New Super GT series launches in New Zealand

Cars from three world class motorsport categories will combine to add a new dimension to next summer’s motorsport season.

Super GT is a new category which will be introduced to the Speed Works Events 2022 summer calendar and will include cars from the global Porsche 911 GT3 Cup, GT4 and Ferrari Challenge categories – bringing some of the country’s most exciting racing cars together on one NZ grid for the first time.

More than 80 eligible cars are already in New Zealand and a series of contemporary Porsches, Ferraris, Mustangs, McLarens, Aston Martins, Audis, Mercedes, Ginettas and BMWs will be a reality next summer. Organisers are targeting a field of 30 cars with a value in excess of ten million dollars for the inaugural season.

The category is designed to create a world class grid and series of modern GT racing cars that will compete on a level playing field using a Balance Of Performance formula. Cars will compete in both sprint and endurance races. The 2022 Super GT Series will consist of a four round series over three months commencing January 15-16, 2022, at Highlands in Cromwell. This will be followed by the second round at the Mike Pero Motorsport Park, Rupauna in Christchurch on January 22-23, before heading to Hampton Downs on February 12-13. The final round will be in Taupo on March 26-27, 2022.

Each event will feature two 30-minute races along with one 60-minute race, with compulsory pit stops. There will be the option of one or two drivers per car.

To ensure parity between the three different classes of racing, there will be a Balance Of Performance criteria added to each of the races. This will ensure close and competitive racing and a spectacle which it is hoped will help bring fans of GT racing to New Zealand tracks. The BOP will be implemented during the compulsory pit stop and the length of pit stop will be determined using qualifying times and using lap times from practice sessions.

“We are so excited about the launch of this category for New Zealand Motorsport” said Grant Smith Category Manager Super GT. “The growth of GT racing worldwide with the type and variety of cars has captured the world motorsport audience and we have looked at the best way to deliver this to the New Zealand motorsport calendar Just imagine seeing Porsche, Ferrari, McLaren, Aston Martin, BMW and other exotic brands all on the same track at the same time on New Zealand’s premier race circuits at premier meetings over summer.

“This is something that motorsport fans have been waiting for and we are delighted to be able to present an exciting world class series for New Zealand competitors and fans.”