The NextGen New Zealand Championship, presented by Repco, will be the season-ender on March 21-23. The premier race championship will provide great racing and battles aplenty to entertain the fans at the circuit and on the live broadcast.
The NextGen New Zealand Championship started in November last year and has visited five iconic New Zealand circuits, culminating in the Hampton Downs Grand Finale on March 21-23. Over the weekend, the GT New Zealand Championship, Toyota GR86 Series Championship, GTRNZ, New Zealand Porsche Series Championship, NZ Formula Ford Championship, and the Central Muscle Cars Championship provide entertainment.
It’s the final round of the GT New Zealand Open Championship this weekend. Rick Armstrong re-took the point’s lead at the last round, while William Exton heads to Hampton Downs with a healthy lead in GT4. Marco Giltrap will be flying high leading the Junior Pro after three wins last time. With just three more races to go at Hampton Downs this weekend, there is still plenty to play for in the Open Class, where the points split is close.
The Toyota GR86 Series Championship returns for the penultimate round of its season. The one-make series features close, competitive racing, and it has had multiple winners so far.
Josh Bethune’s two wins at the last round have put him into championship contention; however, with Hayden Bakkerus winning the round, he increased his championship lead over Justin Allen and Hugo Allan in third. We are thrilled to announce the Tony Quinn Foundation Choice Prize for the Toyota GR86 Championship.
This great initiative will be announced at the Taupo Supercars’ round, April 11-13, and promises a fantastic opportunity for one lucky driver. The TQF Toyota GR86 Trustees Choice Prize will grant the recipient the chance to race in at least three (and potentially five) rounds of the Monochrome GT4 Australian Championship behind the wheel of a brand-new Toyota Supra GT4 Evo alongside Tony Quinn.
After completing the first three rounds, Trustees will review the recipient’s performance both on and off the track. Based on their progress, a decision will be made on whether the final two rounds will be offered to the recipient.
“The Trustee’s Choice offers the winner a fantastic opportunity to demonstrate their skills in a GT4 car within a competitive championship in Australia. It also provides a chance to showcase their abilities as an individual in front of Tony Quinn.
“Tony has been a strong supporter of many young drivers worldwide. For the winner, this could mark the start of an exciting motorsport journey,” said Daniel Gaunt, trustee of the Tony Quinn Foundation.
The battle for the Central Muscle Cars championship continues. Angus Fogg was the top points scorer in the last round at Manfeild, taking the round win over Nick Ross and Shane Holland in Group 1.
Group 2 round winner went to Bruce Kett, with Barrie Richards and Dave Robinson in second and third, respectively. In the overall standings for Group 1, Nick Ross holds a narrow lead, and in Group 2, the bragging rights go to Dave Robinson.
Track owner, Team owner and Race car driver Tony Quinn is set to join the Central Muscle Cars for the upcoming NextGen Dayle ITM Hampton Downs Grand Finale. Quinn will be driving the ex-Hugh Gardiner 1978 Pontiac Firebird TransAm, which was purchased by Quinn last season.
“It was one moonlight night in 2023 that I had a brain fart & thought I would buy a Central Muscle Car in NZ, which I did. I haven’t driven it since I bought it, never even sat in it, to be honest.
“So now I’m about to sit in it at Hampton Downs with many other maniac drivers. My main mission is to steer clear of Angus Fogg — when he’s lapping me. Am I excited? Not sure I would say so much excited; more apprehensive,” said Quinn.
The New Zealand Porsche National Motorsport Championship and the Porsche Club Championship will be decided over the weekend. In addition, four class winners will be decided on Sunday afternoon. Daniel Angus leads the National Championship.
The Club Championship is still wide open, with Steven Fang, Tim Robinson, and Chris Taylor all in contention. In the 2.5 Boxster class, current points leader and previous champion Mark McCaughan not only has his son Ashton to fend off, but he also has Cam McCormack to contend with.
A bumper GTRNZ field will be in attendance, with around 60 cars on the grid. Glenn Smith (McLaren 650s GT3) has a healthy lead in the overall championship and GT1.
Sean Kirkpatrick (Porsche Cup 997 GT3) has a narrow lead in GT2, and Kruz Scott (Honda Civic) has his nose in front in GT3. There will be great racing in GT4 with Dion Walker (Starcar) hoping to extend his point’s lead.
After two rounds of the NZ Formula Ford Championship, Blake Dowdall leads Will Neale and Lincoln Taylor. Dowdall increased his points lead at the last round at Highlands Motorsport Park in February with two wins and a fourth.
Fans can follow the NextGen Championship live on Stuff Speedhub.
Saturday 22nd March, from 12.55pm to 4.30pm and Sunday, 10.15am-12pm and 12.45pm to 5.30pm.
Header Image: Jessica Barnes/ Blissful Photography
