The Pirelli Porsche racing championship is now rolling into its 37th successful season. The enduring popularity of the series is partly because drivers can choose from a wide range of models to suit individual budgets and their driving experience. No matter what that budget is the championship system is structured so that drivers from any class can win the outright series title.
The series originally started in 1987 as a format for production road cars. Those cars were driven to the track where they had numbers taped onto the doors. Gradually this has evolved to where the cars are not only much faster, but it also incorporates a range of models from Boxsters to factory built Cup Cars. All the cars now arrive via a transporter truck or trailers.
For the 2024/25 season the colourful circus is heading to the South Island again for two rounds. They will race at the iconic Teretonga circuit in Invercargill and the following weekend at the beautiful Highlands complex. Four of our five rounds will be part of the New Zealand premier national summer racing series. As a result there will be TV coverage for many of the races.
One of the popular features is the unique support and service from several specialist companies who can deliver competitor’s cars to each of the tracks and supply experienced techs to look after it all weekend. Drivers are also supported by our Pirelli tyre sponsor at each round who supplies and fits tyres for them. In addition, there are several driving coaches available to help individual drivers develop and become more competitive.
The Pirelli Porsche series continues to attract a number of younger drivers who have an eye on the huge array of international Porsche racing available to them. Our series has standing starts, rather than rolling starts, which is perfect for drivers looking to get experience in that international standard used for Porsche Cup Car races everywhere.
This season there will be a number of teenage drivers competing in the series. Out of the driver line-up the most unique would have to be the father and son pairing of Mark and Ashton McCaughan. They are both racing Boxsters in the same class which, no doubt, may result in some interesting discussions back home. Ashton had one race with the series last year and was just as quick as his Dad, Mark. Mark has got his season winning title to defend from last year and his son may be his toughest contender.
Another talented teenager to join us this season in the Boxster category is Jacob Bellamy. Jacob has run competitively in the BMW series and will put that experience to good use in his challenge for the Porsche championship.
Whoever grabs the ultimate prize, being a New Zealand Porsche Champion is a title that garners attention and respect all around the racing world.
SEASON CALENDAR
Round 1 - 22-24 November 2024 - Taupo International Motorsport Park
Round 2 - 31Jan - 2 February 2025 - Teretonga Park
Round 3 - 7-9 February 2025 - Highlands - NZGP
Round 4 - 21-23 March 2025 - Hampton Downs