Machines: Speed Freaks - Connor Halligan

Name: Connor Halligan

Where are you from? Taupo, NZ

What is your local BurgerFuel Store? Taupo, NZ

Favourite burger on the menu? My usual is a Bacon Backfire, but sometimes change it up with a Bacon Barbecue Roadster!

A bit about yourself (where did you grow up, how did you get into machines, do you do it solo or with mates, etc.): I grew up in Taupo, NZ. My Dad, Craig, is a mechanic and competed in the NZ rally series, which we would go and watch all the time. He also had a range of street cars, from Mitsubishi EVOs to Holden Monaro’s, so I’ve been surrounded by cars my whole life. He taught me how to slide my 1982 KE70, my first car! Growing up, my brothers and I competed in Motocross and BMX, which got switched out for drifting pretty quickly after a couple of solid crashes, and cars came into the picture. I’ve always had a solid crew of friends who are into the same stuff as me, and I am lucky enough to have them on board as crew members in our motorsport program nowadays, which makes every event a good time.

Now, your pride and joy…  

Make/Model/Year: 1995 Nissan Silvia S14

Engine: A fully built 2JZ-GTE by Henson & Murray engines, with DNA performance custom anti-lag manifold and 7170G Pulsar Turbo.

Driveline: Samsonas RS90 sequential gearbox, Direct clutch, Bulldog quick-change diff

Interior: Link ECU and electronics, wired and tuned by JT Performance.

Exterior: Fiberglass widebody and kit, as well as custom tubular front and rear sections, were built in-house at NINEONENINE Motorsport.

Suspension: BC Racing ZR series 3-way adjustable suspension with Wisefab front and rear kits.

Wheels/Tyres: 18x9.5, 265/35/18 drift specific semi slicks

What's unique or interesting about the car, or how did you come to own it? I would say what's cool about the car is that the majority of the build has been done in-house by myself, family and friends. We have rebuilt the car from a bare chassis 3 times in the last 5 years. This is due to always learning and my constant pursuit of perfecting the car for competition.

What’s your dream machine if it’s not this one? My FD RX7 street car will always be in contention for the favourite title. It's one of the coolest street cars, in my opinion, and I’m lucky enough to own one! Other than that, I'd love to own a McLaren one day. Bruce is definitely a huge inspiration for me.

Career highlight to date? 3rd Place 2025 D1NZ Championship, 1st Place RD4 D1NZ Manfield. 2022 D1NZ Pro sport champion.

Who do you draw inspiration from? Are there any drivers that you look up to? Bruce Mclaren, Mad Mike Whiddett, Gaz Whiter, James Deane.

What kind of road car do you drive, and what’s your driving style off the track? FD RX7 and pretty cruisey! 

Are you keen to try your hand at any other kinds of motorsport? I would love to try rally properly, but keen on any kind of motorsport!

Anything else you wish to share (fun facts, hours worked/spent on the machine, plans for the future etc.):

The dream is to head overseas to compete one day, pushing hard to hopefully make it a reality!

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