Mahindra North Island Endurance Series ends with a tie

25 July, 2016

A series of unfortunate events. It may be the title of a Hollywood movie, but for the Mahindra North Island Endurance Series competitors, it has been a reality. The final North Island round, held on July 23 at Manfeild Autocourse, was full of upsets, especially from the Tulloch Motorsport team’s corner during the three-hour race. 

After being collected in the pits by the Smeg Racing Holden Commodore, the team tried desperately to repair the damage during a tyre change. However, when they had to come into the pits once again, the Trass Family Motorsport (TFM) Ferrari 458, driven by Sam Fillmore and Danny Stutterd, took the lead — and the three-hour endurance win. The International Motorsport Services (IMS) Audi R8, driven by Jonny Reid and Neil Foster, fought hard for third place, with the Smeg Racing Commodore, driven by Simon Evans and Gene Rollins, crossing the line with a well-deserved second place. 

What does this mean for points? Who wins the overall championship? Because of the close proximity of the racing throughout the series, and the unfortunate series of events that played out during this round, the TFM team shares the overall win with the IMS team. This caused ultimate confusion during the final moments of the series, and much controversy. 

The one-hour endurance race was won by Nick Chester in his Holden Commodore, Matt Whittaker was second in the IMS Porsche, and Paul Verryt in the ex-NZV8 TLX Holden Commodore came in at third place. After qualifying in sixth place, Chester wasn’t in the lead from the get-go, however some staunch driving saw him progress to the front of the pack within no time at all. Maintaining the overall lead right until the end, Chester managed lap times two seconds quicker than those behind him, right until the end. However, Chester didn’t get the series win, which went to Whittaker after winning the first two one-hour rounds. 

Unlike previous rounds, the final appeared to be dry and clear for a change. However, for the photographers and race marshals, walking trackside was like walking through a swamp. Many who went off course during both the one-hour and three-hour races had to be towed out. It does make for an interesting event, mind you. 

Following the conclusion of the Mahindra North Island Endurance Series, the South Island Endurance Series will commence on September 10 at Teretonga Park. Round two will be held at the Mike Pero Motorsport Park on October 1, and the third and final South Island round will be held at the Timaru International Motor Raceway on October 15. 

Results
 
One-hour race
1. Nick Chester
2. Matt Whittaker
3. Paul Verryt
4. Elliot Andrew
5. Rhys Warren
6. Jason Easton
7. Rick Cooper
8. Charles Rollo
9. Oliver Heycoop
10.  Barry Kirk-Burnnand

Three-hour race
1. Sam Fillmore / Danny Stutterd
2. Simon Evans / Gene Rollinson
3. Jonny Reid / Neil Foster
4. Callum Quin / John Penny
5. John McIntyre / Simon Gilbertson
6. James Urquhart / Brett Rudd
7. Tim O’Connor / Craig Innes
8. Glenn Smith / John DeVeth
9. Stephen Farmer /  Dean Farmer
10. Andre Mortimer / Warrick Mortimer

Lancia Stratos – building a winner

On his own, and later with his wife Suzie, Craig Tickle has built and raced many rally cars. Starting in 1988, Craig went half shares in a Mk1 Escort and took it rallying. Apart from a few years in the US studying how to be a nuclear engineer, he has always had a rally car in the garage. When he is not playing with cars, he works as an engineer for his design consulting company.
Naturally, anybody interested in rallying has heard of the Lancia Stratos, the poster child and winner of the World Rally circuit in 1974, ’75, and ’76. Just as the Lamborghini Countach rebranded the world of supercars, so, too, did the Lancia Stratos when it came to getting down and dirty in the rally world.

This could be good news for restoring cars and bikes – but we must be quick!

Our parliament is currently considering a member’s Bill, drawn by ballot, called the ‘Right to Repair’ Bill.
It’s due to go a Select Committee for consideration, and we can make submissions ie say what we think of it, before 3 April this year. It’s important because it will make spare parts and information for doing repairs far more readily available and this should slow the rate at which appliances, toys and so on get sent to landfill.