NZ Hillclimb Championship set for 2024

The 2024 MotorSport New Zealand Gold Star Hillclimb Championship is set, with the return of the winner-takes-all, two-day event format confirmed for 23-24 March in Stratford, Taranaki. The NZ Hillclimb Championship is one of just a handful of prestigious Gold Star titles run under the sport’s governing body, MotorSport New Zealand.

Hosted by the South Taranaki Car Club, the 2024 edition of the popular championship will utilise both sealed and gravel surfaces. Points gathered across both days will be combined to crown the overall and class champions.

On Saturday competitors will take on a 2.4km stretch of Mangaotuku Road for the sealed portion of the event. Sunday then switches to the 3.7km gravel surface of Junction Road.

Adding an extra point of interest is Sunday’s Junction Road, the same section of road once used for the popular Motogard Rally held in the late 1970s. It is often revered as one of a driver’s favourite pieces of road during its time.

“It’s exciting to have the NZ Hillclimb Championship confirmed again for 2024,” said MotorSport New Zealand CEO Elton Goonan.

“This championship is a cornerstone of the MotorSport New Zealand ClubSport community and holds a special place in New Zealand motorsport as one of a few with a Gold Star award on the line.

“The South Taranaki Car Club team have done a great job pulling this event together and utilising roads such as the popular Junction Road. I’m really looking forward to what will no doubt be a great event with fierce competition.”

Entries are now via MotorSport Online. In addition to the overall Gold Star Hillclimb Championship, there are classes for two-wheel drive cars, four-wheel drive cars and Cross Cars. All vehicles that have a Safety Cage and comply with Schedule A are eligible to compete.