The Sport Saloons Cup (SS Cup) is preparing to celebrate a remarkable milestone: 10 years since the series was revived. Organisers promise that the upcoming 2025/26 season will be the most exciting yet.
From Revival to Racing Force
The Sport Saloons Cup has been part of the New Zealand motorsport scene for over 25 years, but by the mid-2010s, dwindling grid numbers signalled it was time for change.
The old rule book was thrown out the door, and Carl Vaughan, Cate Bartlett, and Andrew Kitching hatched a bold plan:
● Simplify the rules to make racing more accessible to a broader range of drivers.
● Split competitors into time-bracketed classes to keep racing close.
● Toss in a handicap reverse-grid race to thrill spectators and level the playing field.
That blueprint laid the foundation for the format we know today. One that has kept drivers coming back and fans on their feet. Ten years later, the SS Cup has become one of the most competitive and entertaining grassroots racing series in the South Island.
“SS Cup was revived to fill the gap between 2K Cup and OSCA,” says Debbie Wendelborn, Series Coordinator for SS Cup.
“Ten years later, it’s amazing to see how far the series has come, and this season will be our biggest yet.”
A Championship Like No Other
The SS Cup is unique for its handicap race format, designed to give every competitor a fighting chance at victory regardless of outright pace.
Add in the Joker card, which allows drivers to double their points at one round per season, and you have one of the most unpredictable and exciting championships in New Zealand.
“In SS Cup, you never really know who’s going to win until the final flag drops — and that’s exactly how we like it,” says Warren Walker, 2023/24 SS Cup Champion.
“It rewards smart racing, not just big budgets.”
Milestone Moments
In the past decade, SS Cup has:
● Hosted over 50 rounds at iconic circuits including Levels Raceway, Highlands Motorsport Park, Teretonga Park, and Euromarque Motorsport Park.
● Crowned eight different overall champions from a mix of marques and backgrounds.
● Welcomed hundreds of drivers, from grassroots rookies to past national champions.
● Built a thriving social media following and attracted growing sponsor support.
The 10th Anniversary Season
The 2025/26 season will see the SS Cup visit South Island favourites, with a special anniversary finale planned to cap off the celebrations. Organisers are promising larger grids, more fan engagement, and extra media coverage to mark the occasion.
“Our 10th year isn’t just about the racing — it’s about celebrating everyone who’s been part of the journey,” says Debbie Wendelborn.
“Drivers, crews, volunteers, fans, and sponsors — they’ve all helped make SS Cup what it is today.”
About the SS Cup
The Sport Saloons Cup (SS Cup) is a New Zealand-based grassroots motorsport series for production-based cars. Founded to provide competitive, affordable, and exciting racing, the SS Cup’s signature handicap format and welcoming paddock atmosphere have made it a favourite among drivers and fans alike.
“The camaraderie in the paddock is as fierce as the competition on the track.” – Warren Walker, 2023/24 championship winner.
Header Image: Supplied
