CRC MotorNews.co.nz supported driver Jono Lester has a full racing calendar for the remainder of 2012. He writes…
A busy end to the 2012 season kicks off this weekend when I have my first event with the Fastway Racing team at the Hampton Downs 12 Hour race.
Whilst a 12 hour event, we will be competing in the 4-hour component of it, giving my two team mates Sam Robinson and Simon Ellingham the chance to experience their first taste of endurance racing, in preparation for the South Island Endurance Series at the end of September.
This three round series visits Teretonga, Timaru and Ruapuna, and looks incredible with more than 60 entries including nearly 20 Porsches, from 996 to 997 to RSR; as well as a C6R Corvette, Ferrari 458 and one of the New Generation NZV8s, amongst a heap of GT, touring & hybrid machines.
It’s undoubtedly the best local line up seen for many years, so the Hampton Downs race will be a great test in preparation for this, and of course we will be aiming for victory in our respective 4-hour category also!Before the SIERDC series kick off however, I have the first V8 SuperTourers enduro to look forward to, partnering John McIntyre in the championship winning #47 BlackwoodsProtector Falcon.
I’ve had two runs in the car – one test day at Taupo and a hot lap day in the wet at Hampton Downs – giving me the chance to experience the V8 in different conditions, and I feel really comfortable in the machine already and believe we have a real shot at JMR taking the double over the three-round Endurance Championship!
My next event in the magnificent PETRONAS Syntium Team Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3 comes at the famous Suzuka circuit in October, with the series finale coming at Autopolis in November, just a few days before the 500km Pukekohe V8 SuperTourers round.
I’m currently sitting second overall in the Super Taikyu championship and there’s still all to play for as we do battle with our PETRONAS team mates for the win!
With eight endurance events between now and the end of November, the 2012 year will have been the most intensive since I began competing in 2003. Here’s hoping we can match that seat time with race and championship wins!
As always, a big thanks to my local partners Opti-Flex, Trinity Media Group, R Redpath Ltd, CRC MotorNews, Mako Networks, ThrillCapital, Vortex Racewear, Webdesign, iSign It, Sony NZ and Sony Xplod for supporting my racing.
Until next time,
