Julian and Gould wrap up One Hour South Island Endurance titles in Timaru

Adam Julian and Rhys Gould have each won separate One Hour Carter’s Tyre Service South Island Endurance Series titles after the third and final round held at the Timaru International Raceway on Saturday. Consistency proved the key for Julian (Audi R8 GT3) in taking both the overall Class 2 & 3 and Class 2 title while Gould proved unbeatable winning both the Class 4 & 5 overall and Class 4 titles.

“I went out just trying to run my own race and let things evolve and change, and I guess luck was on my side today,” commented Julian, who finished all three rounds on the podium. “I can’t say enough about the team who have been great. I have learnt heaps and thankful to get three podiums.”

Second overall was Matt Whittaker (Porsche GT3 Cup 992) who was first across the finish line but had a 10-second time penalty added to his time due to a Safety Car restart infringement.

“Unfortunately, it was my mistake and you just have to take it on the chin,” said Whittaker. “The team did an awesome job, the car was great but I was a bit keen on the safety car restart. Adam (Julian) was quick all day and I tried to put a gap on him but couldn’t.”

First home in Class 3 (>3501cc) and class title winner was Steve Scoles (Ginetta G56).

“It’s a great result, although hard work,” commented Scoles. “It’s been a good series. Consistency has been the key and we’ve had a great team this year.” The result also put him sixth overall.

In the separate Class 4 & 5 race, Rhys Gould proved to be unbeatable taking his third consecutive race victory, winning both the overall and Class 4 (2001-3500cc) titles. What seemed a straightforward win, Gould attributed his win to a great car and teamwork.

“Thrilled with the win, the car ran superbly,” commented Gould (Hyundai i20N TCR). “A big thanks to the crew as the car was faultless.”

While Dylan Petch ((Hyundai i20N TCR) finished second, it was third placed Warren Black (Audi RS3 LMS TCR) that clinched second overall behind Gould, just ahead of Pel Arnott (Hyundai i20N TCR).

“That’s a good result,” said Black. “It’s been a good series and I have enjoyed the racing with Rhys (Gould).”

In just his second season racing the Audi, it nearly all came undone with smoke coming out from the car with minutes remaining. Cruising across the line for third gave him enough points to finish runner up to Gould.

Heading into the final round, Barry Moore (VW Golf GTi TCR) was tied with Arnott in second overall heading but a coming together with a fellow competitor on the opening lap prematurely ended his race and title hopes.

Chris Wall (Honda Civic) finished second in Class 5 (0-2000cc) giving him enough points to take the title ahead of Donovan Isted (Honda Civic) and Rhys Turner (Honda Civic).

“Very happy with that,” commented Wall who has been quick all season and finished fourth overall across the Class 4 & 5 series “We were dealing with a few issues in that race so had to back it off and cruise for the last 20 minutes. Absolutely stoked overall to win the Class for the first time. We finished sixth last season and have improved the car quite a bit so a good result.”

The 2023 Carter’s Tyre Service South Island Endurance Series has proved again to be a success with drivers and teams already starting to formulate plans for the next season that gets underway in September 2024.