Joel Giddy has returned to the lead of the North Island Endurance Series and, subsequently, the New Zealand Endurance Championship 1-Hour standings after his disqualification from Round 2 in Taupo was rescinded.
Giddy recovered from a pit lane start to finish third in the one-hour race in Taupo, but he was disqualified post-race when his Mercedes-AMG GT2 was found to be running the incorrect ECU Map, in breach of a newly amended Article 1.2.1.
Motorsport NZ approved a request from NIERDC on the article in question, relating to vehicle eligibility, on May 17, between the first round at Hampton Downs, which Giddy won, and Round 2 in Taupo.
It was found that competitors were not informed of this change, and Giddy and his team were unaware of the amended article, which is relevant to NIERDC, SIERDC and the joint New Zealand Endurance Championship.
NIERDC President Mark Petch requested MotorSport New Zealand rescind the disqualification on the grounds that MSNZ failed to notify the Series director of the amendment.
It is the responsibility of the series director to notify all entrants of such an amendment, meaning Giddy was not aware of the change.
Giddy’s reinstatement was approved on Thursday, June 13, following a hearing between a panel appointed by Motorsport NZ and the parties concerned.
Based on the evidence presented, the decision states:
“The Inquiry Panel, following consideration of the information and evidence, decide:
- That Race Director decision #5 be rescinded.
- That Mr Giddy be reinstated in 3rd place, for the 1 Hour race.
- That the results of the 1-hour race be amended and reissued.
- That the Series points be amended and reissued.”
Therefore, Giddy is reinstated to third but is then promoted to second after the race winner, Sebastian Manson, was disqualified post-race for an under-weight vehicle.
The new-look podium features Steve Brooks and Bill Riding as race winners, Giddy in second, and Paul Southam in third.
The North Island Endurance Series returns for the final round on the Hampton Downs International Circuit on Saturday.
The Fast Files will have live coverage of the 1-Hour and 3-Hour races.
