Joel Giddy has fired the opening shots of the 2025/26 GT New Zealand Championship by winning the first race of the season at Hampton Downs today.
Having taken pole position earlier in the morning, Giddy held the lead into turn one off the start, with youngster Regan Scoullar getting shuffled back a couple of spots having started P2.
Reigning champion Rick Amrstrong slotted into P2 having eased past Scoullar in the opening moments.
Scoullar had his hands full when Luke Manson loomed up behind him and took away third spot.
Utilising the longer International layout of the Hampton Downs circuit enabled the Mercedes AMG GT2 of Giddy to stretch its legs and begin to establish a comfortable lead over Armstrong.
Luke Manson began to make some time up on track, and closed in on Armstrong and looked like he might try and challenge for second spot.
With the clock winding down and the chequered flag waved, Giddy crossed the line in first, with the Porsche of Rick Armstrong 1.2 seconds behind. Luke Manson, also in a Porsche, was third.
Scoullar was fourth, followed by Nigel Cromie, Sam Fillmore and Andrew Childes bringing up the rear, all in Porsche 992s.
The Championship returns to Hampton Downs tomorrow for a further 30-minute race before the 50-minute feature race.
Header Image: Tayler Burke
