelly Photos: Quinn Hamill
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Name: Jess
Age: 19
Occupation: Student/Model
Where are you from?
Auckland, born and bred.
Do you like it up here?
Yeah, it’s pretty cool; I recently came back from Melbourne, just because I love Auckland so much!
Is there anywhere else in the world you would rather live?
I’d really love to check out France.
Why’s that then?
Because everything there seems to be stylish, appealing and sexy.
How did you get into modelling?
Well, I got into it through doing pageants like Miss Auckland and eventually just joined up with an agency.
Have you been doing it long?
Nope, I’ve just got back into it recently, so I’m pretty new.
Is it something you want to be doing for a long time, or just something to pay the bills for the meantime?
Well, I do love it to be honest. As far as a job goes, it’s pretty fun, and you get to meet heaps of interesting people.
I have it on good authority that you are one of the hot tub girls in the new NZPC TV advertisement — what was that photo
shoot like?
It was pretty chilled out actually, just a bunch of us girls sitting in a spa, drinking wine and laughing at the guys.
How has the shoot today?
It’s been fun.
When you’re not modelling, what do you like to do for fun?
I love going out to gigs. Well, let’s just say I love live music and wine, so the two of them together always means a good time.
What kind of live music would that be?
I’m really into dub, reggae or even chilled-out house — anything I can dance to, to be honest.
Are you much of a car girl?
Definitely. I’m actually into hotrods; my family has a couple of them.
Oh yeah, what have you got?
My Mum has a ’65 Impala, and my Dad has a ’55 Chev.
It’s a Friday night, so are you the party girl type, or the stay at home with a DVD type?
I’d definitely be out and about causing all sorts of trouble!
Besides modelling, what do you do for a living?
I’m studying creative arts and design at the moment, so I’m living the student life.
So you go to an Arts school? Is it full of hippies?
Well, there are a few of course, but it’s a really eclectic mix of people who all seem to be very different from each other. We all
seem to get on really well.
What do they all think of your modelling?
They are all really supportive. Even the lecturers are very understanding when I have to leave to go to pageants and those
sorts of things.
Awesome, thanks for that Jess!
Thanks guys.
Model: Jess
Make up: Blush Workshops
Stylist: Charlotte Piho
Big Thanks to Blue Dude Swimwear (09 309 5017) for supplying swimwear and
to Lippy for the clothing. For the best selection in jewellery visit Shellshock, 53
Ponsonby Road, Auckland.
Get your own photoshoot by the professional team at Parkside. Click here to find out more.
Name: Anna
Age: 20
Occupation: Singer
You’re not the first person in your family to be in NZPC are you?
No. My brother Adam drives the Redline Performance VR-4 that was featured a few months back.
We hear your boyfriend has been in too!
Who? What? I don’t have a boyfriend. What did you hear?
So being surounded by people like that you must have a mean car yourself?
No, I’ve just got a Toyota RAV4. Go the RAV!
If money wasn’t an issue, what would you be driving?
I’d like a Turbo Altezza, or Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution. Yeah, an Evo VII would be nice.
So, it’s speed over style then?
Although speed is good, I’m going to go with style.
What’s your favourite car in the scene at the moment?
I love both drift and drag racing. Drifting’s got skill, but as my brother does drag racing I’m a fan of that too. My favourite cars on the import scene are his VR-4 and the HKS/Redline Performance/Dodsons S15 drifter.
What’s the one item you can’t live without?
My cellphone. I have to have it on me at all times.
If you had to leave town with just three items, what would they be?
My toothbrush, my handbag and all its contents, and definitely my cash card!
Where would we have seen you before?
TV maybe? I was on Shortland Street as a featured guest. I was singing on it, but that was a long time ago. I’ve also been in a movie called Kids World. It was in theatres in America as well as New Zealand. I was playing one of the lead roles, so that was really fun.
Quite the actress, huh! How did you get into modelling?
I don’t know. I haven’t actually been modelling for that long. It just came about through the promo work I’ve done for Redline Performance recently, I guess.
Besides singing and acting, what other talents do you have?
I did motocross racing for four years and I’m recording a solo album at the moment. It’s country pop.
How far do you plan to take your singing career?
It depends on how far the studio wants to take it — as far as we possibly can though.
Do you write your own lyrics?
No, they write the music for me! in fact, they do every thing for me. I just have to hold the microphone! and sing of course!
When are you hoping to release it?
We’re aiming for the beginning of next year at the latest.
Will that be sold locally?
It will be on sale here. But the biggest target is the USA, since country pop isn’t too big here.
PHOTOS: QUINN HAMILL
Cover Model: Anna
Hair and make-up: Blush Workshops — 021 135 1047
Stylist: Charlotte Piho
Location: Quest Ponsonby
Clothes: Supplied by stylist and Bras’n’Things St Lukes
Get your own photoshoot by the professional team at Parkside. Click here to find out more.
Name: Caroline
Age: 20
Occupation: Student
Besides looking super—hot, what else do you do to pay the rent?
I live at home, so at the moment I’m not paying rent (laughs).
How did you get into modelling?
I started when I was 15 by doing a course and it went on from there. Then I joined an agency.
Would you recommend it to other girls? If so, what advice would you give them?
It is a lot of fun, but it is a lot more hard work than it looks. The best bit of advice would be to get with a good agency.
Do you enjoy modelling or is it just for the cash?
No, no it’s a lot of fun as well and you get good contacts from it.
What do you like to do for fun?
I love chilling out. Seriously, I love the beach and love travelling and just relaxing.
Are you a big party girl? If so, what is your favourite drink?
I love partying, definitely. I do a bit of work for Jim Beam, so I’m going to get in trouble for this, as I normally stick to the Sauvignon Blanc.
You’re going out on a Saturday for the night. Would it most likely be to bar or a house party?
I usually start at a house party or house drinks and then move on to a bar afterwards.
Lets be honest — is it a lot of work having a body like yours, or did you just win the gene pool lottery?
(Laughs) Half and half, I guess. I do have to work for it. I exercise and stuff
Should someone who, say, isn’t so pretty on the eye, even bother trying to talk to you in a bar?
Yeah, why not? I don’t judge people just by looks, so go for it.
What is the single biggest mistake guys make when trying to talk to you?
Probably being too blunt. A bit of tact would be good and don’t be sleazy.
If a guy has a nice car, does it make a difference?
No, it doesn’t, but it is a bonus.
Hypo import or hulking hot rod?
Old hot rod. I like the old Chevys.
Do you have an all-time favourite car?
It would be an Aston Martin sports coupe.
Were you a nice kid or a hell—raiser?
I was a very nice kid (laughs) — I was very good.
What kind of music are you in to?
I actually like a whole range. I don’t really stick to one thing, as such. I like really sort of chilled out Sunday stuff, but I like dancing stuff on Saturday nights too. Anything that suits the mood.
Any favourite movies?
I love Wedding Crashers . It’s so funny, but not really anything else stands out.
What do you want to have achieved by the time you are 50 years old?
I want to own my own business doing interior design and have travelled the world by then.
Good luck with that. If you need a cabana boy, you know who
to call!
Photos: Quinn Hamill
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Name: Danielle
Age: 22
Occupation: Model, Promo Girl and Office Administrator
Where have we seen you before?
I’ve worked at heaps of events like Big Boys Toys, raves, V8 Supercars, D1NZ, and Auto Salons, so you may have run into me at one of them.
How did you get in to modelling and promo work?
I had a friend that was doing it and I thought it looked like heaps of fun and thought I’d give it a go.
You’ve worked at a few car events now. What was your favourite?
I love going to the drifting, but my favourite would have to be the Auto Salon Final Battle when I won Miss Auto Salon.
Do you have a favourite vehicle from any Auto Salon?
Yeah, the green Skyline EVLR32 that was on our NAC Insurance stand at the last Auto Salon is definitely one of my favourites. I also love my friend Samantha’s SXYSAM Altezza.
It looks like you had a good time on the photo shoot. Where did you go?
Yeah, it was such a wicked day for it. We went down to the viaduct and then headed out on a launch to Mission Bay. We took some ZM prize winners out with us and had heaps of fun.
If you had been in control of the boat, where would you have gone?
Hawaii or the Bahamas — anywhere hot and tropical!
Where are you from originally?
I was born in Cambridge.
What was the best thing about growing up there?
Probably the friends I made.
Ever get yourself into trouble that your parents don’t know about?
Yes, a few times in my younger years. Doesn’t everyone?
What car are you driving at the moment?
I’ve got a black Mitsubishi Mirage.
If money weren’t an issue, what car would you own?
I could see myself in a shiny red Porsche 911 Turbo.
Is speed or style more your thing?
Speed, definitely.
How about your taste in guys — rich and
ugly, or poor and hot?
I’d go for poor and hot, but personality and a sense of humour win over looks and money every time.
What’s the best pick up line you’ve heard?
I can’t say I’ve ever heard any good ones! A guy once said to me “Have you got a mirror in your pants? Because I can see myself in them”. I was like; are you serious?!
What’s the one thing guys need to know about women?
No, we never want to pull your finger. And yes, it is all about me!
If you had a time machine, what would you use it for — good or evil?
I think life is what you make of it, so there isn’t really any point going back to try and change things. Actually, come to think of it, I would like to reverse some of those speeding tickets!
Where will we find you in five years time and what will you be doing?
I really want to start travelling soon. So hopefully in five years time I could be working in the States. I’d love to work as a stylist and be doing make-up for huge fashion shows over there.
How do you keep fit and what’s the secret behind getting an all-over tan?
I used to do a lot of dancing when I was cheerleading for the chiefs, so that was great exercise. These days I try to go to
kickboxing or step class once a week. As for the tan, I go to The Mount as much as I can during summer — I love the beach and
sunbathing.
COVER MODEL:Danielle
PHOTOS: QUINN HAMILL
Model: danielle make up: gale chan stylist: charlotte piho swimwear supplied by blue dude swimwear (09 309 5017) jewellery supplied by shellshock (09 360 0324) thanks to a-class (www.a-class.co.nz) for the use of the launch and the lamborghini. thanks to teddy for steering the ship
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Car:
EG Civic 1600cc B16b Motor. It’s got a limited slip diff, close-ratio gearbox, Koni suspension. Motor’s pretty much standard. No horsepower at the rear wheels only at the front. I normally drive a Datsun 1600.
How did you get into this?
I’ve been racing maybe 15 years now and just events like this. I went along to a sprint meeting and just went from there and did three or four of those and then stepped up from there to a full race meeting and when you do step up it’s a totally different game and you enjoy it so much more - you get addicted from there.
Next question is not did you buy or build because you obviously stole it. So who did you actually steal it from?
It’s Brent Thompson’s but he’s away on his honeymoon at the moment.
Where’s your 1600?
It’s on slicks at the moment. I tried to get a warrant on it but the guy just laughed at me.
Does it cause family problems at all?
Motor Racing?? No they love it. They’re not here this weekend, which is a bit harder for them. I’ve got three daughters so I got to keep them away from this place.
Any drivers amongst them?
No not at this age.
Has your car ever cost you a shag or got you a shag?
Well I’m married. I met her before I started racing so she kinda got dragged along as well. She doesn’t come to all the meetings because it’s a bit hard to drag all the kids along but when they do come along they have a ball. They’re my biggest fans in the grandstand.
Obviously you didn’t build this car but did you build your Datsun?
Yes 100%. I’ve done a bit on this car, we organise a few parts for Brent for him and have done a bit of Panel work.
When you built your car was it a result of your own financing or did you marry well?
No my own money and there’s no sponsors but if some come along I mean I’ve got a car that wins championships so yeah if someone turns up and wants to help me out…
Do you intend amping your car up into other classes?
I’m running an SS2000 and the car’s built for that class under their rules and that’s where we have aimed to build the car. So it really stays there and we would be relatively competitive in other classes but you know SS is where my flag is flying at the moment.
Reasons why you like your car more than your wife?
Who said that? Who have you been talking to? I do like my wife more than my car but I there’s thing’s I get pleasure from out of my car as well.
What comes first food or parts in your household?
Food
