It could have been a victory for a local favourite at Teretonga Park in Invercargill on Saturday, but it was Auckland’s Hugh Gardiner who shone through, taking his second win of the 2025 One Hour South Island Endurance Series for Class 1,2 & 3 cars.
Southland’s Jordan Michel’s (Marc II Mustang) lead for 51 minutes before a gearbox issue sidelined him momentarily, allowing Gardner, who had been pursuing him all race, through to lead to the end, beating home second place Steve Brooks/Bill Riding (Porsche GT3 Cup 992) and Jaden Ransley (Ford Falcon FG).
Paul Kelly (Porsche GT3 Cup 992) claimed fourth, with Michels salvaged fifth.
“We were sitting pretty until the gearbox jammed and we had to pull over and reset,” commented Michels.
“Fifth place was still a strong result despite the misfortunes.”
Gardener, who won the opening round in Christchurch, had stayed within seconds of Michels throughout the race and took his compulsory pit stop first. When Michels pitted, he emerged in first and with an increased lead.
“Jordan is a great competitor, so that was bad luck for him,” said Gardener.
“My car was coming on strong towards the end, so it’s great to get the win.”
The result gives Gardener an 18-point advantage over Brooks and Riding with one round left in the 2025 series. Michels is still three points further back on 169, with Paul Kelly fourth.
“We had a really good car,” commented Riding.
“Very happy with the result, everything went well, and we stayed out of trouble.”
Like in the opening round a fortnight ago, Kelly again spun early in the race, dropping him well down the field, only for him to again claw his way back to a top-five position.
Michel’s late demise promoted Jaden Ransley to the podium and first Class 2 car home and first in the overall points.
“It was pretty hairy early in the race,” said Ransley.
“We had to manage the car, the race and tyres, so happy to stay with the front runners and get a podium.”
First Class 3 car was Caleb Paterson (Porsche Cayman GT4 RS) in tenth overall. Michael Bushell/Angus McFarlane (Porsche GT3 Cup) lead the Class from Pel Arnott (Hyundai i30N TCR), the first from the TCR category, and Steve Scoles (Ginetta G55 G56) in third.
Drivers and teams now prepare for the final Round 3 at Highlands Motorsport Park, Cromwell, 18 October 2025.
Header Image: Richard Opie Photography
