1986 Nissan Mobil 500 Wellington Street Circuit, New Zealand

In its second year, the Nissan Mobil 500 race showcased a fiercely competitive field, with focus on the newly approved Holden Commodore VKs driven by Brock/Moffat, Grice/Cameron, Hulme/Smith, and Bowkett/Wilkinson. These contenders were poised to challenge the TWR Rovers of Walkinshaw/Percy and Hahne/Dickson, along with the Volvo 240T of Francevic/Lindstrom.
Renowned BTCC champion Andy Rouse partnered with David Oxton to share a Sierra XR4Ti. While eyeing the pole position, doubts arose about the car's durability. The Mustang of Johnson/Crichton and various BMWs hoped for reliability or rain for success.
Weather played a pivotal role. Rouse secured pole position under wet conditions. The Volvo initially led on a dry track, but was soon overtaken by Brock's Commodore. Hulme's AC&B Commodore surged ahead of Crowe, but gear lever issues disrupted their progress. Crowe's BMW assumed a strong lead, only to crash due to suspension failure, promoting Brock to first place.
Ultimately, Brock secured victory, trailed by Dick Johnson and a Rockgas Volvo. UDC Toyota NZ Corollas excelled within their class, with the Nissan Bluebird Turbo triumphing in the 1,601-2,500cc category ahead of the Barry/Heyer Fiat Ritmo 130TC. Adverse weather, mechanical challenges, and strategic decisions formed the essence of a dramatic race that determined the final outcomes.
Date: 26/1/1986
Track length: 3.228 m
Attendance: unknown
Entries accepted: unknown
Starters: 39
Finishers: 19 classified
Pole position: Rouse
Fastest lap: Linström in 1.17,99
Distance: 500 km
Average speed: unknown
Weather: Sunny, then heavy rain, then back to sunny
Ruleset: Group A
Car info: 1985 Cars
Description summary above generated by ChatGPT using the below source.
Description Original Source: touringcarracin...
Rest in peace Frank de Jong. Creator of touringcarracing.net
Thanks to Brett for this video.

[@stephenking9271]

Classic & good to see Rouse @it

[@chiefrocka680]

Peter Brock is the man