Bruce Jenner

An OSCA Camaro, before America

Bruce – "Jelly" to his friends – was a Dunedin man. After a short-lived mid-engined "Zephyr Corvette" special around 1967, he bought the race-ready ex-Spinner Black, Rod Coppins Chevrolet Camaro and raced it in New Zealand's Open Saloon Car Association series through the mid-1970s – heavily modified, and backed by Ultra. He raced it at Ruapuna, Levin, Levels (Timaru) and Teretonga, as #41 and #17.

When Bruce left for America to race Trans-Am, no cars went with him: the Camaro stayed in New Zealand, and his Trans-Am cars were acquired and built in the USA.

Ruapuna, probably the 1974–75 season, when Bruce chased Kevin Haig for the South Island OSCA title: Bruce in the #17 "Ultra Dyno Tune" Camaro leads Haig's ex-Red Dawson Camaro. Photo: Terry Marshall

"I worked for Bruce then, and he built that car himself, day and night for months. The moulds, all the fibreglass work, shifted the motor back, everything. He was amazing."Phillip Laughton, who worked for Bruce at the time

More on Bruce's page →

Bruce Jenner's Trans-Am career begins

Bruce's first car in American championship racing was a 1982 Pontiac Firebird, #72, in white with red and blue stripes. Only Bruce raced it. This is a different car from the second #72 that survives today as the Camaro.

His Trans-Am career ran from 1985 to 1988 and reflects the challenging nature of motorsport for private entrants. The early years with this Pontiac brought reliability struggles but glimpses of mid-field pace, especially in 1985 with consistent top-15 finishes.

The 1982 Pontiac #72 at speed: white with dark stripes over the bonnet and along the sills, a tall rear wing and the SCCA decal on the door. Circuit and photographer not yet known.

Three more views of the '82 car: running mid-pack in a typical mid-1980s Trans-Am field of Camaros and Firebirds; side by side with Craig Shafer's #68 Camaro – most likely Mid-Ohio on 14 July 1985, where Bruce finished 15th and Shafer 10th; and in profile, with Valvoline on the rear quarter.

Max Crawford

Max Crawford, a highly skilled and respected New Zealander, was crew chief for Bruce Jenner throughout his SCCA Trans-Am years from 1985 to 1988. He brought an exceptional blend of technical expertise, leadership and hands-on experience to the team, contributing significantly to the cars' reliability and performance on the track.

Background on the build

In 1985 Bruce built a new Pontiac Firebird #72, the car that survives today as the Jenner Camaro. It was constructed in the United States and reflects American road racing engineering practices, aligning closely with the methods used within Bob Sharp Racing of Wilton, Connecticut – a team known for combining practical fabrication with competition-driven engineering.

While Bob Sharp was the public face of that operation, the technical work relied on skilled engineers and fabricators. One of these was Ron Nash, whose background in race car construction explains the way this Pontiac was built.

The chassis and cockpit photos on this page are recent – taken during the car's current restoration with its present owner, Chris Hatton – and show the original 1985 structure as it is today, not period photos.

Ron Nash and the construction approach

Ron Nash worked hands-on in race car fabrication within the Bob Sharp Racing environment, where the emphasis was on strength, weight efficiency and serviceability. His experience in chassis construction, structural fabrication and component mounting directly informed the build philosophy applied to this car.

Who was Bob Sharp? Bob Sharp (1939–2025) was one of American road racing's great team builders. Working at a Datsun dealership in Greenwich, Connecticut, he began racing the dealership's Datsun in 1964 – the first Japanese car to win an SCCA national race – and in 1965 persuaded Nissan's East Coast arm to back his team – described by the SCCA as the first factory-backed racing sponsorship of its kind. Driving Datsuns he won six SCCA national championships between 1967 and 1975, plus the 1975 IMSA GTU title, and his Wilton, Connecticut shop – Bob Sharp Racing – grew alongside his Datsun/Nissan dealership.

Bob Sharp Racing was a nursery for talent. Sam Posey, Jim Fitzgerald and Elliott Forbes-Robinson all drove for the team – the same Forbes-Robinson who won Brainerd in 1987 in Bruce's Porsche 944 #11 – and in 1971 Sharp introduced the actor Paul Newman to racing; Newman was driving for the team the following year, and the partnership later became Newman-Sharp Racing. Its Nissans raced in the same Trans-Am fields as the Jenner cars – a Planters-backed Newman-Sharp Nissan appears behind Chris Kneifel's #72 in 1988. Sharp's son Scott won the Trans-Am title in 1991 and 1993 and went on to the Indianapolis 500. Bob Sharp was inducted into the SCCA Hall of Fame in 2018 and died in February 2025. Sources: SCCA – Bob Sharp, 1939–2025 · RRDC · Japanese Nostalgic Car · New England Auto Racers Hall of Fame. Ron Nash's link to Bob Sharp Racing comes from the car's own history; if you worked with Ron, please get in touch.

A race car from the outset

Rather than being adapted from a production road car, the Pontiac was built as a purpose-built race car around a chromoly steel roll cage that forms the core of the chassis. Chromoly gave high strength with low weight, for excellent torsional rigidity in a comparatively light car.

The cage is not only a safety structure but the load-bearing framework for the suspension, drivetrain mounts and bodywork. The car was built to be adaptable, allowing development over time without compromising the structure – which is exactly what later allowed the switch from Pontiac to Camaro bodywork on the original chassis.

Bruce's podium season

Switching to the Porsche 944 in 1987 marked a turning point. At the season opener in Long Beach Bruce finished 3rd, one lap down – the first of two podiums in his 11 starts that season, the second coming at Portland.

Source: Trans Am Series – On This Day: Long Beach 1987

On the 1987 TV coverage: crew chief Max Crawford, captioned with the #11, and Bruce – "#42, currently seventh" – with the #42 Porsche dicing with a yellow #6. Which round this comes from isn't confirmed yet; the lakeside paddock behind Crawford suggests Brainerd. TV broadcast still

The new Pontiac's debut season

With Bruce in the Porsche, the new #72 Pontiac made its race debut in 1987 in white Olivetti colours, driven by a series of guest drivers.

Gene Felton

Gene Felton, a distinguished American driver, raced the new Pontiac at the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach on April 4, 1987, qualifying 12th with a lap of 1:20.952. Felton was also an adept mechanic, named IMSA Mechanic of the Year in 1979.

Chris Kneifel

Chris Kneifel drove both the Pontiac (#72) and the Porsche 944 (#11) for Bruce Jenner Racing. His standout result was 3rd at Sears Point in 1987 in the Pontiac.

The Porsche 944 proved harder going: its best was 15th at Dallas, and three entries are listed as DNA (did not arrive). Kneifel's podium shows the team's potential when conditions aligned, though those moments were infrequent in a fiercely competitive field.

Chris KneifelBruce Jenner Racing · Trans-Am 1987–88 · Wigram 1993

AllAll cars72Pontiac11Porsche 944

▦ Grid▶ Animation

20Races

P3Best

2Podiums

3Top 10

P1P10P20P30P40Out

1. 1987
   P3
   Sears Point
   31 May 1987
   72Pontiac Firebird
2. P28
   Portland
   7 Jun 1987
   11Porsche 944
3. P16
   Lime Rock
   1 Aug 1987
   11Porsche 944
4. P21
   St. Petersburg
   8 Nov 1987
   racingyears lists a DNF (axle) after 33 laps
   72Pontiac Firebird
5. 1988
   P25
   Long Beach
   16 Apr 1988
   11Porsche 944
6. P15
   Dallas
   1 May 1988
   11Porsche 944
7. P41
   Detroit
   18 Jun 1988
   11Porsche 944
8. DNA
   Niagara Falls
   26 Jun 1988
   11Porsche 944
9. P20
   Niagara Falls
   26 Jun 1988
   72Pontiac Firebird
10. P6
    Cleveland
    2 Jul 1988
    72Pontiac Firebird
11. P28
    Brainerd
    17 Jul 1988
    mechanical, 6 laps (Autoweek)
    72Pontiac Firebird
12. P25
    Meadowlands
    23 Jul 1988
    72Pontiac Firebird
13. P28
    Lime Rock
    6 Aug 1988
    engine, 33 laps (Autoweek)
    72Pontiac Firebird
14. P21
    Mid-Ohio
    4 Sep 1988
    72Pontiac Firebird
15. P29
    Road America
    11 Sep 1988
    72Pontiac Firebird
16. DNA
    Road America
    11 Sep 1988
    11Porsche 944
17. DNA
    Mosport
    25 Sep 1988
    72Porsche 944
18. 1993
    P3
    Wigram · TraNZam race 1
    17 Jan 1993
    qualified 3rd, 1:15.04
    4Porsche 944, now #4
19. DNF
    Wigram · TraNZam race 2
    17 Jan 1993
    engine, after 5 laps
    4Porsche 944, now #4
20. DNF
    Wigram · TraNZam race 3
    17 Jan 1993
    4Porsche 944, now #4

Date	Circuit	Car	Result	Notes
1987
31 May 1987	Sears Point	72Pontiac Firebird	🏆 3rd
7 Jun 1987	Portland	11Porsche 944	28th
1 Aug 1987	Lime Rock	11Porsche 944	16th
8 Nov 1987	St. Petersburg	72Pontiac Firebird	21st	racingyears lists a DNF (axle) after 33 laps
1988
16 Apr 1988	Long Beach	11Porsche 944	25th
1 May 1988	Dallas	11Porsche 944	15th
18 Jun 1988	Detroit	11Porsche 944	41st
26 Jun 1988	Niagara Falls	11Porsche 944	DNA
26 Jun 1988	Niagara Falls	72Pontiac Firebird	20th
2 Jul 1988	Cleveland	72Pontiac Firebird	6th
17 Jul 1988	Brainerd	72Pontiac Firebird	28th	mechanical, 6 laps (Autoweek)
23 Jul 1988	Meadowlands	72Pontiac Firebird	25th
6 Aug 1988	Lime Rock	72Pontiac Firebird	28th	engine, 33 laps (Autoweek)
4 Sep 1988	Mid-Ohio	72Pontiac Firebird	21st
11 Sep 1988	Road America	72Pontiac Firebird	29th
11 Sep 1988	Road America	11Porsche 944	DNA
25 Sep 1988	Mosport	72Porsche 944	DNA
1993
17 Jan 1993	Wigram · TraNZam race 1	4Porsche 944, now #4	🏆 3rd	qualified 3rd, 1:15.04
17 Jan 1993	Wigram · TraNZam race 2	4Porsche 944, now #4	DNF	engine, after 5 laps
17 Jan 1993	Wigram · TraNZam race 3	4Porsche 944, now #4	DNF

Show all 20 racesShow fewer

Pontiac FirebirdPorsche 944PodiumTop 10↻ ReplayOriginal sheet

John Schneider

John Schneider had a one-off drive in the #72 Pontiac at Lime Rock and made the most of it: 8th place, on the lead lap after 66 laps – a credible top-10 for the privateer team.

Elliott Forbes-Robinson wins at Brainerd

On 19 July 1987 at Brainerd, Elliott Forbes-Robinson took a memorable win in Bruce Jenner's Porsche 944, car #11 – the only race that season not won by a Merkur XR4Ti. The Jenner Porsches →

He had already shown the car's pace at the Long Beach opener, setting the fastest race lap (1:18.858) in the team's Porsche before retiring with engine trouble.

EFR

Elliott Forbes-RobinsonSCCA Trans-Am · Porsche 944 #11 · 1987

▦ Grid▶ Animation

8Races

P1Best

2Podiums

4Top 10

P1P10P20Out

1. 1987
   P20
   Long Beach
   4 Apr 1987
   retired, engine · fastest lap
   11Porsche 944
2. P2
   Detroit
   20 Jun 1987
   source names the Porsche 944, not the team
   11Porsche 944
3. P17
   Mid-Ohio
   12 Jul 1987
   source names the Porsche 944, not the team
   11Porsche 944
4. P1
   Brainerd
   19 Jul 1987
   the team's only Trans-Am win
   11Porsche 944
5. P21
   Road America
   29 Aug 1987
   fastest lap 2:16.974
   11Porsche 944
6. DNF
   Memphis
   13 Sep 1987
   transmission, 43 laps; car not named in source
   11Porsche 944
7. P4
   Mosport
   20 Sep 1987
   from 6th on the grid
   11Porsche 944
8. P9
   St. Petersburg
   8 Nov 1987
   qualified 3rd; car not named in source
   11Porsche 944

Date	Circuit	Car	Result	Notes
1987
4 Apr 1987	Long Beach	11Porsche 944	20th	retired, engine · fastest lap
20 Jun 1987	Detroit	11Porsche 944	🏆 2nd	source names the Porsche 944, not the team
12 Jul 1987	Mid-Ohio	11Porsche 944	17th	source names the Porsche 944, not the team
19 Jul 1987	Brainerd	11Porsche 944	🏆 1st	the team's only Trans-Am win
29 Aug 1987	Road America	11Porsche 944	21st	fastest lap 2:16.974
13 Sep 1987	Memphis	11Porsche 944	DNF	transmission, 43 laps; car not named in source
20 Sep 1987	Mosport	11Porsche 944	4th	from 6th on the grid
8 Nov 1987	St. Petersburg	11Porsche 944	9th	qualified 3rd; car not named in source

PodiumTop 10↻ ReplaySources: gotransam · 1987 Trans-Am Series – Wikipedia · zoompics · Mark Windecker race galleries · racingyears

Sources: 1987 Trans-Am Series – Wikipedia · Trans Am Series – Long Beach 1987

Throwback to 1987 Trans-Am at BrainerdBruce Jenner and Elliott Forbes-Robinson

The two Porsches together

Both team Porsches in the paddock in 1987: the #11 in front with its red Brumos Porsche tail, Bruce's #42 behind, and "Bruce Jenner Racing" across both windscreens. Mark Windecker shot both 944s at Mid-Ohio that July, where Forbes-Robinson finished 17th and Bruce 26th – most likely the source of this set. Photo: Mark Windecker

A difficult year

By 1988 the programme was struggling. Bruce's confirmed results are 43rd at Detroit, a non-start at Niagara Falls and 18th at Cleveland (July 2), his best of the year.

The Porsches represent the peak and decline of his Trans-Am career: the #42 showed his potential in 1987 with two podiums against seasoned competitors, while the struggles with the #11 in 1988 showed how hard it was to sustain. His podiums remain a testament to his skill and determination in one of North America's most demanding series.

Bruce Jenner and Bruce Jenner – Niagara Falls, June 1988

The 1988 Escort Trans-Am weekend at Niagara Falls had two Bruce Jenners on the entry list. Top: our Bruce – the New Zealander – in the #42 Porsche 944, in its 1988 colours with Olivetti on the rear quarter, Rain-X and Escort across the screen and "Bruce Jenner" on the nose; it was on track that weekend, though the results list it as a non-starter. Bottom: the #87 Mobil 1 Camaro of the American Olympic decathlete of the same name, who finished 15th. Photos: Mark Windecker

1985 – 1988 · SCCA Trans-Am

Bruce's race log

Every Trans-Am result for Bruce we've been able to confirm, from the striped 1982 Pontiac to the Porsche 944. It isn't complete yet – if you have programmes or results sheets from these seasons, please get in touch. All race records →

Bruce JennerSCCA Trans-Am · driver · 1985–1988

AllAll cars72'82 Pontiac42Porsche 944

▦ Grid▶ Animation

17Races

P3Best

2Podiums

4Top 10

P1P10P20P30P40Out

1. 1985
   P15
   Mid-Ohio
   14 Jul 1985
   72Pontiac Firebird
2. P12
   Watkins Glen
   25 Aug 1985
   from 15th on the grid
   72Pontiac Firebird
3. P7
   Mosport
   8 Sep 1985
   from 12th on the grid
   72Pontiac Firebird
4. P28
   Sears Point
   29 Sep 1985
   23 laps
   72Pontiac Firebird
5. P12
   St. Petersburg
   3 Nov 1985
   from 12th on the grid
   72Pontiac Firebird
6. 1986
   P22
   Road Atlanta
   12 Oct 1986
   best of 1986
   72Pontiac Firebird
7. 1987
   P3
   Long Beach
   4 Apr 1987
   one lap down
   42Porsche 944
8. P3
   Portland
   7 Jun 1987
   42Porsche 944
9. P21
   Detroit
   20 Jun 1987
   42Porsche 944
10. P26
    Mid-Ohio
    12 Jul 1987
    42Porsche 944
11. DNF
    Road America
    29 Aug 1987
    mechanical after 3 laps; qualified 8th
    42Porsche 944
12. P9
    Memphis
    13 Sep 1987
    42Porsche 944
13. DNF
    Mosport
    20 Sep 1987
    mechanical; classified 23rd
    42Porsche 944
14. P11
    Road Atlanta
    11 Oct 1987
    42Porsche 944
15. 1988
    P43
    Detroit
    18 Jun 1988
    Porsche 944
16. DNS
    Niagara Falls
    26 Jun 1988
    42Porsche 944
17. P18
    Cleveland
    2 Jul 1988
    Porsche 944

Date	Circuit	Car	Result	Notes
1985
14 Jul 1985	Mid-Ohio	72Pontiac Firebird	15th
25 Aug 1985	Watkins Glen	72Pontiac Firebird	12th	from 15th on the grid
8 Sep 1985	Mosport	72Pontiac Firebird	7th	from 12th on the grid
29 Sep 1985	Sears Point	72Pontiac Firebird	28th	23 laps
3 Nov 1985	St. Petersburg	72Pontiac Firebird	12th	from 12th on the grid
1986
12 Oct 1986	Road Atlanta	72Pontiac Firebird	22nd	best of 1986
1987
4 Apr 1987	Long Beach	42Porsche 944	🏆 3rd	one lap down
7 Jun 1987	Portland	42Porsche 944	🏆 3rd
20 Jun 1987	Detroit	42Porsche 944	21st
12 Jul 1987	Mid-Ohio	42Porsche 944	26th
29 Aug 1987	Road America	42Porsche 944	DNF	mechanical after 3 laps; qualified 8th
13 Sep 1987	Memphis	42Porsche 944	9th
20 Sep 1987	Mosport	42Porsche 944	DNF	mechanical; classified 23rd
11 Oct 1987	Road Atlanta	42Porsche 944	11th
1988
18 Jun 1988	Detroit	Porsche 944	43rd
26 Jun 1988	Niagara Falls	42Porsche 944	DNS
2 Jul 1988	Cleveland	Porsche 944	18th

Show all 17 racesShow fewer

1982 Pontiac Firebird #72Porsche 944PodiumTop 10↻ ReplaySources: Mark Windecker race galleries · zoompics · gotransam · SPEED SPORT · racingyears · racingyears St. Petersburg 1985

1987–1988 · USA · before New Zealand

The #11 Porsche in its American colours

Before it went to New Zealand, the #11 raced in the USA in the team's two-tone scheme: white Olivetti nose with a red rear carrying Brumos Porsche lettering – the same red tail as Bruce's #42. Under the bodywork it was a Fabcar-built car, with Bendix and FRAM support.

This is the car that later crossed to New Zealand and ran as #4 at Wigram with Chris Kneifel.

Race footage

1988 SCCA Trans-Am, Mid-OhioFull race · Chris Kneifel #72 1988 Trans-Am, Road AmericaFull race · Chris Kneifel #72 1988 Trans-Am, Lime Rock ParkChris Kneifel #72 1988 SCCA Trans-Am, Niagara FallsChris Kneifel #72, Olivetti / Rain-X · 26 June 1988 · YouTube: oldSCCAguy

On track

In the pits and on TV

1988, on a street circuit: Kneifel's Rain-X #72 leads the Planters-backed Newman-Sharp Racing Nissan – Paul Newman's team – and a Red Line Oil Camaro. Photo: Mark Windecker

Paul Radisich at Brainerd

New Zealander Paul Radisich – later a two-time FIA Touring Car World Cup winner – made one start for Bruce Jenner Racing: Autoweek's Brainerd results list him 17th in a Porsche 944, 28 laps, the race in which Kneifel retired the #72 after six laps. Which of the two Porsches he drove isn't recorded.

Sources: Autoweek, 25 July 1988 · racingyears

George Robinson

George Robinson, an American IMSA driver who later raced his own 74 Ranch Camaro in Trans-Am (1988–94), in 1988 joined Bruce Jenner Racing in the SCCA Escort Trans-Am Championship, racing the Pontiac twice. There were no podiums, but the drives gave him valuable experience in professional motorsport.

This view of the #72 from above, in its 1988 U.S. News colours, may be the only photo of Robinson's drives: the name above the door looks like "George Robinson", though it's too small to be sure. If you can confirm it – or know who took it – please get in touch.

The #72 in 1988

For its last US season, driven mostly by Chris Kneifel, the Pontiac kept its white Olivetti livery and added U.S. News on the nose and doors and Rain-X across the windscreen. American and New Zealand flags on the door marked Bruce's team.

Niagara Falls, June 1988: who drove what?

Discussing his Niagara Falls photos, Mark Windecker noted that the results list the #42 Porsche as Bruce Jenner's, scored as a non-starter, and Chris Kneifel in the #72 Pontiac – so in practice Kneifel may well have driven the #42 too. A crew member replied: "It was a very upsetting year, we finally put Chris in the Pontiac because of problems with the 44 due to a redesign."

Source: Historic SCCA Pro Racing Trans-Am Series Fan Group (Facebook), 11 November 2014

Trans-Am comes to New Zealand

In the early 1990s Bruce and Pam Jenner brought the Pontiac home to New Zealand, alongside the team's Porsche 944 #11 – part of Bruce's effort to bring top-tier American Trans-Am cars and drivers to the Kiwi racing scene.

When it arrived the car was repainted blue, carrying New Zealand Auto News branding, and raced in the TraNZam series still wearing its Pontiac body.

Early 1990s · Manfeild, Feilding

First races in New Zealand – Manfeild

These photos show the Pontiac in its first New Zealand livery, soon after it arrived. It still wore its American Pontiac body, now painted blue with stars and stripes, "Team USA" on the bonnet, New Zealand Auto News on the doors and race number 8, with Peter Jackson Series, Shell and Bosch decals for local racing.

Manfeild, in Feilding, was a key venue through the 1980s and 1990s. Here the crew push the #8 past the Benchmark Building Supplies banner on the way to the grid.

16–17 January 1993 · Lady Wigram Trophy · Christchurch

Scott Lagasse at Wigram

Scott Lagasse Sr., a well-known American professional with a storied Trans-Am career, came to New Zealand with fellow American Chris Kneifel – Lagasse in the Pontiac, Kneifel in the Porsche – as part of Bruce's effort to bring top Trans-Am drivers to local motorsport.

At the Lady Wigram Trophy meeting at RNZAF Base Wigram, entered under the sponsorship of Bruce Jenner and Autonews Magazine, Lagasse drove the blue Pontiac in the TraNZam class: three 8-lap races, ending with the traditional 'Flying Farewell'.

Scott LagasseLady Wigram Trophy meeting · TraNZam · 17 Jan 1993

▦ Grid▶ Animation

3Races

P1Best

3Podiums

3Top 10

P1P5P10Out

1. 1993
   P1
   Wigram · TraNZam race 1
   17 Jan 1993
   from 2nd on the grid · won by 1.15 s from Scott
   8Pontiac Firebird
2. P1
   Wigram · TraNZam race 2
   17 Jan 1993
   won by 3.6 s from Wills
   8Pontiac Firebird
3. P1
   Wigram · TraNZam race 3
   17 Jan 1993
   the 'flying farewell' · won by 7.2 s
   8Pontiac Firebird

Date	Circuit	Car	Result	Notes
1993
17 Jan 1993	Wigram · TraNZam race 1	8Pontiac Firebird	🏆 1st	from 2nd on the grid · won by 1.15 s from Scott
17 Jan 1993	Wigram · TraNZam race 2	8Pontiac Firebird	🏆 1st	won by 3.6 s from Wills
17 Jan 1993	Wigram · TraNZam race 3	8Pontiac Firebird	🏆 1st	the 'flying farewell' · won by 7.2 s

PodiumTop 10↻ ReplaySources: NZ Speedsport No. 32 and newspaper results · Jim Barclay

• Kayne Scott (Ford Merkur) finished second in Races 1 and 3.
• Kieran Wills (Mazda RX8 V8) took second in Race 2.

"A fantastic day. I'm giving up 100bhp on the top Kiwis, but the Pontiac is really good onto the straights and we just carried that momentum down."Scott Lagasse, January 1993

A fortnight later the "wild rumour of the week" was that the Pontiac would stay in New Zealand – in Christchurch. It did. The Wigram event page → · the 1993 clippings →

Bruce was there in person, helping Lagasse into the car on the grid. Lagasse's clean sweep against local favourites remains a celebrated moment in the car's history.

c. January 1993 · Wigram · Christchurch

Chris Kneifel and Scott Lagasse at Wigram

Bruce brought two of his American drivers to Wigram. Chris Kneifel, who had raced the #72 Pontiac for him in the USA, drove the team's Porsche 944, now running as #4 – the same car that raced as #11 in the USA. Scott Lagasse drove the blue Pontiac. Both cars wore matching New Zealand Auto News colours with Peter Jackson Series and "Team USA" branding.

In the TraNZam races on 17 January 1993, Kneifel qualified third (1:15.04) and finished third in Race 1, then retired from Races 2 and 3 with engine trouble – "an engine vibration", as John Hawkins put it. Source: Jim Barclay, after Murray McFadden's Wigram Motor Racing 1949–1994

Wigram, around 1993: Chris Kneifel in the #4 Porsche 944 leads Scott Lagasse in the Pontiac.

A new body on the original chassis

Bruce then had the car's body changed. Brennan Racing removed the Pontiac bodywork and fitted a later-model Camaro body shell, improving downforce and aerodynamics so the car could compete better in New Zealand's championships. The chassis underneath stayed the original 1985 Pontiac.

The new Camaro was finished in blue and red AC Delco colours – the livery most people remember – and raced under the Bruce Jenner Racing Team banner, with Bernie Gillan among its drivers.

Mid-1990s · Surfers Paradise · Australia

TraNZam at Surfers Paradise

The Camaro also raced overseas while Bruce still owned it: a TraNZam race over 10 laps on the Surfers Paradise street circuit in Queensland, Australia, as a support race at the IndyCar carnival, shown on Channel 9. Bruce and Grant Brennan – whose Camaro was a TraNZam front-runner in 1993, and whose Brennan Automotive Specialists name is on the Jenner Camaro's front wing – both raced there.

The only footage we have found is Channel 9's coverage, uploaded to YouTube as "Tranzams Surfers Paradise". It shows the blue Camaro with its red rear wing on the street circuit's concrete walls, in a field that includes Australian V8 saloons. The year and results aren't known yet.

Find the video on YouTube →

Every livery of the second #72

From white Olivetti in America to black and gold today – swipe through every colour scheme and race number the car has worn.

‹›

1987

72

White · Olivetti Pontiac body · USAFelton · Kneifel · SchneiderPhoto: Martin Spetz

1988

72

White · Olivetti, U.S. News & Rain-X Pontiac body · USAChris KneifelPhoto: Mark Windecker

1992–93

8

Blue · Auto News Pontiac body · NZBruce Jenner · Scott Lagasse

c. 1994

10

Blue & red · AC Delco Camaro body by Brennan RacingBruce Jenner · Bernie Gillan

1996 on

9

Golden Mile Tavern Camaro · OSCAPaul WilliamsPhoto: Euan Cameron

Paul Williams

9

Noel Leeming Camaro · WellingtonPaul Williams

Paul Williams

9

Colour-changing · Resene Santano Camaro · OSCA GT2Paul Williams

2004 on

1NZ

Blue & white · Bed Rumours Camaro · national championAndy Greenslade

Greenslade

5

Blue & white · Bed Rumours #5 Camaro · OSCAAndy Greenslade

2007–today

5

Black & gold · Hatton Horse Floats Camaro · OSCA & GT1Chris Hatton

OSCA success

Paul Williams bought the Camaro from Bruce and Pam Jenner and entered it in New Zealand's Open Saloon Car Association (OSCA) series, a popular and competitive championship for high-powered saloons.

With a 6-litre Chevrolet engine it was competitive against a diverse field, winning at Ruapuna and taking the 2000 OSCA series title with two rounds to spare – clinched with third place in the opening race at Timaru in March 2000. OSCA made him swap the 5-speed Wiseman gearbox for a 4-speed to balance the competition, but he reported it made little difference to the car's pace. Title year: MotorSport NZ past winners

Paul WilliamsGolden Mile Tavern OSCA series · Ruapuna & Timaru

▦ Grid▶ Animation

7Races

P1Best

6Podiums

6Top 10

P1P5P10Out

1. c. 1997
   P1
   Ruapuna · OSCA
   12 Oct · series opener
   9Camaro
2. P1
   Ruapuna · OSCA
   12 Oct · series opener
   9Camaro
3. DNF
   Ruapuna · OSCA
   12 Oct · series opener
   power-steering line; which race isn't stated
   9Camaro
4. 1999
   P1
   Ruapuna · race 1
   10 Oct · season opener
   9Camaro
5. P1
   Ruapuna · race 2
   10 Oct · season opener
   9Camaro
6. P1
   Ruapuna · handicap
   10 Oct · season opener
   9Camaro
7. 2000
   P3
   Timaru · OSCA race 1
   March · title decider
   clinched the 2000 OSCA title; 1st of the OSCA points runners behind two GT1 Camaros
   9Camaro

Date	Circuit	Car	Result	Notes
c. 1997
12 Oct · series opener	Ruapuna · OSCA	9Camaro	🏆 1st
12 Oct · series opener	Ruapuna · OSCA	9Camaro	🏆 1st
12 Oct · series opener	Ruapuna · OSCA	9Camaro	DNF	power-steering line; which race isn't stated
1999
10 Oct · season opener	Ruapuna · race 1	9Camaro	🏆 1st
10 Oct · season opener	Ruapuna · race 2	9Camaro	🏆 1st
10 Oct · season opener	Ruapuna · handicap	9Camaro	🏆 1st
2000
March · title decider	Timaru · OSCA race 1	9Camaro	🏆 3rd	clinched the 2000 OSCA title; 1st of the OSCA points runners behind two GT1 Camaros

PodiumTop 10↻ ReplaySources: NZ Speedsport No. 87 · NZ Speedsport No. 111 · NZ Speedsport No. 116

The next owners

After Paul Williams' tenure the car was sold to a Christchurch-based owner who took it out for one test session, decided it wasn't for them, and quickly sold it to John Harcourt.

Derrin and Andy Greenslade

Derrin Greenslade bought the car from John Harcourt. He appreciated its potential, but found getting in and out through the window – a common Trans-Am feature – impractical, so he sold it to his brother, Andy.

Andy lived in Tauranga – hence Greenslades Furniture Co. Tauranga on the bonnet – but raced the Camaro mostly at Manfeild, near Feilding, which became the car's home circuit in his years with it.

• Andy won the NZ North–South Series, earning the prestigious 1NZ number awarded to the national champion.
• NZ SpeedSport reported him leading the North Island OSCA championship going into its penultimate round at Manfeild, battling Cameron Jones' Mazda RX7. Clipping →
• The car was repainted in its well-known blue and white livery.

His success cemented the Camaro as a prominent contender in New Zealand, bridging its American Trans-Am roots with its achievements on Kiwi circuits.

In the workshop as #5

Andy also ran the Camaro as #5 in the same blue and white Bed Rumours "Your sleeping partner" colours, with his name on the roof rail, "6.0 Chevrolet" on the bonnet and his crew – John Davis and Dan Rice – named on the rear pillar. Signart Tauranga, Shelta, AC Diggers and OSCA decals complete the livery.

Andy Greenslade's #5 Bed Rumours Camaro in the workshop – crew John Davis and Dan Rice on the rear pillar.

Under the skin

With the nose off, the car shows what has always been underneath: the original tubular chassis and cage from the 1985 build, now carrying a 6-litre Chevrolet V8 with braided lines, coil-over dampers and wide slicks. The windscreen banner reads "Andy Greenslade Car 5" for the Schaeffer Oil NZ Super Sedans series, with Shelta Outdoor Furniture across the roof.

Andy Greenslade racing the CamaroManfeild, New Zealand, 2006

The Camaro's next chapter

Since acquiring the Bruce Jenner Camaro in 2007, Chris Hatton has established himself as a successful saloon car racer, achieving consistent success and titles across numerous championships.

Over more than 17 years he has kept the Camaro's legacy alive, on classic circuits and street races across New Zealand.

2009 · 2010 · 2012 · GT1 class

Hamilton 400

The Hamilton 400 was a standout event for Chris and the Camaro, competing in the GT1 class on one of New Zealand's most challenging street circuits in 2009, 2010 and 2012.

With tight corners, unforgiving walls and fast straights, it was the perfect stage for the Camaro's power and handling, and big crowds came to see classic cars racing among New Zealand's top modern saloons.

2012

South Island OSCA Championship

In 2012 Chris also contested the South Island OSCA Championship, taking the Camaro to circuits across the South Island – and MotorSport NZ's list of past OSCA series winners records C Hatton as the 2012 winner. MotorSport NZ

The Hamilton 400 and the South Island OSCA events remain highlights of his racing, underscoring the enduring presence of the Jenner Camaro in New Zealand motorsport.

2009 – 2024 · New Zealand

Chris Hatton's race log

The race meetings on Chris's own results list, 2009 to 2024, oldest first – from the 2009 Lady Wigram Trophy to the 2024 Wigram Revival. (His Hamilton 400 starts aren't on that list.)

Chris HattonRace meetings · New Zealand · 2009–2024

▦ Grid▶ Animation

37Meetings

12Seasons

2024Up to

1. 2009
   Christchurch Casino Lady Wigram Trophy
   16 Jan 2009
2. Mike Pero Mortgages V8 Ute Classic Race
   7 Mar 2009
3. South Canty CC Truck, V8 & Car Races
   14 Mar 2009
4. Endurance weekend
   31 Oct 2009
5. 2010
   Christchurch Casino Wigram Revival
   8 Jan 2010
6. ENZED Classic & Historic Motor Race
   12 Feb 2010
7. 2010 Printable Solutions Motorsport Week
   20 Mar 2010
8. Christchurch Casino Wigram Revival
   29 Oct 2010
9. Teretonga 4–5 December 2010
   4 Dec 2010
10. 2011
    ENZED Classic and Historic Race Meeting
    11 Feb 2011
11. Wigram Revival Weekend
    4 Nov 2011
12. MG Classic Race Meeting
    11 Nov 2011
    testing and unofficial results
13. Teretonga 3/4 December 2011
    3 Dec 2011
14. Mike Pero 200
    9 Dec 2011
15. 2012
    Teretonga 14–15 January 2012
    14 Jan 2012
16. CRC 200
    20 Jan 2012
17. SKOPE Classic 2012
    3 Feb 2012
18. ENZED Southern Classic 2012
    10 Feb 2012
19. February Club Day with Registers
    26 Feb 2012
20. POWERBUILT Club Day 4
    4 Mar 2012
21. TRUST AORAKI – Super Truck Racing
    23 Mar 2012
22. POWERBUILT Club Day 5
    15 Apr 2012
23. 2013
    2013 SKOPE Classic
    1 Feb 2013
24. ENZED Southern Classic Race Meeting 2013
    8 Feb 2013
25. Mike Pero Wigram Revival
    2 Nov 2013
26. 2017
    Speed Festival, October 2017
    28 Oct 2017
27. 2019
    Wigram Revival 2019
    22 Nov 2019
28. 2020
    SCH Southern Classic 2020
    7 Feb 2020
29. 2021
    SKOPE Classic 2021 – Ruapuna
    5 Feb 2021
30. Sth Cant Hydraulics Southern Classic 2021
    12 Feb 2021
31. 2022
    Sth Cant Hydraulics Southern Classic 2022
    11 Feb 2022
32. 2023
    SKOPE Classic 2023
    3 Feb 2023
33. SCH Southern Classic 2023
    10 Feb 2023
34. CMRC Brooklands 2023
    2 Sep 2023
35. 2024
    SKOPE Classic – Euromarque Ruapuna
    2 Feb 2024
36. SCH Southern Classic 2024
    9 Feb 2024
37. Wigram Revival
    22 Nov 2024

Date	Event	Notes
2009
16 Jan 2009	Christchurch Casino Lady Wigram Trophy
7 Mar 2009	Mike Pero Mortgages V8 Ute Classic Race
14 Mar 2009	South Canty CC Truck, V8 & Car Races
31 Oct 2009	Endurance weekend
2010
8 Jan 2010	Christchurch Casino Wigram Revival
12 Feb 2010	ENZED Classic & Historic Motor Race
20 Mar 2010	2010 Printable Solutions Motorsport Week
29 Oct 2010	Christchurch Casino Wigram Revival
4 Dec 2010	Teretonga 4–5 December 2010
2011
11 Feb 2011	ENZED Classic and Historic Race Meeting
4 Nov 2011	Wigram Revival Weekend
11 Nov 2011	MG Classic Race Meeting	testing and unofficial results
3 Dec 2011	Teretonga 3/4 December 2011
9 Dec 2011	Mike Pero 200
2012
14 Jan 2012	Teretonga 14–15 January 2012
20 Jan 2012	CRC 200
3 Feb 2012	SKOPE Classic 2012
10 Feb 2012	ENZED Southern Classic 2012
26 Feb 2012	February Club Day with Registers
4 Mar 2012	POWERBUILT Club Day 4
23 Mar 2012	TRUST AORAKI – Super Truck Racing
15 Apr 2012	POWERBUILT Club Day 5
2013
1 Feb 2013	2013 SKOPE Classic
8 Feb 2013	ENZED Southern Classic Race Meeting 2013
2 Nov 2013	Mike Pero Wigram Revival
2017
28 Oct 2017	Speed Festival, October 2017
2019
22 Nov 2019	Wigram Revival 2019
2020
7 Feb 2020	SCH Southern Classic 2020
2021
5 Feb 2021	SKOPE Classic 2021 – Ruapuna
12 Feb 2021	Sth Cant Hydraulics Southern Classic 2021
2022
11 Feb 2022	Sth Cant Hydraulics Southern Classic 2022
2023
3 Feb 2023	SKOPE Classic 2023
10 Feb 2023	SCH Southern Classic 2023
2 Sep 2023	CMRC Brooklands 2023
2024
2 Feb 2024	SKOPE Classic – Euromarque Ruapuna
9 Feb 2024	SCH Southern Classic 2024
22 Nov 2024	Wigram Revival

Show all 37 racesShow fewer

↻ ReplayOriginal sheet

The 1998 Camaro replica

The replica was built with the approval of Paul Williams, who owned the original Jenner Camaro. Recognising the car's significance, Lindsay Dodd and Wayne Moore agreed to build a replica to the specification it raced in AC Delco livery.

It keeps the original's chassis design and layout, with refinements such as aluminium panels and fabrication improvements that make it more practical to maintain and race today.

Lindsay Dodd and the L.J. Hooker #14, c. 2001

Lindsay Dodd raced the replica as #14 in black, yellow and red L.J. Hooker colours, with his name on the rear pillar, Neil Matheson Painter & Decorator and CRC down the sides, and a Golden Mile Tavern banner on the windscreen – the same OSCA series Paul Williams raced the original in. A bonnet sign advertising car auctions on "Feb 17th/18th 2001" dates these photos to around 2001.