IRC Grand Finale at Taupo This Easter Weekend

Torque Media
Press Release
- for immediate release

21-04-11

IRC GRAND FINALE AT TAUPO THIS EASTER WEEKEND

A fantastic season of motor racing action is set to conclude in spectacular fashion as the IRC Series heads to Taupo this long weekend, for an Easter finale to the 2010/11 Championship.

As has been the case in a number of events throughout the season, weather looks set to play a part as the ten competing classes battle it out to decide their title winners around the technical 3.3km Taupo Motorsport Park.

In an exciting season that has spanned the length of the North Island at four challenging and demanding circuits, there has been something for everyone in the IRC – from the incredible horsepower, noise and speed of the GT1 saloons, to one-make wheel to wheel action in the Formula Firsts and Sports Suzuki, and classics of all sizes in the Pre 65s and Super Mini Challenge categories.

There are some key scores to be settled at Taupo, none more so than in the GT1 class whereAndy Greenslade holds a slender 19 point advantage over the ex-V8 Supercar of Craig Corliss after five rounds.

Similarly in GT2, it’s anyones guess as to who will be champion, with Clark Proctor leading the points table in his Ford Escort, with the four chasing cars all in contention of coming out on top after the three season-ending races!

The same can be said in SS2000, with five drivers – led by David Geraghty’s Mitsubishi Lancer, all in close contention. Third place Justin Herbert also leads the ‘series within a series’ Honda Challenge in his Integra, from Richard Gee in a Honda Civic.

Kevin Hyde and Brett Harris look set to do battle in NZGT, with just a handful of points separating this pairing, while the starkly constrasting cars of Ian Hayr – Porsche GT3 Cup – and Jeff Dempsey – Porsche 964 Turbo – will demonstrate the sophistication of the German mark, no matter what age, in the Bridgestone Porsche Series.

In the NZ6 Series, class stalwart Shane Wenzlick leads the points, but it’s class young gun Shannon Coker who has the bit between his teeth, nipping at Wenzlick’s heels as he seeks his first championship crown in the Super 6 class.

The HQ Holdens are a little more clear cut, with Darren Swinburne leading from female charger Darryl Harris, but expect the same door-banging action from the HQs that we are used to seeing on a regular basis!

The Pre 65 championship – with four classes making up the field – will be close fought as always, with nothing set in stone and miniscule points gaps seperating the title contenders.

Bill McKinnon, Shane Hobman, Gary Rush and Dave Robinson will be out to consolidate their points leads at Taupo this weekend.

Phil Kerr has a handy lead in the Pro 7 class heading into the final round, but it’s a much closer affair in Pro 7 Plus, where James Parker, Dean McMillan and Myles Fothergill – the trio seperated by just 42 points – will continue their battles that have become a highlight of the IRC Series all season long.

Class young gun Elliot Heron is well poised to secure his first championship win in the Mini 7 class at Taupo after a consistently fast season. Robin Greenland also has ahealthy points lead in the Open Mini class, while Rick and Mark van Swet have their work cut out for them in Super and Miglia – the father and son each leading the points table from a gaggle of hungry competitors heading into the final round.

The combined Sports Car and Formula Suzuki field showcases kiwi ingenuity with locally build sports car chassis up against the fast wings-and-slicks machines piloted bysome of New Zealand’s most recognised driving talent, as Caine Lobb inparticular looks to pick up the Sports Suzuki title after a heartbreaking NZV8 Ute finale on the streets of Hamilton last weekend.

A Formula First season dominated by class stalwart Michael Shepherd has seen the multiple championship winner all but sew up yet another title before the final round has even been run. It’s not yet known if Shepherd will front for the Taupo round, leaving youngsters Ryan Hellier and Kyle George to battle it out for the minor placings.

The Taupo round of the IRC Series is the final of six rounds in the 2010/11 IRC Series calendar, with the action kicking off at 9:00am on Saturday and Sunday; each class with a qualifying session and one race on Saturday, and two races on Sunday.

Tickets are available on the gate for $20, while a special group pass of up to five adults is just $40 for a full weekend pass. Children under 17 can enjoy the action for free.

ENDS

© Scoop Media