Hamilton throws the gauntlet to Tauranga and the Bay of Plenty

With the 2009 V8 Supercars race revving up to start in the city, Hamilton has launched the ultimate challenge to Tauranga and Bay of Plenty fans who think they can make the muster and take on the best that Hamilton can throw at them in the Hamilton Supercharged Challenge!

Hamilton Mayor Bob Simcock says, "The people of Hamilton are great hosts, we had an excellent start to the V8 Supercars event in its first year and this year we want to celebrate by throwing out a super challenge to some super fans around the regions."

Two representatives from across the regions will team up with their favourite V8 Supercar driver for the ride of their lives on an amazing race of Hamilton. They will be competing against Hamilton's best in a series of three super-charged challenges including jumping from 10,000 feet onto Hamilton International Airport's tarmac and canoeing New Zealand's mightiest river.

"Tauranga and the Bay of Plenty are known around the country for their golden sands and fast-paced population, but we want to know what else they've got up their sleeve.

"Hamilton has always enjoyed a bit of fun rivalry across the Kaimais and we're keen to see Tauranga and Bay of Plenty fans step up for their region and bring that pace to compete in Hamilton", Mayor Simcock adds

Tauranga and Bay of Plenty fans can enter the Hamilton Supercharged Challenge by going to www.zmonline.com and clicking on the "win" link.

Event spokesperson Christine Watson is staying mum for now on who the Hamilton challenger will be but she does have some hints on the judging panel.

"We are lucky to have a fair amount of talent in the city to choose from - Olympic rowers, All Blacks, top equestrians - but we won't be telling just yet."

What is for certain though is that the Hamilton Supercharged Challenge will be a fun and staunchly contested title, with the ultimate fan walking away with the top title for their city and an ultimate Hamilton prize pack for them and a mate.

Big thanks go out to the Hamilton operators who will be giving winners an experience they won't easily forget - Dropzone, Wiseway Canoe Adventures, Singer Bar, Euphrasia House, Bella Vista Motel, Waitomo Adventures, Hinterland Adventure, Hamilton Theatres, Hobbiton, Novatel, Ibis, Dress-Smart, Body Café and Sky City. For anyone visiting Hamilton, they are not to be missed!