Carrera Cup Australia thrills New Zealand

In a spectacle of speed and skill, the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship made history on New Zealand soil with its first-ever appearance in the country. Enthusiasts gathered, drawn by the allure of international racing amidst the breathtaking backdrop of the Taupō circuit. The championship’s inaugural appearance in New Zealand was more than a race – it showcased the enduring magnetism of motorsport and a celebration of Kiwi talent.

Amidst the relentless rain and anticipation, the weekend unfolded as a spectacle of high-octane drama. Despite the challenges posed by the weather, the Taupō circuit came alive with the exhilarating sound of engines and cheers.

Porsche New Zealand ensured customers experienced the pinnacle of hospitality with the Porsche Lounge providing an exclusive vantage point of the action at the pit exit.

Greg Clarke, General Manager of Porsche New Zealand, captured the sentiment of the weekend: “It was a pleasure to host the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup in New Zealand, and it was a real treat for our customers to watch international Porsche racing in our backyard. The effort the series and teams put in to cross the ditch didn’t go unnoticed. We hope to welcome the series back to New Zealand again.”

New Zealand’s rich passion for Porsche motorsport, deeply intertwined with the Porsche Carrera Cup, added a layer of significance to the event. From past champions to rising stars, the legacy of New Zealand’s motorsport excellence was on full display, reaffirming the nation’s passion for high-performance racing. With 11 Kiwis claiming victory in 152 Carrera Cup Australia races since 2003, the championship’s debut in New Zealand was a natural progression of this storied relationship.

The venture to new shores underscored the series’ commitment to nurturing New Zealand’s motorsport talent. The presence of two home-grown Pro-Am drivers, Rick Armstrong and Sam Fillmore, exemplified the growing camaraderie between the Australian and Kiwi racing communities. Both drivers now plan to make the journey to Australia to compete in future races on the series’ home ground. The trans-Tasman connection is set to grow further after the successful weekend, with both parties working closely to open potential opportunities for Australian competitors to compete in key events supported by Porsche in New Zealand.

A highlight of the weekend was the talent showcase of New Zealand’s up-and-comers, such as Team Porsche New Zealand driver Marco Giltrap, whose 2023 Porsche Sprint Challenge Australia championship win epitomised Kiwi motorsport excellence.

For Marco, the 2024 season marked a homecoming of sorts as he navigated the Taupō circuit with determination and resilience. Reflecting on the weekend’s highs and lows, he remarked, “It was awesome to bring the series to my home ground and allow the Kiwi supporters to watch us race first-hand. The weekend had its challenges, with wet weather for the first race and I was collected after stalling at the start of race two. It was a hard push starting in 15th for race three, but it was great to finish the weekend on a high in 10th place.”

The weekend held profound significance for Marco and his family as the racing community paused to honour Sir Colin Giltrap’s recent passing. Sir Colin’s indelible legacy as a passionate advocate for motorsport resonated throughout the event, with drivers paying homage to his significant contribution to New Zealand’s racing scene.

Tributes were seen far and wide in Taupo and internationally, with all PCCA drivers and many Kiwi Supercars drivers bearing a sticker on their liveries to honour his passing. Sir Colin was a keen businessman, passionate about cars and building enduring relationships. But above all, his love of motorsport was legendary, and he helped many Kiwi drivers become world champions.

The Supercars championship saw New Zealand fans secure the win they were hoping for, with Andre Heimgartner winning on home soil. Porsche fans also had the pleasure of supporting two talented young drivers who had both progressed their careers through the Team Porsche New Zealand scholarship programme.

Matthew Payne’s impressive performance and Ryan Wood’s electrifying debut further captivated audiences, setting the scene for future triumphs on the international stage.

As the racing drew to a close, the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship firmly cemented itself in the hearts of New Zealand’s motorsport enthusiasts.