For 2010 the South Island Endurance Series is opening its arms to allow even more competitors into its series by allowing space-framed cars to enter for the first time in 15 years. SIERDC secretary Chris Dunn says “this just adds another dimension to our rules. We probably already have the most open eligibility rules of any class in New Zealand, so we thought we would make it even easier for competitors to race with us. However, to protect our series we will be slightly selective about the spaceframed cars we accept”. The series already has no rules on engine size or modifications, car modifications, tyres, etc and the cars are divided into 5 capacity based classes. “This encourages the smaller guys to still come race with us as there is always someone to race with no matter which end of the field you are at” said Dunn.
The Series is also filling its race day by expanding on the 1hr/3hr race concept introduced for 2009, with the 2010 1hr & 3hr being held as separate races at each round. “The One Hour races give those with less experience, lower budgets or just those wanting pre-season race miles a great opportunity to be part of our fun series. We will be running separate overall & class championships for the 1hr & 3hr series’” Dunn said “Another initiative is that we are hoping to hold a Motorcycle 1hr race at the Ruapuna & Levels Rounds to make it a full on Endurance race Day”.
The SIERDC series will run over 3 rounds, one at each of the South Island race circuits with Round One at Powerbuilt Ruapuna on Saturday 4 September 2010, Round Two at Teretonga Park on Saturday 18 September 2010 and the final round Three at Levels Raceway on Saturday 2 October 2010.
As well as the overall championship there are many other prizes and awards up for grabs in both series’ from class prizes through to other awards such as best presented car, team, first family team, first female driver and many many other awards. You name it and the SIERDC probably have a prize for it, even down to the hard luck awards at each round. The SIERDC has also paid out $14,000 in class prize money over the past 2 seasons. “With the money being totally class based, the smaller cars have actually taken away the biggest cheques for the past two seasons” said Dunn. The SIERDC are also again very fortunate to have talented High Country artist Norman Sinclair donate an original watercolor painting as a prize. “We are again very privileged to be able to award a painting, valued at around $10,000-00, as a prize and its great having it as a spot prize, as it means that any competitor in the series has the chance to win it!”
The 2009 ASKO South Island Endurance Series turned out to be the closest ever and after three grueling rounds, there were three competitors tied at the top of the points table & then another only 1 point behind. It again proves that reliability is equally important as speed and anyone of the top 5 (which were from 3 different classes) would have won if it had not been for their minor problems along the way.
Again early interest in the series is strong, and one thing is guaranteed & that is every year there is fabulous new machinery competing, and this year will certainly be no exception.
Media:SIERDC; Photo: Euan Cameron 30th Jun 10
