NZIGP Events

01/11/2024

Looking for something to do this month? Come along to Hampton Downs Motorsport Park on 23-24 November to see the NZIGP OK Cup Challenge event.

Starring the thunderous NAPA Central Muscle Cars and the NZV8 Ute Racing Series; enough to satisfy any V8 enthusiast.

If you prefer something a bit more European, come and check out the three BMW Race Driver Series classes.

The NZ Formula First Championship will also be in attendance, a class known as a breeding ground for talent, with drivers such as Scott Dixon, SVG, Andre Heimgartner and Richie Stanaway (just to name a few) using this as a valuable stepping stone in their motorsport careers.

Rounding out the race card are OKCUP; a class based on the original 2K Cup Concept where competitors need to have purchased a car for under $2,000 prior to being fitted with safety equipment - a great introductory class to our sport.
Additionally, the Superkart Drivers Of New Zealand will bring a bumper field of the fastest karts in the country, adding even more excitement to the event.

Early bird tickets are available through Ticket Fairy, with standard tickets also available at the gate. Children under 12 are free, making it the perfect family outing.

25/10/2024

OK Cup is New Zealand’s most grassroots racing series, offering an ideal entry point into motorsport. It appeals not only to newcomers but also to experienced racers who value camaraderie and personal growth over simply winning races.

The concept of OK Cup is to safely race unmodified production road cars while keeping costs manageable. Entry fees are consistently lower than most other series, making it accessible for a wide range of participants. Several class championships are run within the races, based on car type, ensuring drivers compete against others with similar speeds. This approach helps develop racecraft while guaranteeing an exciting race and a great story to share afterward.

OK Cup promotes and enforces high standards of driving behaviour. A dedicated driving standards committee, made up of seasoned racers, addresses concerns seriously and ensures safety and sportsmanship are upheld.

For safety, all cars are required to run radios, provided in the welcome pack, and video cameras to review incidents and offer feedback on racecraft and driving lines.

The OK Cup community welcomes all aspiring racers. Read the rules, ask questions, prepare your car, and join them on the track to see your racing dreams come to life.

Check them out at our next round; the NZIGP OK Cup Challenge.

2024-2025 OK Cup Calendar
✅ Sunday 22nd September 2024 - Hampton Downs
✅ Saturday 5th October - Hampton Downs
👉 Saturday 23rd November 2024 - Hampton Downs
👉 Saturday 7th December - Manfeild
👉 Sunday 23rd February 2025 - Hampton Downs
👉 Saturday 29th March 2025 - Taupo
👉 Saturday 10th May 2025- Hampton Downs

23/10/2024

We just had to share this pre race interview with David Oxton and lap of Pukekohe before the 1984 New Zealand Grand Prix. We're excited about seeing these legendary drivers and Formula Pacific's racing at the NZIGP Events Legends of Speed 24th-26th Jan 2025 Hampton Downs following on from the Grand Prix at Taupo International Motorsport Park the weekend before.

17/10/2024

How cool is this? We've just found some more long lost archive footage. Here's a news report from the Formula Pacific era starring Ken Smith Motorsport, David Oxton, Graeme Lawrence & Paul Radisich. If you can name the correct year there's a free new Fast Files hat in it for you!

09/10/2024

The NZIGP Events, Legend's of Speed meeting on 25/26th Jan will celebrate the career of David Oxton. David recently gave us a tour of his garage and the series winning PYE Ralt RT4 that he still owns.

06/10/2024

Coming right up is the NZIGP OK Cup Challenge event, being held at Hampton Downs Motorsport Park on 23-24 November.

There’s a variety of classes in attendance, offering something for every motorsport enthusiast:

✅ OKCUP
✅ BMW Race Driver Series 2 Litre Class
✅ BMW Race Driver Series NEXEN Tyre E46
✅ BMW Race Driver Series Open Classes
✅ NAPA Central Muscle Cars
✅ NZV8 Ute Racing Series
✅ NZ Formula First
✅ Ultimate Race Series
✅ Superkart Drivers Of New Zealand

Entries are now open for Competitors, and Spectator Tickets can be purchased via Ticket Fairy.

Whether you're competing or just coming to enjoy the action, it's shaping up to be a great weekend of motorsport - we look forward to seeing you there!

03/10/2024

As the European Racing Classics (ERC) heads into its 39th season for 2024-2025, this much-loved series continues to thrive, offering unique racing opportunities for both pre and post-1978 European saloons, sports cars, and GT cars; with the newer European vehicles approved to fit the competitive spirit of the group.

Since its inception in 1986, the ERC has built a reputation for creating a balanced playing field through its signature handicapping format. This allows a diverse range of cars - both old and new, small and large, fast and agile - to race on equal terms.

Every competitor, regardless of their vehicle's power or handling capabilities, has a fair chance to secure a win. A win usually requires a series of near perfect laps and the pressure remains on all drivers from the first flag drop to the chequered flag.

The ERC caters to both a "speed-challenged" group and a faster group, making it a home for a wide variety of European classic and thoroughbred cars. This invitation-only series seeks to foster friendly yet competitive racing, with a focus on preserving the integrity of classic vehicles. While pre-1978 vehicles are at its core, the series welcomes newer cars that can race harmoniously within the group. Importantly, the handicap races are designed to ensure that no competitor is at a disadvantage based solely on the performance of their car, and to keep the results unpredictable and exciting.

The ERC’s goal is clear: to offer enjoyable, fair competition in a sporting and structured environment. Winning takes a back seat to the pure joy of participation, camaraderie, and showcasing the craftsmanship of classic European cars. With its inclusive philosophy and focus on driving standards, the ERC is a space where drivers of all skill levels can compete, confident that the experience is about much more than just taking home a trophy.

If you’re interested in joining this class, please contact Chris Browne
[email protected]
021 617 007

ERC Classic Race Series (NZ)

26/09/2024

Some nice shots from our Icebreaker event. Thanks images

23/09/2024

Up next on our calendar is the NZIGP OK Cup Challenge, taking place on 23-24 November 2024 at Hampton Downs Motorsport Park.

Headlining the event is the OK Cup, followed by Central Muscle Cars, with the BMW Race Driver Series 2 Litre, NEXEN Tyre E46, and Open Classes, Hi-Q Formula First, NZ V8 Utes, Superkarts, and the Ultimate Race Series also on the line-up.

Stay tuned for further details!

22/09/2024

Fantastic weekend at Hampton Downs at our NZIGP Icebreaker event. Thank you to all of you who came along to support the event, spectators, drivers, teams and volunteers.

The full results from the weekend are on Speedhive.

The platform for racers. MYLAPS Speedhive is your place to check results, follow races and go faster.

21/09/2024

A big thank you to all the competitors who registered and completed payment early for this weekend's NZIGP Icebreaker event! As part of our incentive, those who entered and paid by the deadline were entered into a draw to win their entry fees back.

This was drawn at Drivers Briefing this morning.

Congratulations to Warren Parris, the lucky winner of this prize!

18/09/2024

It’s time to head to the dummy grid, we’re about to go racing!

The NZIGP Icebreaker is coming to Hampton Downs THIS WEEKEND, and our driver line-up is locked in.

Which drivers and classes are you eager to see this weekend?

Be sure to catch the live action; grab your tickets from Ticketfairy now.

17/09/2024

We’re seeing scammers on the rise again. Please note: we will NEVER send friend requests.

Also, be aware that there is no live coverage of this weekend's NZIGP Icebreaker event - don’t be fooled by any false links or offers!

14/09/2024

Here’s the provisional schedule for next weekend's NZIGP Icebreaker event at Hampton Downs Motorsport Park.

Please note that the schedule is subject to change, with the final version to be posted closer to the event.

Stay tuned for updates.

11/09/2024

With NZIGP Icebreaker just over a week away, we’ve got some raw footage, courtesy of Phil Noble, to get you pumped!

This is the first round for the majority of our classes, so it’s the one to watch 👀 The battles fought here will set the scene for what’s to come for the rest of the season!

🏁 Featuring:
Arrow Wheels ERC Series • BMW Race Driver Series 2 Litre Class • BMW Race Driver Series NEXEN Tyre E46 Class • BMW Race Driver Series Open Class • Carcolors Classic Trial • Formula Junior and Historic Formula Ford • Formula Open New Zealand • NZ Sports Cars • OK Cup • Superkarts • Ultimate Race Series

Don't stall! Shift into gear and grab your tickets from Ticket Fairy.

04/09/2024

Formula Open NZ (FONZ) was established in 2018 following a discussion between historic motorsport commentator John (JT) Tomlin and the legendary three-time NZIGP winner Kenny Smith. Originally aimed at creating a historic series for Formula Atlantic/Pacific cars, it evolved into a combined historic and contemporary race series. The inclusion of former TRS Tatuus FT40’s introduced a platform for both seasoned enthusiasts and younger drivers stepping up from Formula Ford among other single-seater classes.

The Series aims to offer opportunities for friendly competition and encourages participation and support among its members. The Series provides a platform for these single-seater cars to compete, regardless of strict compliance with MotorSport NZ historic and classic standards, emphasising sporting behaviour and driving standards.

FONZ features three separate championships running concurrently:

• Class A, catering for ex TRS FT40 and Formula Renault FT40
• Class B, catering for ex TRS FT50
• Class C, cratering for pre 31 Dec 1995 Formula Atlantic/Pacific

For more information, contact John Tomlin on 021 759 820 or via email at [email protected]

Formula Open NZ will be at our opening round; NZIGP Icebreaker on 21-22 September at Hampton Downs Motorsport Park. Come along and check them out.

28/08/2024

The first event on our calendar is the NZIGP Icebreaker, taking place on 21-22 September at Hampton Downs Motorsport Park.

Hampton Downs, nestled in the northern Waikato, was the brainchild of Tony Roberts and Chris Watson, who purchased the land in 2003 with the vision of creating a world-class motorsport venue. The track was completed in 2008, though its official opening was delayed until October 2009 due to wet weather.

In 2015, Tony Quinn acquired the complex and expanded the facilities, further cementing Hampton Downs as one of New Zealand’s premier motorsport destinations.

For the NZIGP Icebreaker, we’ll be racing on the National Circuit at Hampton Downs, featuring six corners of varying difficulty, raced in a clockwise direction. Did you know that early plans for the Hampton Downs track had considered running it anticlockwise?

Get into gear and join us as we rev up the season on 21-22 September with a full line-up of exciting classes.

Tickets are available from Ticket Fairy.

19/08/2024

The NZIGP Icebreaker event will mark the start of our racing season at Hampton Downs Motorsport Park on 21-22 September 2024.

This event will feature a diverse range of classes, including:

Arrow Wheels ERC Series • BMW Race Driver Series 2 Litre Class • BMW Race Driver Series NEXEN Tyre E46 Class • BMW Race Driver Series Open Class • Carcolors Classic Trial • Formula Junior and Historic Formula Ford • Formula Open New Zealand • NZ Sports Cars • OK Cup • Superkarts

Competitor entries are now open, and spectator tickets can be purchased through Ticket Fairy 👇

We look forward to welcoming you to the start of the NZIGP Events season of motorsport.

ERC Classic Race Series (NZ) | BMW Race Driver Series | Historic Formula Ford Racing NZ | Formula Open NZ | NZ Sports Car Racing | OKCUP | Superkart Drivers Of New Zealand

13/08/2024

Our August Newsletter is in your inbox now! Take a look below, and if you'd like to stay updated, you can subscribe to our monthly newsletters using the link in the comments.

Formed in 1954 to run the New Zealand Grand Prix at Ardmore, NZIGP is a MotorSport New Zealand affiliated club, with a long, colourful history. From running the New Zealand Grand Prix to the building of the Pukekohe Race track, NZIGP is synonymous with motorsport in New Zealand.

13/08/2024

𝗪𝗲𝗹𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗡𝗭𝗜𝗚𝗣 𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀

Formed in 1954 to run the New Zealand Grand Prix at Ardmore, NZIGP is a MotorSport New Zealand affiliated club, with a long, colourful history. From running the New Zealand Grand Prix to the building of the Pukekohe Race track, NZIGP is synonymous with motorsport in New Zealand.

With the retirement of Chris Watson last year, who managed numerous long-standing events under the Historic Racing Club and HRCEvents banners, NZIGP has taken over the HRCEvents portfolio.

We are excited to continue promoting and organising motorsport events.

𝗧𝗼 𝗲𝗺𝗽𝗵𝗮𝘀𝗶𝘀𝗲 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘂𝗻𝗶𝗾𝘂𝗲 𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝘁𝘆, 𝘄𝗲 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗱𝗶𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝘀 𝗡𝗭𝗜𝗚𝗣 𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀.

13/08/2024

17/06/2024

Tim Hill and Raewyn Burke Assume Key Leadership Roles

In a series of strategic appointments and organisational changes, New Zealand International Grand Prix Inc (NZIGP) trading as HRC Events and The Motorsport Club are pleased to announce significant developments within their team.

Tim Hill, previously the Operations Manager, has been appointed as the new General Manager. Tim's exceptional dedication and expertise in the industry uniquely positions him to take on this expanded role, where he will continue to drive the organisations towards continued growth and success.

Additionally, on 8th July, Raewyn Burke joins the team as the new Operations Manager. With a wealth of experience and a successful career in motorsport, Raewyn's passion and organisational abilities make her an invaluable addition to the team. Her insight and expertise will contribute significantly to our mission of promoting and advancing motorsport in New Zealand.

The recent changes were prompted by the election of Deb Day as President of MotorSport New Zealand. Deb will continue to serve on the boards of NZIGP and The Motorsport Club, but she will reduce her operational involvement.

Willard Martin, Chairman of NZIGP said, “these appointments mark an exciting new chapter for our motorsport organisation. We are confident that the expertise of Tim and Raewyn will enable us to maintain the high standard of events for our competitors and provide excellent support for our volunteer teams”.