The opening round of the Golden Homes North Island Endurance Championship at Pukekohe Park this weekend is free for all spectators.
Alongside free trackside access, younger fans can enjoy a fun day out with face painting, yard games and a mega bouncy castle – all courtesy of the Heart of Racing team.
For fans who can’t be trackside, Sky Sport is broadcasting both the one- and three-hour race live.
Entrants for the one-hour already confirmed include Glen Smith and John De Veth in their McLaren 650S, John McIntyre and Brock Timperley in a Ford V8 SuperTourer, and Nick Ross in his NZV8 Nissan Altima.
The three-hour race is shaping up to be an intriguing battle between a host of GT3 machinery.
Smith and De Veth are out to defend their title but will be closely chased by the Heart of Racing Aston Martin Vantage driven by Alex Riberas and Darren Kelly.
Riberas and Kelly both made their series debuts last year, narrowly missing out on the championship after an enthralling final duel with the McLaren.
Gene Rollinson and John Penny join forces in the Racer Products Lamborghini Gallardo GT3 R-EX in one of the grid’s most dynamic duos.
This year’s two new entries are Lance Hughes and Chris van der Drift in a Nissan GT-R, and Shane Helms and Greg Murphy, who will steer a Renault R.S 01.
International Motorsport will also be on the starting line with their crop of Audi R8s, meaning there is a healthy variety of manufacturers in contention for the overall win.
For the first time in NIERDC history, there will be a two-hour ‘Clubman’ race.
The ‘Clubman’ race is contested exclusively between cars whose times don’t exceed a pre-determined time bracket.
It is an ideal event for those currently competing in the 2K Cup, BMW Race Series and the Honda Cup to gain more seat time.
The two-hour race will still maintain a competitive element, with points and an overall championship up for grabs.
Practice and qualifying will be held on Saturday, May 8, with the one-two- and three-hour race on the following Sunday.
TV times for Sunday: (Sky Sport 8)
- One-Hour race: 11.30 am
- Three-Hour race: 1.30 pm
- Two-Hour 9.00 am (not on TV)