After a scintillating week of weather in the Auckland region, the clouds have converged over Hampton Downs for the third round of the IRC Series, held as a one day event this Sunday, November 13.
With a large portion of the IRC classes competing at tomorrow's event, today's open test day was bustling with key competitors from the Weldwell Formula Firsts, GT1, GT2, NZGT, Super Mini Challenge, Bridgestone Porsche, SS2000 and NZ Sports Car classes.
A mixture of dry, damp and wet running in a muggy spring climate has given competitors a chance to sample all manner of conditions ahead of a full schedule of qualifying and racing tomorrow.
Key inclusions are the addition of a second Juno sports prototype to the NZ Sports Car mix, with well known motorsport identity Geoff Short piloting the 2008 model, 2.0 litre Honda K20 powered machine.
The young guns were also out in force today in Formula First, tuning their 1200cc VW engines to the changeable conditions before another intense battle over three races tomorrow.
The one day spectacular also provides a handy test platform for many competing in support of the Toyota Racing Series' International Series in the New Year, where the full regular IRC programme - including the Central Muscle Cars, NZ Six and Mazda Pro 7 Racing classes - will be out in force in the biggest event on the IRC season calendar.
The Hampton Downs round of the 2011/12 IRC Series is the third of a seven round championship held between October and April, with events also staged at Taupo, Manfeild and Pukekohe.
Gate entry is $10 for adults and $5 for children, with all proceeds going to St. John Te Kauwhata and the Westpac Air Rescue Trust.
