The ASKO SI One Hour Race Series hits Timaru’s Levels Raceway this Saturday with the makings of another great days racing as teams chase the last available points in both overall and class standings. Series leader Hugh Gardiner has broken SIERDC records as both previous rounds this season, so fans can be assured of some outstanding action on the tight and technical Levels circuit, where a new ASKO One Hour Race Series champion and Motorsport New Zealand 1hr Endurance Champion will be crowned. However, the ASKO Appliances catch phrase “built to last”, will ring true as the old saying goes; to finish first, first you must finish and there will be plenty of cars of all shapes & sizes capable of challenging for both the overall race & class placing’s.

Gardiner (Porsche 997 GT3) has taken 2 wins from 2 starts to lead both the overall standings and GT class however with the quick fire series and tight points structure there are still an incredible 14 other cars than can still claim the overall series glory. And as many endurance competitors know you only need to take your eye off the ball for one moment and your race can change dramatically. Hayden Knighton (997 GT3) sits 2nd in the overall standings with Chris Henderson (Toyota AE86 V8) and Danny Stutterd/Sam Fillmore (997 GT3) tied for 3rd in what will become a winner takes all battle for the final podium position.

Gardiner leads Knighton & Stutterd/Fillmore in the exotic GT class from Phil Hood (997 GT3) and Tim O’Connor (Ferrari 458). Gerald Trass will pair up with 3hr driver Robin Gray is sure to have the Ferrari F430 looking brand new again after an unfortunate clash with Danny Whiting’s 997 GT3 at Ruapuna, that will see Whiting miss the Series final. Also look out for female speedster Sue McLaughlin as she comes to grips with her new 997 GT3.

Chris Henderson leads the Class 1 (3501cc+) from Johnny Waldron (Nissan Skyline GTr) and then the super reliable Commodore of young Alyssa Clapperton. Diff issues resulted in DNF’s for both Brian Scott (Corvette) and Kieran Roberts/Nathan Pilcher (Commodore) at Ruapuna so both will be looking for some redemption at Levels.

The battles will be just as fierce right through the field and in Class 2 (2001cc -3500cc) there are amazingly still 11 cars that can achieve a class podium. Blenheim Father & son combo Pat & Ryan Heagney (Toyota AE86 turbo) lead they was from Warren Good (BMW E30 M3) and Adam Glass (BMW E36) in a class that sees an amazing mix of cars from a hoard of BMW’s to classic Porsches and Pro7 Mazda Rx7’s to various turbocharged monsters.

Class 3&4 (0-2000cc) has been the surprise class for 2014 with the traditional baby class ‘pecking order’ well & truly shaken up. Gary Ponting/Barry Moore (Honda Civic) lead this class from the very consistent Marc Denton (BMW E30) and Ian Wooster (Mazda MX5), however its likely to be the Starlets of Stu Black and Jeremy Dawson who set the pace in this class as they try to clamber back up the rankings hunting a class podium position & series prizemoney cheque.

Not only are teams racing for overall and class positions and silverware, but also for a share of the $30,000 purse that will be paid out at Levels. Thanks to series sponsors pacific Invoice Finance, Paul Kelly Motor Company, Allied Lubricants – Mobil 1, Hagley Aluminium and of course ASKO Appliances, the Series will has the richest prize money pool in NZ Motorsport, with $30,000- that will be paid out as prize money based on class points across both the 3 Hour and 1 Hour Series, ensuring that prizemoney is spread right through the field.

There are also various awards and spot prizes including an original watercolour painting by High Country artist Norman Sinclair valued at approx. $10,000-00; a set of Michelin tyres and several thousand dollars worth or goodies from ENDLESS Advance braking technologies that will all be given away as spot prizes to competitors in the series

So with 95 championship points on offer for the Levels round, every single class plus the overall series spoils are still up for grabs. However a couple of things are guaranteed and that is with a big and varied field of cars on the tight Timaru circuit anything can happen, and that at the end of race day Saturday there will be a new ASKO One Hour Race Series and MSNZ NZ 1hr endurance Champion crowned. They only question is who will it be.

The series has an excellent number & variety of entries for the Levels round, however still does have some starting spots available. For more information on the South Island Endurance Series, entries, or to be added to the South Island Endurance Racing Drivers Club’s e-mailing list, please contact Chris Dunn via e-mail at [email protected] ph 021-107-9293. Club information can also be found on facebook at www.facebook.com/sierdcnz, for more information on the series sponsor ASKO, please visit www.asko.co.nz

Gardiner looks to wrap up ASKO One Hour Series this weekend