The Pirelli Porsche Race Series is showing no signs of slowing down as it enters its 37th season of competition.
A diverse field of Porsche machinery from across New Zealand will begin their five-round campaign at Manfeild on October 18-19, before heading to Taupo International Motorsport Park on November 22-24
After the Christmas break, the colourful circus returns to the South Island for two rounds, first at Teretonga on January 31- February 2, before heading to Highlands the following week.
The season wraps up at Hampton Downs on March 21-23.
Four of our five rounds are a part of the New Zealand premier national summer racing series, meaning there will be TV coverage for many of the races.
The series continues to attract a number of younger drivers who have an eye on the huge array of international Porsche racing available to them.
Standing starts, rather than rolling ones, are perfect for competitors looking to build experience to an that international standard used for Porsche Cup Car races elsewhere.
This season, there will be a number of teenage drivers competing in the series.
Of the driver line-up, the most unique would have to be the father and son pairing of Mark and Ashton McCaughan. Both race Boxsters in the same class which, no doubt, may result in some interesting discussions back home.
Ashton McCaughan had one race with the series last year and was just as quick as his Dad, who has got his season title to defend from last year. His son may be his toughest contender.
Another talented teenager joining the Boxster category is Jacob Bellamy, who has run competitively in the BMW series and will put that experience to good use in his challenge for the Porsche championship.
The series originally started in 1987 as a format for production road cars, where vehicles were driven to the track with numbers taped onto the doors.
Gradually, this has evolved to where the cars are not only much faster, but it also incorporates a range of models from Boxsters to factory built Cup Cars.
All the cars now arrive via a transporter truck or trailers.
The enduring popularity of the series is partly because drivers can choose from a wide range of models to suit individual budgets and their driving experience. No matter what that budget is, the championship system is structured so that drivers from any class can win the outright series title.
One of the popular features is the unique support and service from several specialist companies who can deliver competitor’s cars to each of the tracks and supply experienced techs to look after it all weekend.
Drivers are also supported by our Pirelli tyre sponsor at each round who supplies and fits tyres for them. In addition, there are several driving coaches available to help individual drivers develop and become more competitive.
2024/25 Pirelli Porsche Race Series Calendar
| Oct 18-19 | Manfeild |
| Nov 22-24 | Taupo |
| Jan 31-Feb 2 | Teretonga |
| Feb 7-9 | Highlands |
| Mar 21-23 | Hampton Downs |
Words: Stu Owers (Supplied). Additional Reporting: Matthew Sampson
