Innholdsfortegnelse for December 2021 i NZ4WD

Welcome to the end of the year, and the last mad scramble to the Christmas-New Year period. Is everybody excited? Holidays, good friends, a bit of 4WD adventuring. What’s not to like? Driving down the motorway last week I saw something that made me quite sad. The good: a guy on a quite tasty road bike, full leathers, carbon helmet rides past me in the right hand lane. It was his very nice helmet that made me take a second look. Then as we got closer to the CBD I was watching his behaviour. No lane-splitting, no lane hopping. When he changed lanes into the middle, he indicated and did the prescribed all-sector check – I could see his head go from mirror to mirror, then a brief head turn…

Chevrolet headlined its representation at the massive American SEMA Show in early November with its V8-powered Chevy Beast concept. Described as “a concept vision of the ultimate in high-performance desert running” and conceived to demonstrate the capability of Chevy trucks and Chevrolet Performance components, Chevy Beast concept is a four-passenger off-roader based on a modified Silverado chassis, and wearing a customised pickup body. It is powered by a Chevrolet Performance LT4 650-horsepower supercharged ‘crate’ engine. Designers and engineers started with the chassis of a Silverado short-bed model and modified it for high-speed desert running. The frame was shortened and a custom-designed, 4130 chromoly tubular safety structure was integrated while the modified chassis was wrapped with a custom, lightweight body. A concept, long-travel off-road suspension system was also created for the…

News from Australia: Nissan has shown images of its all-new Nissan Qashqai, aiming to “redefine the small SUV segment” in 2022. The Qashqai will launch with four feature-packed variants, an exciting new engine, and advanced multi-link rear suspension across the range. Things we never knew we didn’t know: Qashqai is the name of a migratory tribe in northern Turkey. They live in the Zagros mountains which straddle the borders of Iran, northern Iraq and southeastern Turkey. This mountain range has a total length of 1,600 km. Nissan says the new Qashqai will deliver enhanced safety features and lower running costs. Meanwhile Nissan’s Pathfinder large SUV is also new for 2022. Due to arrive later in 2022, the Pathfinder offers all-new ‘intelligent’ 4WD with a seven-position drive and terrain mode selector,…

Ford Motor Company and Israeli company Watergen have announced the world’s first vehicle-based atmospheric on-board water generation system. The Mobile Box is capable of extracting clean water from ambient air and made its world debut fitted to a Ford Ranger at the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show in November. Doctor Michael Mirilashvili, President of Watergen, said Mobile Box can generate up to 25 litres per day of fresh drinking water, removing the need to rely on bottled water and reducing plastic waste. The unit simply uses a 12V power supply and only needs access to fresh air to produce high quality drinking water. At SEMA, Ford mounted the Mobile Box unit on the flat bed of the Ranger. The takes up minimal space due to its compact dimensions: 630…

New Zealand’s long love affair with the 4WD shows no sign of diminishing, in fact if anything the market has gone mad as we enter the final weeks of 2021. Auto brands report unprecedented demand for SUVs and double cab utes. But what if a buyer wants to stand out with something that isn’t ‘what everyone else is having’? We still want maximum comfort and convenience, practicality and power, but among the swarms of samey-samey utes out there we also want to say ‘I’m not that guy’. Then welcome to the Mazda BT-50. Available in three grades: GSX, GTX and Limited, the BT-50 makes the statement of difference. NZ4WD tried the GTX earlier this year, but the opportunity to jump into a range-topper for a fresh look in the context…

In a 20-vehicle side impact test, Mazda’s CX-5 SUV is the only model to receive the highest possible safety rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) in America. IIHS President David Harkey said the organisation was conducting its toughest ever collision tests for the first time. The CX-5’s structure held up “extremely well” during the test. “The airbags did a really good job of protecting the heads of the crash test dummies, and there was very little intrusion into the occupant compartment, meaning less likelihood of injury. This is how we’d like to see all vehicles perform in the future.” The new test was developed because the IIHS suspected there was scope for more progress in safety technology. “These results confirm that. The top rating for the CX-5…

Just how rough should ‘roughing it’ be? Going into stunning and remote places is what we do, or what we desire to do. Summer is the best time to do it. But shivering in an unexpected cold blast? Struggling to secure that 20 year old tent in a squall? Sitting stuck in a muddy rut wishing we had the right gear? Eating sausages or steak that has long since gone past its ‘best before’ date? Doing the sniff test on that bottle of milk that is on its way to becoming yoghurt? Really? Time for some eye candy. Welcome to the end of the year, welcome to summer weather and the great outdoors. And welcome to our closer look at the gear needed to transform a good time into a…

Furniture The camping furniture range consists of camping chairs and tables that are lightweight, robust, and comfortable. They can also be folded up and put into compact carrying bags, for easy storage and travel. Portable power Power is an extremely important asset for outdoor leisure activities, especially when travelling off-grid. In addition to Dometic’s current power range, three more portable power products are available so that users can enjoy the freedom of travelling anywhere without the reliance on power. The power range now includes a portable battery charger which can charge multiple battery types, a portable jump starter with lithium polymer technology perfect for starting a 4WD with a flat battery, and a portable inverter generator with powerful pure sine wave technology, an ideal power source for long camping trips…

We all have favourite places in New Zealand. That annoyingly persistent Covid thing has given a lot of us time to think about the special places we have been and enjoyed – and will visit again. Contributor Kevin Isemonger gets around New Zealand quite a bit for his work. These are a few of his favourite places. Out west The West Coast of the South Island has one of the highest rainfalls in the world. That means heavy rain is not the drama it is reported to be. We stocked up in Hokitika with ‘refreshments’ and nibbles for tonight, bought some lunch and hit the road south in a rented Toyota Fortuner. First stop was Lake Mahinapua. We pushed our way in through rain-soaked low hanging ferns in a living…

TDS-Raptor, Bull, Orca are electric winch models from the Kingone winch selection available at any Kingone dealer. The TDS-Raptor A high speed 9500lb winch which has been a mainstay on the local 4WD scene for the past eight years. The Raptor’s features include a 156:1 gear ratio, a 5.2hp motor and dual cone load holding brake. Able to be configured to fit onto any winch bar platform the TDS-Raptor has an IP-67 dust and water rating. It is supplied with synthetic rope and a wireless remote. The Raptor is backed by importer and distributor Phillbrook Technologies’ after-sales support and service to its dealers. Importantly, given global supply network issues afflicting industry this year, spare parts for all models of Kingone winches are carried here in New Zealand. Bull Winch Designed…

Kevin’s MIG Last month he sent us images of the tool rack he built for his Land Rover, now Kevin Isemonger has done some more thinking on the topic. “It seems silly to ask a Land Rover owner what his favourite things are. So I guess the question is “Apart from your Land Rover(s) – what is your favourite thing?” During some deep meditation after the third beer one evening I think it would have to be my MIG Welder. There is something very therapeutic, rewarding and relaxing to form and shape steel using fire. I do not understand how anyone could own a 4WD and not own at least a ‘Stickwelder’. They are just so darn useful. Kevin has built bash plates for front diff housings, bull-bars,tool racks and…

Next time you fuel up your 4WD, pause a moment and give a thought to your role in the future of fuels and private transport. Kiwi farmers, tradies, business owners, fisher-folk and families are not happy that their favourite mode of transport is apparently under threat. Plenty have vented their outrage over what they are calling the ‘ute tax’, and arguably with some merit. A 250 But stepping back a moment, there’s no actual push to get us out of our SUVs and diesel or petrol fuelled double cab utes. The ‘ute tax’ is simply giving the Government money to subsidise its EV programme. Its implementation has been pushed back to 1 April 2022. Though Land Transport New Zealand has apparently been directed to look at how New Zealand might…

First the 2022 Manukau stadium circuit race calendar was confirmed, now the national championship, and excitement builds for the return of the classic Taupo 1000. After a dismal 2021 blighted by Covid’s Delta mutation, off-road racing is looking forward to a fast and full 2022. The season kicks off with three stadium-style events at the Manukau International Off-road Race Track in Colin Dale Park: the New Zealand Off-road Grand Prix in January and the dual-round stadium championship in February and March. The venue is New Zealand’s finest short-course or stadium track, with corners and jumps plotted off classic American tracks and GPS-overlaid on the Manukau loam. Information about these races is at facebook.com/NZStadiumOffroadChamps Now the resurgent national championship has been confirmed, with events throughout the country and only one –…

Literally, the ‘grass roots’ of 4WD sport: the Central Zone Club Truck Challenge on 21 October was also held in memory of club member Mark Watchorn. Andrew Gee takes up the story: “You don’t need to count your reasons to be grateful, you just need to be grateful for what you have. We started the eleventh season of the (CTC) in these locked up times. This was the first event we held without Mark Watchorn, and we are grateful for the ongoing success of the CTC which is entirely due to Mark’s efforts.” The Hintz family hosted the round at their property in Taihape and pegged out some challenging hazards. The trucks are almost all road-registered, almost all old-school club trucks. Nissan Patrols, Toyota Land Cruisers, Suzuki Vitaras. “We had…

So the 2021 competition year ends on a low note – but we did get to take the truck out for a skid. Having smashed the transmission at the opening round of the championship, we had a horrible year finding the right bits to build back better. Covid Delta was not helpful in this, though at least it agreed to stay up north and let us get on with the job. A new mount girdle in thicker material, replacement internals sourced and fitted, a fresh jug of special trans oil tipped in and away we go. Into a season with no more racing. National championship final Covid-cancelled? Priceless. So Owen and I trailered up our vehicles and went south to support the Otago club, where there was a fun day…

In the 1970s, the Range Rover created the SUV category. Spencer King’s big, bold, boxy three door design grabbed the attention of backblocks farmers and Remuera doctors alike. Its off-road capability eclipsed every other 4WD available at the time and has continued to do so. Over the following 50 years there have only been four generations of Range Rover, so an all-new, fifth-generation version is cause to sit up and pay attention. The more so when the new range confirmed for 2022 will include plug-in hybrid and seven seat versions for the first time, with plans to add a full-on EV later. Fear not, petrol six cylinder and V8 engines and diesels are still on offer. In the UK the new Range Rover is on sale now, priced from £94,400…

Together with the original Jeep, the Land Rover ‘Series’ has been one of the world’s most iconic off-road vehicles since its launch in 1948. The creation of Maurice Wilks is loved the world over. The world’s first civilian four-wheel drive car is a true signature 4WD. Long before the Defender brand, Land Rovers were just Land Rovers. Evolutions were simply known by their ‘series’. The Series IIa ‘Landy’ was launched in 1961 and combines classic 4WD looks and rugged capability, perfect for both urban and country environments. It was never going to win any traffic light drag races though. Well, not until British company Everrati got their hands on it. Better known for recreating exotic vehicles like the Ford GT40 or Porsche 911, Everrati have redefined this undisputed off-road icon.…

There are some horrible sights to be seen under older 4WDs. Components flogged out, leaking fluid, caked in mud and dirt from a half dozen off-road adventures. Commonly falling prey to a case of ‘out of sight, out of mind’, brake hoses are an important part of any 4WD, but are often overlooked during servicing and repair work unless or until a problem occurs. High brake pressures can cause swelling in standard rubber hoses. Sharp flinty rocks can tear at outer line materials. Age and contaminants from rough 4WD environments can wear down the rubber or cause cracking and deterioration in the outer sheath. To combat this, Terrain Tamer has released a new range of braided brake hoses. These have three layers that work together to endow the component with…

Subaru’s mid-sized SUV, the Forester, has come a long way from its origins. As it should. Now in its fifth generation and carrying a refresh into the new year, the Forester has long been a favourite for Kiwi families. The new 2022 model blends Subaru’s outdoorsy image with the practicality of an urban wagon and adds a tougher edge to a quite sophisticated SUV. The Forester receives a styling makeover that gives it a practical ‘truckish’ exterior while inside the cabin remains as comfortable and practical as ever. It’s been a while since I last drove a Forester, in fact the last one was in 1997 – a first-generation version, complete with that gruff boxer soundtrack. These days there are layers of good manners applied over the top of that…

The Cross Country Vehicle Club (Wellington) has celebrated its 50th anniversary this year with a full-year programme of events. The club has hosted the NZFWDA Central Zone Jamboree and the NZFWDA conference in May and has re-run popular trips from the past. Neil Blackie, Ralph Dobson, Alan Donaldson, Ian Hutchings, Barry Insull, John Parfit, John Vruink and Mark Wolstenholme were named life members of CCVC. Celebration drives this year included trips to Rallywoods, Orange Hut in the Akatarawa forest, the Orongorongo Coast and Terawhiti Station. The club’s first official trip was held on 12 December 1971 along the Orongorongo Coast. Over the past five decades it has grown to almost 200 members.…

The 4WD set are never lost. We are ‘temporarily geographically challenge’, sure. But most of the time we roam for the sake of roaming. Adventuring, camping, even day-tripping. It’s different now though. We once might have been happy to rough it under a tent fly hung off the side of the Land Rover, but these days we do want to do this stuff in style and with a degree of comfort. It’s not about going soft. More that life is too short to be enjoying this stunning country while feeling grumpy about cold or wet camping. They reckon someone who is able to work doing the thing they love will never actually work a day in their lives. Lucky man: a lifelong passion for exploring and adventuring has given Blake…

Take them everywhere. An Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) or Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) is a lifesaver. These beacons are used by emergency services to find those who have gone astray or been struck down by an emergency situation. EPIRBs are designed specifically for maritime applications. They quickly alert authorities as to the whereabouts of distressed vessels and their crews, while PLBs (as their name suggests) alert authorities to the whereabouts of individuals. “I’ll never need one of those, I can take care of myself in the outdoors.” Pretty much famous last words from outdoorsy types. The media regularly carries stories of bush walkers and Barry Crump types who have had cause to use a PLB – or wish they’d taken one along. GME is the only Australian manufacturer…

Oztent has grown from being one man’s dream of one man into an outdoor company that now provides adventurers around the globe with better outdoor products. Crafted from high quality materials and tested in every possible environmental extreme, Oztents go the distance. All Oztent products are designed from experience gathered over a quarter century of outdoor exploring with 4WDs, boats, fishing rods or even just hiking boots. The company was founded more than 25 years ago by inventor Joe Viglione who was frustrated by tents that took ages to set-up and peg. He dreamed of a tent that could be literally setup in seconds – then set about inventing it. In doing so, he redefined pitching a tent. Since then, more and more products have been designed and added to…

There are those who like nothing better than plunging into a bog specifically so they can winch themselves back out. Others use a winch when all else has failed. Winches are a priceless accessory for the 4WD set whether they are recreationally employed, or in challenge competition. But which winch? These days there is a bewildering range of products available. Welcome to the NZ4WD guide to winches, recovery gear and winching. This is not a game of tiddlywinks. As always, it’s safety first. Winches are a boon when things go wrong or just become messy when off-road, but they can be a hazard if when they are used improperly or without regard for the appropriate safety precautions. Kiwis spend thousands of hours out on the trail each year and there’s…

Ironman 4x4 has totally redesigned and upgraded its range of monster winches, including stronger motors, heavy duty casings, synthetic ropes, and competition-style solenoids. There are two Monster winches - a 9500lb and a 12000lb – with the option of steel or synthetic cable. These are the only winches on the market with a motor breather. Winch breather A key feature of the winch range is the fully sealed motor with a breather that allows its motor to equalise changes in temperature and pressure by means of a remote breather hose which can be placed high in the vehicle away from water. The Ironman Monster winch is the only winch on the market with this feature. Issues tend to arise when winches come into contact with water or when they heat…

A fine day and an easing of the Covid lockdown was a perfect opportunity to extend our bubble and escape the house and the immediate neighbourhood. Still wanting to keep away from people as much as possible, we joined Ashley and Gillian for a picnic lunch on the wild and isolated southern Wairarapa coast at Ocean Beach.  To make as much of a loop run as possible, from Featherston we first headed towards Lake Ferry, turning off on the link road to head back towards the ranges. This route took us to the control gates between Lake Wairarapa and the Ruamahanga River, just before the river flows into Lake Onoke and on to the sea, where we stopped to enjoy the views while we had a late morning coffee While…

Waterworld Otaki 4WD enthusiast Rob Wheeler (Capture It Photography) took photos on a recent Suzuki enthusiast drive along Takapiri Road. The gentleman doing the splashing is Gary Carlin, coming down the hill is Paul Alvarez de Castillo, and following in the last Jimny are Helen Edwards and Kieran Young. Such good fronds Just as the Auckland Covid lockdown rolled over the horizon mid-year, Kelsi Millar and mates managed one last run on a friend’s farm property in Maramarua. They explored tiny tracks fringed in ferns and slippery farm access roads on the property in their old-school Nissan Patrol. Blue sky, dark sky at Mount John “There were no Scottish men walking the landscape with a wee dog and a thousand head of sheep today. But the view from Mount John…

Looking forward from November right now, December is just another month. Auckland and Waikato (Hamilton and surrounds) still in Level 3 lockdown with growing discontent from around the country. Christmas is almost upon us and as I write it is uncertain how things will be this coming year and how travel may be affected in 2022. We just have to wait and see and hopefully some of the 4WD events previously cancelled due to Covid will proceed as planned. Fingers crossed. Moving on, take a look out there at all the four-wheel drives, especially the growing number of utes that are set up for off-road and sometimes just for cruising on the streets on a Friday night. We seem to spend a lot of time and money dressing up and…

It’s not NZ4WD’s usual new car news topic, but Hyundai says the new Ioniq 5 “sets the benchmark to redefine the electric mobility lifestyle with sustainable and innovative features.” Now available in New Zealand, the Ioniq 5 uses Hyundai’s Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), and offers innovative ‘clean sheet’ interior and exterior design using eco-friendly materials. Inside there is a wide, user-configurable dual cockpit with a 12-inch, touch-enabled infotainment screen and hoodless 12-inch digital gauge cluster that can be customised to meet customers’ needs. On offer is a solar roof option that features a solar panel roof to help charge the battery pack and power the heating and air conditioning. IONIQ 5 is also equipped with the next level of Hyundai SmartSense advanced driver assistance system, ensuring high levels of safety…

With the official launch of its all-new Sportage imminent, Kia New Zealand has released more information about the nine-model range. The new Sportage will debut with a special introductory offer of $34,990 for the all-new LX 2.0-litre two-wheel-drive petrol variant, which will be joined by a range of variants available in four different trim levels with a variety of engine and powertrain combinations and a mix of two-wheel and all-wheel-drive. The managing director of Kia New Zealand, Todd McDonald, says the 2022 model range will maintain its position as the most popular vehicle in the line-up. “An all-new design from an aesthetic and proportion-perspective, enhanced features and attributes combined with a compelling pricing proposition mean that there is every opportunity for Sportage to do extremely well.” He says the increased…

If you, your club or anyone you know are planning any events, please get in contact with our Event Manager Ashley Lucas. We can assist in promotion of the event and may be able to offer some assistance in other areas. Email Ashley@nz4wd.co.nz 4 DECEMBER 2021 Mt Egmont 4WD Club Pairs Event  Hosted by Mt Egmont 4WD Club at 300 Lower Durham Road, Inglewood with a start time of 9:00am. Trials type event with great spectator action. No EFTPOS available at the gate so cash only please. Family (two Adults and three Children) - $20. Adult (15 years and older) $10; Child (5-14 years) $5.00. No dogs or alcohol. 2022 22 JANUARY NZFWDA National 4x4 Trials Round 3  Hosted by Mount Egmont 4WD Club. Taranaki region. Round 3 of the…

In ancient times, the Sorento were people who revered the Sirens of Greek mythology, who lured sailors to an untimely end. As 2021 draws to a close, there’s still plenty of ‘luring’ going on. The Kia Sorento PHEV – plug-in hybrid – is one of the few seven seaters on the New Zealand market that combine so much seating with such an advanced drivetrain. It presents a classy and rugged exterior, an urban and urbane interior loaded with tech and spec and with a few cool design ‘Easter Eggs’ to intrigue passengers and driver alike. Easter Eggs are wee design tweaks included in the design of a vehicle to delight the new owner. The best of these on the Sorento is the blue backlighting of trim and dash panels –…

It is the biggest show of its type anywhere, and it is pushing back against the rash of Covid-driven cancellations. As always, the SEMA show in America highlights the best – and strangest – of the aftermarket tuning world, and as always it caters to the 4WD and off-road set. Frustratingly, almost all of us are stuck here in Fortress New Zealand, waiting to be allowed out of Covid Jail. There were few Kiwi accents echoing through the show’s massive display halls, few Kiwis eyeing the wares on display from component makers including Weiand Power & Racing (manifolds and stuff), Cragar Industries (wheels), B&M Automotive Products (shifters and other gear for transmissions), and Weber Speed Equipment (beefy clutches, auto transmissions and more). SEMA stands for the Specialty Equipment Market Association,…

Overland travel is all about being able to turn any corner of the globe into your home for the night. A tray-mounted camper outfit turns any double-cab ute into a fully equipped home away from home. With its Khaya Camper, Alu-Cab has developed one of the most compact and innovative campers for pickup vehicles. Its compact dimensions and lightweight but sturdy aluminium construction means the Khaya retains the off-road capability of the base vehicle. The Khaya Camper’s raised roof offers a comfortable double bed for two people. Inside the camper there is space for a compact two-burner gas hob, sink, refrigerator, seating and plenty of storage space. There are four large compartments to be used outside offer space for kitchen, camping, travel and mountain equipment. A mobile gas cooker on…

Hulk 4X4 continues to expand its range of products for camping and outdoor enthusiasts, growing to cover many practical items tailor-made for off-road adventuring. Covering the entire four-wheel drive lifestyle, Hulk 4X4 products have been tried and tested in the most demanding conditions to ensure they can take on any adventure. Leading the charge is the brand’s range of rechargeable headlamps and camping lamps. There is a range of innovative lines, including Chip On Board (COB) LED camping lamps, plus the ever-popular LED Audio Light, which comes complete with an integrated Bluetooth speaker and power bank. The touring and camping range includes handy side or rear-mounted pull-out awnings, which can be accessorised with add-ons such as a side wall, side mosquito mesh or a full tent structure. The awnings can…

Automotive Parts Giant (APG) imports automotive parts and 4WD accessories including winches, bull bars, recovery gear, and suspension lift kits suitable for most vehicle makes and models. The company also offers a specialised import service for classic car parts and Jeep spare parts and accessories. Through a nine-strong dealer/agent network, APG provides some of the oldest and most innovative automotive accessory brands in the 4WD sphere. Smittybilt From 1950s America, the home of recreational off-roading, all the way to 2021 Godzone: Smittybilt has built a global reputation as one of the original accessory brands. Being one of the original four-wheel drive enthusiasts, Basil ‘Smitty’ Smith set out to develop four-wheel drive equipment for pickups – utes in Kiwispeak – and small SUVs. The US scene in those days revolved around…

Anyone considering an off-road adventure should be looking seriously at adding a ground anchor to their kit. They enable drivers to extract a winch-equipped vehicle from boggy or sandy ground even when there is no sturdy anchor point available. The weight and size of most anchors do give adventurers cause for thought when it comes to stowage though. Lan-cor’s locally made version solves the allied problems of weight and bulk, meaning the anchor can be stowed in a recovery kit bag or on-board without compromising seat space or payload. While traditional anchors are big and cumbersome, the Lan-cor is less than half a metre long, weighs just nine kg and can easily be stored with other recovery equipment. When required, the unit is easily unpacked and assembled into a strong,…

Adventures come in all shapes and sizes. Sometimes it’s a major adventure just getting from one place to another. Other times the vehicle itself holds many surprises for the unwary. Richard Soult relates some of the pitfalls he has encountered. Before we headed to Europe in 2019, we had checked the prices of Toyota Prados in the UK and were really impressed with how cheap they were. You could buy a low mileage diesel for around £3000, less than half the price that they are here in New Zealand. We looked at a few and despite having immaculate bodywork and interiors, the undersides told a different story. In many parts of the UK, they still put salt on the roads to minimise frost and ice risk. That’s bit like beach…

When she flew out to contest the latter half of Extreme E this year, Emma Gilmour knew she would be up against an immensely talented field of racers including WRC and Dakar champion Carlos Sainz, WRC champion Sebastien Loeb and even her team-mate, Dakar expert Stephane Sarrazin. Though Sarrazin managed to crash out of a couple of key events, robbing the team of valuable points, Gilmour was fast and consistent enough to come to the attention of the McLaren team, leading to the offer of a full drive in 2022. The drive puts New Zealand firmly in the world spotlight – and while Gilmour was in the UK waiting for an MIQ spot to open up, she was also able to get in a drive on the Cumbria Rally. Reunited…

Born in the bitterness of the decision to cancel the final round of the Off-road Racing National Championship, a fun day at Slim Slee’s massive Kurow property quickly attracted a cohort of off-road racers frustrated by Covid’s dastardly deprivations. Otago Off-road Racing Club is possibly the smallest in the sport, but it punches well above its weight with stalwart members Slim and Janina Slee creating the best ‘natural’ race course for the sport and clubbies knuckling down for a series of working bee track development weekends. Club members came to Kurow from all through the lower South Island to help out. The short course track includes possibly the most spectacular jump in the sport – metres in the air off a well-sculpted uphill launching pad and a safe and relatively…

Our monthly feature showcases 4WDs doing just about anything except rolling over or burning! We will award a grand prize of a set of four Kumho 4x4 tyres in the NZ4WD Annual issue. This contest is open to all readers who are not professional photographers. IMPORTANT: Photographs must have been taken by the person entering them, or have the photographer’s written permission. Email your digital images and a detailed caption to: editor@NZ4WD.co.nz Send your prints and detailed captions to: Y our4s with Kumho, PO Box 65-092, Mairangi Bay, Auckland 0754. Be sure to include your postal address! Submitting photos The basics: as with any photo, there’s no substitute for an image that’s sharp – in focus and free of camera shake. It should be well-exposed. Size and type The ideal…