231D Chris Gifford & Sam Thomsen
“The Punisher“
Drivers
Sponsors
NZ Industrial Abseilers, Revolution Engine Services, Haltech, Morrinsville Toolshed, Automotive Trimming Services, MTEL – Chocka Ute Trays and Canopy’s, Moore Engineering, Skout Collective, TJW Photos
Truck Details
| Name | The Punisher |
| Make | Nitro Customs |
| Year Built | 2023 |
| Weight | >1200kgs |
| Engine | Chevrolet 427ci LS |
| Transmission | Powerglide with SCS Transfercase |
| Diffs | Nitro Custom 9″ Front and Rear |
| Lockers | Tomalin Hydraulic Lockers |
| Suspension | ORI Shocks, 4-Link Front, 4 Link Rear |
| Wheels | 35×12-15 Journey Claw XTR on 15×12″ OMF Alloys |
History
| Previous Drivers | Accolades |
| Chris Gifford (2023-) | Top 10 (2024, 2025) |
The Punisher is another Nitro Custom frames to join the field. Having started out as a bare frame from the shop, Chris has put the pieces together to build himself a buggy that looks like it’s just come off the showroom floor!
Featuring all the goodies from Tomalin Lockers & Hubs, Nitro Chromoly Housings as well as a worked LS3 featuring Haltech engine management, The Punisher is one to look out for!
Chris Gifford had previously done two seasons in the ex 1NZ Dan Cowper “Crazy Frog”. Sam Thomsen needs no introduction, as one of few to be 1NZ in both sides of the truck. Together the team have gone from strength to strength, being an outside shot for the title in 2025.