The seventh of eight rounds for the 2023 summer race season is underway next weekend (14-16 April 2023). It’s a much larger show that returns to the Manawatu location of Manfeild Circuit Chris Amon in Feilding. The weekend sees a total of 143 cars across six classes that will fill the circuit venue to capacity.
It’s the penultimate round for the Toyota 86 Championship with a revived entry list of 17 cars. Led by Matakana’s Brock Gilchrist who has a significant 90-point lead over Clay Osborne, himself 86 points clear of third placed Dion Pitt.
Sharing the weekend with a fellow Hawke’s Bay family will be the Tom Bewley Motorsport team – who will be providing respite for a flood affected family. Along with accommodation and ticket entry the winning family (chosen from a list of nominees) will be treated to a hot-lap ride during their time away. The 15-year-old is currently eighth in the standings and second rookie.
Auckland 18-year-old Dylan Grant heads the Giltrap Group North Island Formula Ford series. With a 33-point lead over second placed Blake Dowdall and 35 ahead of third placed Mason Potter there are 302 points up for grabs.
The final race of 12 laps is a double point benefit and will confirm the title winner – which could go to any of the top-three.
It’s a return of the V8 Utes! Since the trans-Tasman event of 2006 at Manfeild, the now RYCO 24.7 V8 Ute Championship has evolved into a refined race series with a new generation of race talent. Current leader is Waikato’s Brad Kroef, son of third placed Greg Kroef. Wedged in-between is Waikato’s Phil Ross. The entry list will include Manfeild local and long-time V8 Ute racer Geoff Spencer.
The final round of the Golden Homes GT New Zealand championship, there are two category titles up for grabs. Leading the Open Class is Auckland youngster Marco Giltrap in the Sixt Porsche 991. In second and 32-points behind is the Aedifice Porsche 991 of Mana Malmezac while Luke Manson (Porsche 991) is close behind in third.
In the GT4 category Auckland’s Jono McFarlane (Mercedes) leads Christchurch’s Nigel Cromie (McLaren 570S) by 50 points. Third is Stephen Harrison (Aston Martin).
Returning to the driver’s seat is Manawatu bred Jono Lester, grandson of former promoter Rob Lester. Working with the two car Porsche Aedifice team, Lester will this time share driving duties with Auckland based Francois Beziac. Palmerston North’s Brian Green will again be driving with David Rogers in the McLaren 570S.
The largest group of racers come from the TradeZone GTRNZ category – 50 in total. Divided into four classes based on speed, they are split in the middle to create two individual race groups. There will be 19 in the GT1 and GT2 field with 31 in the GT3/GT4 group.
Many in the field are locals from the likes of Cameron Jones (Mazda RX7) and Ross Thurston (Mitsubishi EVO) in the GT1 group to Nicola Van Rooijen (Mazda RX8) and Greg Browne (Honda) in GT4.
Waiuku’s Kerry Jones leads the top of the standings in his Corvette Tranzam, 47 points ahead of Auckland’s Wayne Conder in a similar Tranzam. Mt Maunganui’s Todd Murphy is third in his Hyundai SuperTourer.
It’s also a return of the Valvoline D1NZ championship – also in their penultimate round. Led by defending champion ‘Fanga’ Dan Woolhouse, this weekend will be critical to those in with a chance of the championship title. If Woolhouse gets knocked out before the top-eight battle, as happened recently, the floodgates of opportunity open. After three rounds there are ten who are within reach of the top prize.
Traditionally Manfeild rewards those with experience of the track – in particular the final turn, which starts fast and tightens on the exit.
Action starts on Friday morning 14 April with practice sessions. Saturday is qualifying and racing for each category – with D1NZ ending the day with the top-24 battle session.
Sunday morning continues with race action and ends with the top-eight D1NZ battle. The afternoon concludes the race schedule before the D1NZ shoot-out to find the round winner.
The day will be televised live to Sky Sport (from 9am) and TV3 (from 1pm).
Comments