Big fields of cars in almost every class guarantee two days of action-packed motor racing at Teretonga Park in Invercargill this weekend. The OSCA Super Saloons always create plenty of excitement, and this year will be full on with 20 cars entered.
Two rounds into their championship, Tim Dossett of Pleasant Point leads the points in his EVO5 ahead of Kris Brown of Timaru, a race winner here last year in his Nissan Skyline, and Callum Stocker of Rolleston in a Mazda RX8.
However, it is two Jaguar drivers, last year’s round winner, Steve Ross of Dunedin, and Kyle Dawson of Invercargill, who will be expected to be at the front of the pack this weekend.
In the separate OSCA Lite Championship, Matthew Cronin of Timaru leads the way from local driver Rachael Beck.
Marco Manson of Auckland has so far proven to be the man to beat in South Island Formula Ford this season. Manson and Dylan Petch of Christchurch are the only race winners in the series to date, but the field is full of exciting talent, including the winner of the recent FIA Arrive and Drive World Karting Senior World Cup, Zach Tucker of Prebbleton.
Last year’s New Zealand Formula Ford Championship Rookie of the Year, Jacob Begg of Winton, will be very much to the fore at home, while Matthew Basso of Australia joins the grid.
The Pro8 NZ Series is another class that brings great racing, and with last year’s round winner Corban Sprague of Timaru, plus Jared Pyke of Rolleston on the grid, along with local drivers Jeremy Dawson and Jeremy Skeggs, this year should be no exception.
Leon Hallett of Mosgiel will be one to beat in his Ford Falcon in the HVRA races, with competition coming from the likes of Invercargill drivers Scott O’Donnell and Gregg Cooper in their Ford Capris and Gary Johnstone of Rolleston (Jaguar XJS).
The 2K Cup Teretonga Challenge sees a massive twenty-five car field ready to do battle, with last year’s winner Jonathan Prince of Christchurch (Toyota Corolla) back with other top runners, including Greg Mitchell of Darfield in his Toyota Sprinter and Greg Barclay of Woodend (Toyota MR2), plus any number of others ready to pounce.
The SS Cup has an even larger entry of 28 cars. Dave McLean of Balfour, in his Honda Integra, comes to the round on a hot run of form, while Josh Mitchell of Christchurch (Subaru Impreza) and Ross Jones of Waikouaiti were prominent last year.
Lynden Prebble, the current SSCC Race Champion, and local youngster Nieko Scoles are also in the field.
Dion Dawson and Jordan Michels look likely frontrunners in the Noel McIntyre Drainage Club Saloon races, with the toughest opposition looking likely from Brian Scott of Dunedin in his Camaro.
The action starts at 9.30am on Saturday and 9.00am on Sunday. Pre-sale tickets are available from E Hayes & Sons, Invercargill, at a cost of $35 for a weekend pass.
Weekend passes at the gate are $45; Saturday-only tickets, available only at the gate, are $25; and Sunday tickets are $35. Children 14 & under are free if accompanied by an adult.
Header Image: Dave Loudon
