A variation from the traditional race dates sees Manfeild and Motorsport Manawatu now heading the summer race series season  as round one of IRC Summer of Thunder series.

Backing up from the most successful club racing series in New Zealand is the aim of Motorsport Manawatu and its Manager Julian Hardy.

“We have had an overwhelming support from Feilding business and shoppers for the United Travel Race Series and we are looking to follow on by bringing round 1 of the IRC series here first. Our direct marketing strategy that now sees Motorsport Manawatu able to contact over 5000 people directly with our electronic newsletter. That should enable more knowledge of the IRC series with the benefits going back to that organization as well” stated Mr Hardy.

The IRC series has come about by the race classes formally known as Tier 2 and the 4 North Island race promoting clubs working together to create certainty around race dates and then being able to coordinate that as a series. Results from last year’s series certainly show that the public also liked the show with big increases in crowds to view the variety of cars on offer at an IRC Summer of Thunder round. This year 2 new members have joined the IRC, one being the Central Muscle cars and the other Hampton Downs. These 2 members bring with them a new and exciting dynamic to the existing series. While Manfeild will not see the Muscle cars at either round this series due to other commitments, a club race class made up of Classic, IB and RS Cup cars will ensure a full field of great racing action.

Ticket prices will be Adults $20 for a weekend pass with children under 17 free with their family to encourage more families back to the track. Also on at Manfeild on October 2&3 is the National dog show, showing the value of diversity that the Manfeild facility offers. Mr Hardy is hoping that visitors to each event will “cross-over” to witness a sport that they may not have seen live before.

Round 1 of the IRC Summer of Thunder starts on Friday the 1^st of October with an unofficial test day, before qualifying on Saturday 2^nd along with race 1 for every class, and then the 2 feature races for each class occurring on Sunday October 3rd.

Ends.

For further information contact:

Julian Hardy, Motorsport Manager.  027 523 8290  manawatucarclub@xtra.co.nz

IRC Website. www.irc.org.nz