Local driver Kevin Ingram clinched an opening-round win at the SAS Autoparts MSC NZ F5000 Tasman Cup Revival Series at Manfeild’s Circuit Chris Amon.
However, young challenger Michael Hey showcased his own skill, setting the fastest lap time and learning from the experienced frontrunner.
Held during the annual MG Classic meet from 8-10 November, the event marked the start of the new F5000 season.
Although the entry list was below expectations due to ongoing shipping delays, the eight-car field of roaring V8s capitalised on the opportunity, securing an early points advantage.
Saturday’s fine-weather action set the stage for Sunday’s six-lap handicap race, which ran as scheduled despite looming rain clouds. Starting from the back, Hey (McRae GM1) steadily chased race leader Ingram (Lola T332 HU 48R), gaining valuable insights on overtaking at the circuit co-designed by the late Chris Amon.
Toby Annabel, in the Group A McLaren M10B, led the pack at the start, ultimately finishing fourth.
Points for the race awarded 10 to the winner, with seventh-placed Frank Karl (McLaren M10B, previously run by McKechnie Racing) earning four.
As rain threatened, officials and competitors agreed to bring forward the final eight-lap race. This adjustment challenged local driver Tim Rush, who was performing double duty in a Can-Am car and expected a break rather than another race. With the starting grid based on Saturday’s results, Ingram held off the young, determined Hey, denying him a points advantage. As rain began to fall with the chequered flag, the field quickly retreated to their garages.
Race times confirmed Hey had the fastest lap, narrowly besting Ingram.
Having never raced outside the South Island, it was not only Hey’s first time racing at Manfeild – a North Island venue, but in a car with massive horsepower.
“I knew it was a track with big power and plenty of passing opportunities, especially with its banked corners where you can make moves on the outside,” said Hey, a Blenheim-based aviation technician.
For the 21-year-old, following Ingram offered invaluable lessons on gaining an edge.
“We were lucky to have two good practice sessions on Friday before qualifying on Saturday. After that wee incident where I out-braked myself into turn one, I now know my braking marker.
“Kevin is the man to follow. He would try something completely new at a certain point on the track, and when I tried it later, it made a real difference – he knows what he’s doing.”
With three second placings, he’s banking the early advantage: “Points is cool – which also means attendance is key, along with finishing each race. With the smaller grids everyone (this weekend) is getting higher points. It means there is a lot more at stake for the others to keep it on the track at the rest of the rounds – if they want to win.”
Hey credited his team for the result: “Huge thanks to Mark Collins for all the prep work on the car during the off-season and over the weekend, and to my dad for giving me this great opportunity to race the car this season.”
Tony Galbraith (Lola T332 HU8) finished third both in the race and for the weekend, trailing Hey by three points, with Ingram holding 70 points at the top. Glenn Richards, in his newly acquired Lola T332, finished fourth, while Frank Karl led the Group A cars in fifth.
The series will take a break until mid-January, when the 2025 calendar resumes. This pause allows time for cars delayed in transit from Europe to be prepared for the Historic GP meet, where entry numbers are expected to exceed 20.
