The Nexen Tyre Mazda Racing Series roars back into action this weekend with a full grid of RX7s, RX8s and MX5s featuring on-track at the Flying Farewell in Pukekohe.
The event features as Round 4 of the North Island Championship and has attracted drivers from around the country who couldn’t miss the opportunity of one final drive around the iconic South Auckland circuit.
Pukekohe has been a stalwart on the calendar for the 30-year-old class originally known as the Pro7 series. In that time, they’ve gone from small beginnings to now featuring some of the largest and most competitive grids in the country.
This weekend will be no different with the entry list at capacity several weeks before Pukekohe’s Flying Farewell.
“We’ve got a good and collected mix,” says competitor Steven Spear. “There’s a lot of RX8s on the grid, we’ve also got a RX7 Series 6 and a Series 1 running as well. There’s also a lot of MX5s.”
“It’s a very busy grid, the start is always hectic, especially in the sprint race. You’ve got to qualify strongly but then you’ve got to be able to match that in the race itself,” he adds.
Rex Edwards currently leads an extremely tight championship battle but is being made to work by a field of class veterans and rookies alike.
“Edwards is going very well,” Spear says. “You’ve got him on top with Simon Baker currently in second and Flynn Mullany who has come on strong this season in third, with Matt Horne tied on points with him. There’s a lot on the line.”
Whether Edwards can continue his fine form is yet to be determined, but the Championship leader says, “the opportunity to race on Pukekohe one final time was one we couldn’t pass on.”
The Tauranga Automotive racer will return in his RX8 and is able to attend the meet off the back of some outstanding support from new sponsor CB Built and local team Phil Blythe Motorsport.
Baker, Mullany and Horne will also be present to keep the pressure on in a showcase of some tight and thrilling racing.
The Nexen Tyre Mazda Racing Series begin their Pukekohe weekend with a duo of practice sessions on Friday. The all-important qualifying run will follow at 9:50am on Saturday ahead of Race 1 at 2:03pm that afternoon.
On Sunday morning they’ll return for Race 2 at 9:20am before one final race around Pukekohe Motorsport Park at 1:27pm.
A number of drivers will then gear up to take part in the Hamilton Asphalts Saloons Flying Farewell where they’ll face off against Honda Cup, Production Race Series, V8 Ute Championship and Pre 65 and Super Mini competitors in a winner-take-all 15- lap handicap race.
Main Image: Supplied | Words: Supplied
