Blake Knowles claimed victory in Saturday’s opening Formula 5000 race at Christchurch’s Euromarque Motorsport Park, while Grant Martin’s podium finish was enough to edge him into the overall series points lead.
The second round of the 2025/26 NZ F5000 Tasman Cup Revival Series unfolded under clear summer skies at Ruapuna, where Knowles set the benchmark in qualifying with a blistering lap of 1m16.530 in the McRae GM1.
From the moment the lights went out, Christchurch local Knowles defended the inside line into the long Turn One, decisively closing the door on any early challenge. Once settled into race rhythm, Kevin Ingram’s Lola T332 became the focus for the chasing pack as the field streamed through the opening laps.
Behind the leading duo, Auckland’s Grant Martin ran strongly to finish third in the Talon MR1A, with Clevedon driver Glen Richards bringing his Lola T332 home in fourth.
“This is such an amazing car, and I can’t thank the Hey family enough for giving me the keys,” said Knowles
“It’s definitely the quickest thing I’ve ever driven — having quadruple the horsepower and double the tyre size compared to what I’m used to.”
Knowles is substituting for regular driver Michael Hey, who is absent this weekend.
“He’s getting married, so best wishes to him,” Knowles added.
Another local, Anna Collins, made an aggressive start in the ex–Graeme Lawrence Lola T332 HU28, initially moving forward before being shuffled back in the opening laps.
Running wide at the first hairpin allowed Glen Richards to slip through into fourth. The pair swapped positions again on lap two before Richards reclaimed the spot and held it to the chequered flag, with Collins finishing fifth.
“The car is feeling good — the engine is amazing,” said Collins.
“I’m just struggling a bit with the handling at the moment.
“The McRae I previously raced — and which Blake is driving now — is more forgiving, so you have the trust and confidence to really push through the infield. With the Lola, I’m finding it can snap a little.
“We’ll make some camber adjustments and see if that helps as I continue to get used to the different chassis. After the brake issue dominated the focus at the last race, I’m now finally getting the chance to learn the car and chase that last bit of pace.”
Martin’s third-place finish was enough to move him two points clear in the overall standings, with Collins now sitting second.
The A-category McLaren battle was shaken up early when Roger Williams’ M10B stopped on the opening lap with a fuel pump issue. From there, the remaining McLarens traded positions, with Toby Annabell’s M10B getting the better of Tony Roberts’ high-wing M10A. The result leaves the pair tied on series points.
Tony Galbraith experienced a brief scare in the Lola T332 HU38 after momentarily losing ignition power, but was able to continue.
Saturday’s racing also featured a combined-grid tribute to Bruce Kett, a respected and much-liked competitor who recently passed away. The F5000 field was joined by the Central Muscle Cars — another category Kett raced in — with the pole position deliberately left vacant in his honour. Kett was best known for his competitive outings in the Jorgensen Steel Lola T332 HU46.
The weekend concludes on Sunday with two further races. Following the 12-lap final race in the afternoon, the winner will be awarded the Bert Hawthorne Cup. The Stan Redmond Memorial Trophy will also be presented to the driver who best embodies the speed, style and passion for which Redmond was renowned.
The 2025/26 NZ F5000 Tasman Cup Revival Series is proudly in its 23rd season, supported by SAS Autoparts, MSC, NZ Express Transport, Bonney’s Specialised Bulk Transport, Mobil Lubricants, Avon Motorsport Tyres – Dold Industries, Webdesign, Exide Batteries and Pacifica Shipping.
For event updates, entry lists and photos, visit www.f5000.co.nz and follow F5000 New Zealand on Facebook.
Header Image: Terry Marshall
