Rick Armstrong claimed the Porsche Endurance Trophy New Zealand GT3 Cup title in his 992 GT3 Cup Car in the last round at Hampton Downs after a season-long battle with Luke Manson and 2024 winner Sam Fillmore.
Armstrong entered the final round with a 90-point lead, with two 30-minute races and a 1-hour endurance race and 225 points up for grabs over the weekend to secure the championship. Ultimately, the title was decided by Armstong on Saturday by claiming the race win in the Open Class after a drama-filled start.
Marco Giltrap dominated the Porsche Endurance Trophy New Zealand Junior Pro class, winning the title. Giltrap used the series to prepare for his Porsche Carrera Cup Australia campaign. Meanwhile, Tony Quinn clinched the Porsche Endurance Trophy New Zealand GT4 title in his GT4 RS Cayman.
The second season of the Porsche Endurance Trophy New Zealand was held at tracks nationwide in the summer of 2024/2025. Five rounds were contested at Taupo Motorsport Park, Hampton Downs, Teretonga Motorsport Park, and Highlands Motorsport Park, ensuring racing on both the North and South Islands.
With the growth in the field of competitors, the championship featured three titles – GT3 Cup, Junior Pro, and GT4. The GT3 Cup Champion wins a trip to Stuttgart, Germany, to be recognized by Porsche at the ‘Night of Champions’ in December 2025.
The trophy championship ran in conjunction with the Summerset GT New Zealand Championship at key rounds, including the New Zealand Grand Prix at Highlands Motorsport Park.
Eligible vehicles included the Porsche 992 GT3 Cup Car, 992, 991.2, and the addition of the GT4 RS Cayman. Porsche competitors swept the Summerset GT New Zealand Championship series, with Rick Armstrong taking out the Championship and Marco Giltrap clinching the Junior Pro Class.
The Porsche Endurance Trophy New Zealand Championship will return in the summer of 2025/2026, running across New Zealand circuits. Next season, the field is expected to expand, with competitors from New Zealand and Australia joining the series.
Rick Armstrong:
“The Porsche Endurance Trophy was a really enjoyable series to be a part of. I love the 992 Cup Car, as it’s fast and enjoyable to drive, making it such a great race car.
“The field was incredibly competitive as everyone lifted their game throughout the year. It was tough to win, and if I compete again, I’ll have to take it more seriously as the standards keep lifting and it continues to grow into a fiercely competitive category.”
Nathan Pilcher, Motorsport Coordinator, Porsche New Zealand:
“It’s been a fantastic season working with the teams and the GT New Zealand Championship. The calibre of racing this year has been world-class. We look forward to the continued growth of the trophy series for customer racing in our market. We will continue to work with the factory to develop the program and grow the support for the teams, drivers, and customers.”
Season Championship Points:
Porsche Endurance Trophy New Zealand GT3 Cup:
- 1. Rick Armstrong 1019
- 2. Luke Manson 913
- 3. Sam Filmore 834
Porsche Endurance Trophy New Zealand Junior Pro:
- 1. Marco Giltrap 1125
- 2. Hunter Robb 201
- 3. Tom Bewley 134
Porsche Endurance Trophy New Zealand GT4:
- 1. Tony Quinn 501
- 2. Kent Quinn 434
- 3. Zoe Woods 367
Header Image: Porsche New Zealand (Supplied)
