The North Island Endurance Racing Drivers Club has released their 2025 calendar and revealed significant changes for the 3-Hour races are on the cards.
The season will begin on May 30-31 at Taupo International Motorsport Park, before a double-header at Hampton Downs on 13-14 June, and 20-21 June.
NIERDC’s Chairman, Mark Petch, said that he was excited about the upcoming 2025 NZ Endurance Series Championship, as it would usher in new 3-hour regulations to equalise the dominant Class 1 GT3 cars with Class 2 cars, such as Porsche 992, IRC GT, and GT2 machinery, such as Joel Giddy’s Mercedes-AMG.
“Both SIERDC and NIERDC recognise the need to reinvigorate their flagship 3-hour event, suffering from declining competitor numbers since the introduction of unrestricted GT3 cars, such as the dominant Audi R8 GT3 car,” said Petch.
“We have to do something drastic to change the current situation; otherwise, there won’t be a stand-alone 3-hour race next year.”
“We are still working through the details of the new technical regulations, which we hope to announce by the end of this month,” Petch continues.
“The new regulations will, in principle, mean that the latest generation Porsche 992 Cup Car will have an equal opportunity to win for the 3-hour championship as a hitherto unbeatable, unrestricted Audi R8 GT3, as will an IRC GT or GT2 car.
“A combination of vehicle weight, intake restriction, and maximum fuel capacity will not only slow down the GT3 cars, but restricting fuel capacity will mean that all Class 1 cars would have to stop three times for fuel.”
2025 North Island Endurance Series Calendar
| May 30-31 | Taupo International Motorsport Park |
| June 13-14 | Hampton Downs National Circuit |
| June 20-21 | Hampton Downs (layout TBC) |
Header Image: Richard Opie
Bring back the 2 hr
As well