The Mazda Pro8 New Zealand series resumes this weekend in Invercargill with the second-round battle for the overall title. Heading into the four-race, two-day meeting at Teretonga Park, Jared Pyke has a 42-point lead over rookie Hamish Evans, with Kris Mackie and Cory Stewart very much in the hunt.
However, weather may play a factor with rain forecast for Sunday, while the advantage may be with locals Bradley Dawson, Jeremy Dawson and Jeremy Skeggs.
Consistency is the key and while ex-2KCup experienced driver Hamish Evans took two race wins at the opening meeting at Ruapuna in early October, Pyke’s win in the final race followed up his consistent form finishing on the podium in the preceding three races.
Also looking to perform is Timaru’s Corban Sprague who won the second race of the season and currently sits ninth on the leader board.
Points leader Jared Pyke considers himself fortunate after a successful opening round for the season.
“The competition is so hot,” said Pyke. “I was pretty consistent across the four races, had a little bit of luck and kept my nose clean. There are some very quick rivals this season.”
Pyke is looking to continue his consistency at Teretonga this weekend.
“I love the place, its super-fast, it’s wide and there are lots of (racing) lines. I guess the key to being quick around the circuit is flow and momentum. Some patience is required at the final corner (Elow) before the main straight as it’s very easy to out-brake yourself.”
Drivers and teams face qualifying on Saturday morning followed by two eight-lap races in the afternoon and two eight-lap races on Sunday. Grid positions for Race 1 are determined from qualifying while Race 2 is from a marble draw.
Race 3 on Sunday morning is a reverse marble draw with the final Race 4 grid set from points accumulated over the weekend.
The Mazda Pro8 New Zealand series acknowledges the support from Kumho Tyres, Disc Brakes Australia, HM Auto Electrical, Silvester v8 Performance, and Transform Graphics.
The season also sees a continuation of the Trans-Tasman partnership between the Mazda Pro8 New Zealand Championship and Australia’s RX8 Cup.
Header Image: Tony Knight (Tony’s Motorsport)
