Jared Pyke has retained his Mazda Pro8 New Zealand title after a long, hard-fought 2024/25 season battle with rival Corban Sprague. Raced over five rounds in the South Island, Pyke finished just three points ahead of Sprague for a well-deserved title victory.
“I only just managed to hang on to it,” commented Pyke.
“Corban’s (Sprague) speed has been exceptional throughout the series. It’s just that I have been fortunate enough where he had the DNF in Round 1, and I have been able to have some good luck, particularly through some of the reverse-grid races and able to capitalise.”
While Sprague won 11/20 races over the five rounds to Pyke’s three, a poor first round at Ruapuna put Sprague on the back foot 246 points behind Pyke and playing catch up.
Heading into the final fifth round, Pyke had runs on the board and a 48-point advantage over Sprague.
“He’s outshone us all in his ability and out-right speed,” said Pyke.
“I managed to hang on and be consistent. Only two cars finished every race in the series, Kaleb Pateman and me, and that shows what it is all about: getting points under the belt.”
“Disappointed,” said Sprague.
“I tried my best, but the two DNFs (retirements) in the first round just cost us. Congratulations to Jared Pyke, as he has made it a good season-long battle. These things happen in motorsport, and I just have to learn and keep pushing.”
Southland’s Bradley Dawson finished third overall, but only just. Heading into the last finale, Dawson appeared to be in a solid position. However, a top final round from Ben Mcconchie, including his second race victory for the season and two third placings, saw a three-point gap between them. The fifth home was Hamish Evans, who was also a double race-winning back in the opening round.
Ironically, Sprague won four of the five rounds, but consistency and experience showed through for Pyke in the end. Each round consisted of four eight-lap races, with the grid for Race 1 determined by the fastest laps in qualifying.
Race 2’s starting order was from a marble draw, with a reverse marble draw setting the grid for Race 3. The final Race 4 grid was determined by points gained over the three preceding races at the round.
“Experience does help, particularly in the marble-draw races,” said Pyke.
“Being able to read the drivers ahead and gauge where they are headed and to find the opportunities to pass while keeping a cool and calm head.
“Qualifying is so important in this class, and that’s something I love,” said Sprague.
“Going out on a qualifying lap and putting everything on the limit. I’ve gone 5/5 poles this season, so that’s been pretty convincing.
“I’ve learned heaps about myself and the car. You need these losses in motorsport to learn and push yourself forward.”
A season highlight was the third round at Timaru International Raceway, with two Australian drivers on the grid over the weekend as part of the Trans-Tasman partnership between Mazda Pro8 New Zealand and Australia’s RX8 Cup.
The round hosted the 2024 RX8 Cup Australia series winner, Rob Scott, who joined the grid in a local car, and RX8 Cup Series Founder Ric Shaw.
The Mazda Pro8 NZ series has had strong competition across the field with large grids all season.
“It will be good to get more of these young guys coming through the series as a feeder to other categories,” said Pyke.
“The real advantage (of Mazda Pro8) is the price-point. It sets drivers up well for where they want to get to. Here, you drive on a full slick with no ABS braking or driver aids, and you learn raw control from the get-go. It is very beneficial to all drivers.”
The Mazda Pro8 New Zealand series acknowledges the support from Kumho Tyres, Disc Brakes Australia, HM Auto Electrical, Silvester V8 Performance, and Transform Graphics.
Mazda Pro8 New Zealand Overall Points:
- 1. Jared Pyke 2550
- 2. Corban Sprague 2547
- 3. Bradley Dawson 2199
- 4. Ben Mcconochie 2196
- 5. Hamish Evans 2127
- 6. Sam Knight 1586
- 7. Kaleb Pateman 1578
- 8. Jeremy Dawson 1560
- 9. Cory Stewart 1377
- 10. Lincoln Brunton 1323
- 11. Micheal Court 1161
- 12. Ash Mcconchie 1059
- 13. Greg Wilson 984
- 14. Simon Wheeler 936
- 15. Jeremy Skeggs 879
- 16. Kris Mackie 819
- 17. Tom Young 633
- 18. Brenda Wilson 504
- 19. Mal Walters 480
- 20. Ric Shaw 450
- 21. Robert Scott 426
- 22. Beau Cogle 324
- 23. Trev Parmenter 267
- 24. Flyn Mitchell 240
- 25. Sam Wallace 180
Mazda Pro8 New Zealand Team Points:
- 1. Timaru Racing club (Corban , Kaleb , Linc) 5775
- 2. Team BMC (Jared, Ben, Corey, Tom) 5067
- 3. Team Need for speed (Hamish, Sam K, Michael C) 4862
- 4. Southern most race team (Brad, Jeremy, Jeremy) 4638
- 5. KAS Racing (Kris, Ash, Simon) 2799
Header Image: Mad Angles Photography (Supplied)
