South Island motorsport fans are in for a treat this weekend as New Zealand’s largest-ever field of RX8s competes in the Mazda Pro7 & Pro8 South Island series. 26 cars have been confirmed for Round 3 at Levels raceway.
Young talent Will Kitching will be looking to extend his lead at the top of the table but will have to work to fight off Kris Mackie, who sits just 71 points adrift.
Those two may need to find some additional talent to fend off 2021 North Island champion Simon Baker an exciting addition to the field, as is Jeff Judd, who is more recently found rallying around the country in his MK 2 Ford Escort.
Judd has been a welcome returnee to the pack for years since driving a Pro7 but will make the switch to an RX8 for the weekend.
Local drivers Jared Pyke and Flyn Mitchell will also be ones to watch on their home circuit.
Saturday morning’s qualifying session precedes two races that afternoon, the first a grid start and the second a reverse top 10.
Sunday morning’s Race 3 will also be an interesting one, a full reverse grid with 26 entrants ensuring championship contenders will have to work hard over 8 laps for a solid result.
Sunday afternoon’s Race 4 brings an end to the meet, the grid formed by the highest point scorer over the round.
The Pro7 & Pro8 South Island series join an exciting card at the iconic “Thunder Down Under Event” at Levels which also features the Mazda Racing Series, Mini 7, SS Cup, Mainland Muscle, OSCA Race Series, Pre 65’s, 2K Cup and ever-special Super Trucks.
It’s evident Timaru race-goers are in for a massive weekend from that lineup alone, the large field of RX8’s adding to the experience in what should be one to remember.
Header Image: Supplied
