Large grids and on-track entertainment will take centre stage this weekend as Auckland Car Club’s Summer Series springs into action with a one day meet at Hampton Downs.
The Production Race Series, OK Cup, New Zealand Rotary Racing Enthusiasts, Racing Saloons, Production Muscle Cars and All Classic Japanese will combine for a full day of track action, officially kicking the season off for one of the country’s largest clubs.
The Production Race Series has attracted a large turnout, meaning grids will be split. “We’re sitting at 70 at the moment, so two grids, 70 cars, which is a pretty huge entry,” says series founder Martyn Wells. “We’ve got 19 different manufacturers. We’ve got a 14-year-old right the way through to a mid-70-year-old.”
Ben Clifton is set to make his series debut at just 14 years old, joining his father, Joe Clifton, in the field. Each grid will race four times, making for eight races total for the series.
The OK Cup, forced to move their event after a meet at Taupo was cancelled, has also attracted a strong turnout, with none other than Porsche Carrera Cup Australia and Formula Regional Americas Championship leader Callum Hedge set to take to the track. Hedge will be joined by Toyota 86 racer Thomas Mallard in the Créme Racing MR2.
Formerly known as the 2kCup, the OK Cup will run a 10-minute practice session, qualifying, and two 33-minute races.
The New Zealand Rotary Racing Enthusiasts will also take to the track with a large grid with over 30 entries set to compete. Following a qualifying session in the morning, they will race four times, with the first three counting towards the “King of the Rotaries 2023” crown.
Racing Saloons, Production Muscle Cars, Central Muscle Cars and All Classic Japanese will join forces for three races, with that grid also in excess of 25 entries.
Spectator entry to Hampton Downs on the day is free.
Header Image: Omegah Photography
