The 2026/27 Mazda Pro8 New Zealand series kicks off this weekend, with Timaru International Raceway hosting the first of five rounds. With previous title holders Corban Sprague and Jared Pyke not competing this season, it will be all to play for as they search for a new champion over this summer of racing.
Also, not on the grid this weekend is Hamish Evans, who finished runner-up last season.
Kaleb Pateman heads up the fight, having finished fourth and tied with Ryan Gallagher last season, who has also entered the series. Sam Knight and Oakley West will also be on the grid, having finished sixth and seventh last season.
Gallagher picked up last year’s Rookie of the Season prize while Knight received the Most Improved Driver award. Also returning are Jeremy Skeggs, Lincoln Brunton, Luke Casey, Mal Walters and Oakley West.
Two rookie drivers have joined the field for this season. Both Jacob Cunniffe and Oscar Tatom come with experience competing in the SS Cup category.
“The season is finally upon us. A big thank you to everyone who has made this possible,” said Cunniffe.
“It takes a lot of hard work and perseverance to break into a new class, and I’m grateful for the opportunity.
“I am definitely going into the season with a lot of excitement and focus to put in a good campaign.”
The Patemans Lighthouse Round 1 will feature qualifying, with two races on Saturday. While the grid for Race 1 is determined by the qualifying order, Race 2 will be by marble draw. Sunday will feature a reverse-marble draw for Race 3, and Race 4 will be determined by round points from the preceding three races.
Teretonga Park in Invercargill hosts the second round (5-6 December 2026) with a return to Timaru at the end of January for the Thunder Down Under Super Truck meeting (30-31 January 2027).
The Euromarque Motorsport Park in Christchurch hosts the penultimate Round 4 (13-14 March 2027), with the Round 5 finale at Highlands Motorsport Park in Cromwell (10 April 2027).
The Mazda Pro8 New Zealand series acknowledges the support from Kumho Tyres, DBA Disc Brakes Australia, HM Auto Electrical, Silvester V8 Performance, Sign Base, Straight 8 Estate and Auto Gas Specialists.
Header Photo: Enuff Photography
