The first official test on Friday of the new V8 SuperTourers at Hampton Downs was a massive success - with all 16 cars out running and all completing plenty of mileage during a pair of two hour sessions during the day.

No times were taken, but the whole field proved incredibly well matched as the drivers got to grips with their new cars and the Hankook tyres. There were no major incidents and no major mechanical breakages.

There was also much to talk about with two time Bathurst winner Steve Richards debuting his CRC Ford Falcon V8 SuperTourer for John McIntyre Racing, Daniel Gaunt filling in impressively for Greg Murphy (on V8 Supercar testing duties) and the first public appearance on track of the cars of Craig Baird, Andy Booth, Ant Pedersen, Jonny Reid, Colin Corkery, Kayne Scott and both of the Melbourne Performance Centre Supercheap Auto cars.

A late finish to the build of his car proved no obstacle for Scott as he blitzed the virgin white machine round the challenging North Waikato track all day with no major problems - and that was pretty much the story of the day for all of the drivers and teams.

The first round of the new championship takes place at Hampton Downs next weekend - February 17, 18 and 19.