The Signature Homes Hyundai i30 N TCR of Rhys Gould and Jaden Ransley has been an early casualty ahead of tomorrow’s Carters Tyres South Island Endurance Series three-hour finale, at Timaru’s Levels Raceway.
The Signature homes TCR car suffered a catastrophic engine failure during the first practice session this morning, which has triggered the urgent purchase of a new replacement engine from Hyundai Motorsport. The new engine is set to arrive in time for the car to be ready for the all-in New Zealand Endurance Championship finale on November 7 at Highlands Motorsport Park. It is understood that the mechanical failure is a result of the engine detonation issues at round one of the series due to poor fuel quality.
The sister Racer Products Hyundai i30 N TCR driven by Gene Rollinson and Craig Innes also had similar fuel related detonation issues in the first round of the NIERC endurance championship at Hampton Downs, with an engine failure prompting the duo’s retirement at the opening round of the Golden Homes North Island Endurance Series at Hampton Downs Motorsport Park. It is understood that a new engine has already been fitted to the Racer Products entry which is due to run in the Pukekohe round of the North Island Endurance championship next weekend.