The much awaited return of National level motorsport series promoted by the IRC is only 3 weeks away, and the inclusion of the new Forza Horizon NZ Superlap series adds a new dimension for competitors and spectators plus continues development of Motorsport in New Zealand through this new worldwide phenomenon.

The NZ Superlap series has come about through a partnership with Motorsport Manawatu and 4&Rotary Promotions with the aim to grow the series, but also bring new competitors into motorsport through a discipline that can be run by clubs within existing events. A rare desire for most new Motorsport activities in New Zealand it seems.

Superlap consists of competitors getting tuning runs during the day, before setting off in the final session to complete 1 flying lap giving a single lap time to determine the winner in the 3 classes, Pro Open, Pro Street and Street.

A separate DYO class allows competitors to choose a lap time for their Superlap and then the closest to that time is determined the winner. This allows every competitor the same opportunity to be a winner, regardless of car and speeds.

The inclusion of the Superlap series into the IRC series opener has been made available by some of the IRC classes having other commitments early in the season, and freeing up grids to allow Superlap to contest 2 rounds over the IRC race weekend.

As the series grows, a review will take place at the end of the season, with input from competitors about formats and ideas to take forward to grow the series.

It is entirely possible to run 2 different series points structures within the series and this could well be the case in the 2013 series.

The IRC series competitors are also eligible to compete in the Superlap series which, and likewise the Superlap competitors are also able to compete in IRC series, subject to licence and vehicle compliance.

This opportunity to showcase the existing vehicle fleet with more modern cars is also a positive move, giving classes opportunities to see new drivers, and promote IRC racing with an eye for developing new talent within the classes.

One driver that is taking the opportunity to compete in both Racing and Superlap over the weekend is Hans Ruiterman in his Nissan Silvia S14/15. Well known in the Auckland region with his brother Carl, Hans has joined GTRNZ to check out a season in the GT2 class as part of the IRC Race series.

“Developing my grasp of Time Attack style racing has been great but the challenge of racing amongst other cars in the GTRNZ series is the next logical step for me” stated Ruiterman.

“With a bit of drifting under my belt too in previous years I actually hopes it rains a bit this year, I drove really well in these conditions during 2011; the sliding and lower traction does not affect me so much.”

Motorsport Manawatu’s Julian Hardy has been working hard with 4&Rotary Promotions Azhar Bhamji to bring the 2 events together and having a commitment from competitors like Hans Ruiterman is great for the series and the IRC.

“It is always a risk to try and start something and even harder to find the competitor base to compete, but this round gives us the opportunity to showcase the 2 disciplines side by side and we are confident that a good show will be had by the spectators, but more importantly a good competition will be had by our competitors” stated Mr Hardy.

The IRC and Forza Horizon NZ Superlap series are on over the weekend of October 6&7 at Manfeild. Entry prices are $10 adult Saturday or $20 for Sunday & weekend pass. Children under 15 are free.

Check out all the information at www.irc.org.nz or www.facebook.com/NZSuperlap