What's the best way to inaugurate a new racing track? Send the ultimate supercar out to set the first official lap record of course!
New Zealand's Highlands Motorsport Park was officially opened last week, having 2.8 miles of circuit to be used as a members-only facility. Reported to be one of the best tracks in the Southern Hemisphere, the Highlands Motorsport Park had two special guests on its first day: Craig Baird and a Mclaren MP4-12C GT3.
Some may argue that the above-mentioned McLaren is not exactly the ultimate supercar, but we all know this is heated discussion that may never end. However, New Zealanders don't seem to care too much about our dilemmas and put on a great show setting the first official lap record of 1 minute and 41.9 seconds.
In case you're wondering who Craig Baird, the 42-year-old driver is quite a successful driver in his country, having won three consecutive New Zealand Formula Atlantic championship titles and four consecutive New Zealand Touring Car Championship titles.
The lap record video, which was shot using seven different angles, is available below:
Ask Ciprian about cars and he'll reveal an obsession with classics and an annoyance with modern design cues. Read his articles and you'll understand why his ideal SUV is the 1969 Chevrolet K5 Blazer. Full profile
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