UK ex-pat Lee Dwyer headlines penultimate F5000 series round at Manfeild

The 2025/26 NZ F5000 Tasman Cup Revival Series reaches its penultimate round this weekend at Manfeild Circuit Chris Amon, forming part of the Summer Series and headlined by the return of UK-based expatriate Lee Dwyer.

Now based in north-west Auckland, Dwyer will campaign the Trojan T101, chassis 103 – a car with a genuine international pedigree. The T101 model was driven in period by Jody Scheckter, Sam Posey and Steve Durst, making its race debut at Brands Hatch (UK Round 1) on 17 March 1973.

The Manawatu location of Manfeild carries its own powerful narrative. Sculpted with input from the late Chris Amon, the circuit remains one of New Zealand’s most respected permanent venues. Adding to the significance, Piha’s Grant Martin returns in his Talon MR1A – a car once raced by Amon himself.

As the penultimate round of the season, Manfeild looms large in shaping the overall series outcome.

Martin arrives leading the standings with 142 points, while Christchurch’s Anna Collins sits second on 139 points. Feilding’s Kevin Ingram follows closely on 134 points, ensuring the fight at the top remains tight heading into the final two rounds of racing.

Importantly, points are awarded not only for race results but also for participation: 20 points are allocated simply for entry, and 20 points are awarded for each race win.

Collins returns to the McRae GM1, chassis 004 – originally constructed as the 1972 Leda LT27 before evolving into McRae GM1 specification. The car represents one of New Zealand’s key engineering contributions to the Formula 5000 era, and Collins’ familiarity with the chassis strengthens her bid to close the gap at the top of the series.

Local interest centres on Ingram and his 1976 Lola T332 (HU48R), famously known as the “Frissbee” Can-Am car. Having won the overall F5000 title last season, Ingram has redemption in mind after an unplanned departure from the season-opening round, when he parked his car into the tyres at the turn-one sweeper.

While Ingram does a lot of the car maintenance and preparation himself, he has two local contacts that keep him at the sharp end: “My wife Helen is very supportive of allowing me to do this, but I do talk to Bruce Turnbull of Saker Sportscars if I want to bounce ideas off on having the car perform better. Plus Ross Dallas from Rosco’s Engine Services, who helps with my engine.

“We are going okay – we are old fellas, and we don’t do enough driving. Last time at Manfeild I hadn’t done enough testing as I should have to get into the groove – this weekend I should be more consistent and on the pace.”

The Summer Series schedule will see the F5000 field on track across both Saturday and Sunday. The weekend starts with a 20-minute qualifying session Saturday morning and a 10-lap race mid-afternoon.

Sunday includes the handicap race (10 laps) with a 10-lap race conclusion in the afternoon, with the grid based on the finishing order of the Saturday race.

The 2025/26 NZ F5000 Tasman Cup Revival Series proudly enters its 23rd season, supported by SAS Autoparts, MSC, NZ Express Transport, Bonney’s Specialised Bulk Transport, Mobil Lubricants, Avon Motorsport Tyres – Dold Industries, Webdesign, Exide Batteries and Pacifica Shipping.

For event updates, entry lists and photos, visit www.f5000.co.nz and follow F5000 New Zealand on Facebook.

Points: 2025/26 F5000 Tasman Cup Revival Series – after Round Two (of Four)

Header Image: Supplied