As the popularity of the South Island Endurance Series grows, so does other aspects of the Series, with the 2013 Series looking to surpass 2012 on many different levels with more rounds, more cars and more prizes than ever before, and with Series entries already almost full, it is guaranteed to be a bumper year for Endurance Racing in the South Island.

Loyal Series partner ASKO Appliances has again taken pole position as naming rights sponsor in what will be simply known as the 2013 ASKO Endurance Series. ASKO, along with support from Allied lubricants – Mobil 1, Hagley Aluminum, Paul Kelly Motor Company and Southern Finance Ltd means that there will again be a $30,000 prizemoney pool on offer for the Series.

As well as prizemoney, most of which is paid per class, there is also a magnificent Norman Sinclair original painting worth $10,000 and a full set of brand new race tyres from Michelin that will be given away as spot prizes.

Vortex Racewear are also welcomed on board as a supporter of the Series and will give away two complete race suits & gear combo’s for the Vortex Racewear Fair Play Award, that will be given away to a competitor who demonstrates fair play in the spirit of the ASKO Series. “

We are really thrilled to be able to offer another incredible prize and prizemoney package, and thanks really go out to our fabulous sponsors and supporters” said series secretary Chris Dunn.

“Again we have some serious prize money to give away plus even more prizes than 2012 with magnificent awards and spot prizes that can be won by either 3hr or 1hr competitors”.

Other prizes & awards are on offer across all the classes in both the 3 hour & 1 hour Series prizes including the Cobra Car Security awards for best presented cars & team and the coveted South Canterbury Toyota Cup for the overall series winners. There are also trophies including the Southern RV under 2 litre challenge and the Matt Heagney Memorial for first 4cyl home plus trophies for all class winners in both the 3hr and 1hr Series’.

As well as its traditional 3 hour races, the Club will again be holding a separate 1 hour race at each of its four rounds, with a separate 1hr overall & class championships on offer. The 1 hour Series has been designed as an introduction to Endurance Racing & is a great way for those with lesser budgets, or those that simply don’t like sharing their car to participate in the popular ASKO Series. This series is becoming increasingly popular and is also likely to have oversubscribed grids.

Another highly anticipated expansion for the 2013 ASKO Series is the inclusion of a 4^th round of the Series which will be held at the magnificent new Highlands Motorsport Park in Cromwell. “As a true South Island Series we have always included a round at each of the permanent South Island venues so the opportunity to incorporate Highlands is perfect” said Dunn. “It’s an incredible opportunity to compete at this unique venue and be part of its first ever race meeting”.

So the 1 hour & 3 hour series’ will both run over four rounds for 2013 with the series kicking of at Teretonga Park, Invercargill on 21 September 2013 with round 2 at Powerbuilt Ruapuna, Christchurch on 5 October 2013. Round 3 will be held at Levels Raceway Timaru on 19 October 2013 with the series grand finale on 8/9/10 November 2013 at Highlands Motorsport Park, Cromwell in conjunction with the eagerly awaited Australian GT Series round.

With series entries already open there has already been very high interest and with many of the top teams playing their cards close to their chests as to their weapons of choice for the Series, you can be assured that there will again be new and exciting cars never seen before. Competitors can register their interest by contacting SIERDC Secretary Chris Dunn via e-mail at sierdc@nullxtra.co.nz, ph 021-107-9293, and any potential competitors, crews or supporters are welcome to be added to the clubs e-mailing list by simply sending an e-mail to sierdc@nullxtra.co.nz or you can follow the series build-up on facebook at www.facebook.com/sierdc