A diverse group of 60 Kiwi racers from all types of motorsport are set to join forces and compete head-to-head in the virtual world of iRacing in a bid to raise funds to assist non-essential New Zealand businesses amid the Covid-19 crisis – and you can join them.
The concept, dubbed ‘Racing Local’, will give New Zealand Motorsport fans the opportunity to showcase their sim-racing skills against many of the country’s elite drivers.
Confirmed entry’s already include: Brendon Hartley, Chris Van Der Drift, Christian Hermansen, Scott McLaughlin, Shane van Gisbergen, Greg Murphy, Earl Bamber, Mitch Evans, Simon Evans, Andre Heimgartner, Tom Blomqvist, Hayden Paddon, Liam Lawson, Madeline Stewart, Hayden Guptill, Sam Waddell, Marcus Armstrong, Nick Cassidy, Reid Harker, Brendon Leitch, and Jaxon Evans.
The event has been endorsed by SOS Café which has helped raise over $1,000,000 for struggling businesses through vouchers and donations during the lockdown.
Many of New Zealand’s most storied motorsport heroes started out as enthusiastic young competitors supported by parents and other local businesses as sponsors, with many still reliant on these local business and individuals today.
Giltrap Group has been confirmed as the founding sponsor of Racing Local and will be contributing to each week’s competition.
The event will be livestreamed via the Race Local Facebook page and YouTube channels, with commentary provided by former Supercars broadcaster Greg Rust, and Steve Daniel, D1NZ and Speedway commentator.
The Details:
- Driver’s entry fee is a minimum $20 each week (more if you wish),
- You choose a local business from the SOS platform https://sosbusiness.nz
- The business needs to be a registered business on the SOS website. If they’re not on there, you can request to have one signed up.
- All money raised from both entry fees and sponsorship will be collected on a GiveAlittle page and then distributed by SOS to all of the business the drivers are racing for. GiveALittle page here: https://givealittle.co.nz/cause/racing-local
- Every nominated business will receive a donation, top 8 finishers on the night will get extra percentages from the pot for their business, plus there will be spot prizes for; best liveries, best overtakes, hardest charger and a hard luck award.
Who can enter?
- 25 of NZ’s top drivers are already registered and confirmed for week one.
- The next 25 spots are now open for any motorsport (Speedway New Zealand, Motorsport New Zealand, Kartsport New Zealand, D1NZ competitors etc) license holder. These spots are first come first served.
- The last 10 spots will be guest wild card entries for week one only and will be for anyone who wants to enter including non-motorsport license holders/e-sport drivers/anyone with access to a simulator.