Record 36-car grid launches SS Cup’s 10th season

he 2025/26 Sport Saloons Cup gets underway this weekend at Euromarque Motorsport Park (Ruapuna), with a record-breaking 36 cars confirmed for Round 1 — the largest opening grid in the series’ history.

Now entering its tenth season since the format’s revival, the SS Cup continues to grow in strength as one of New Zealand’s most competitive and entertaining saloon racing categories. The series features a diverse mix of machinery; Hondas, Mazdas, Subarus, Toyotas, and everything in between, all racing within time-bracketed classes (A, B, and C) to ensure close competition.

The weekend’s format includes four six-lap races, highlighted by the ever-popular reverse grid handicap races that guarantee action throughout the field. At Ruapuna, Class A cars lap between 1:35.000–1:36.999, Class B between 1:37.000–1:41.999, and Class C at 1:42.000 and slower — ensuring battles right through the field.

Committee Member Carmen Liemburg says the bumper entry is a milestone moment:

“We set out ten years ago to make racing more accessible, with simplified rules and a format that delivers close racing. To see 36 cars on the grid at Ruapuna for Round 1 is huge, it shows just how strong grassroots saloon racing is in New Zealand right now.”

Points across qualifying and each race will contribute to the overall series standings, with competitors also able to nominate a “Joker Round” where their points are doubled, a feature that often shapes the championship battle.

Round 1 of the SS Cup will run on 6–7 September 2025 at Euromarque Motorsport Park, hosted by the Canterbury Car Club.