As part of the upcoming VIP Petfoods 12 hour race, a shorter 3 hour race and a 6 hour endurance race are to be run within the 12 hour race format. Entries are now being taken for the shorter races which will be contested at Hampton Downs on the 13th of August.

These shorter endurance races will cater for competitors who feel that the full 12 hours is too long for them or their machinery. The Dynatron 3 hour and Racetech 6 hour races have a minimum of only two drivers and there will be trophies awarded for these two category winners.

Highlights of the race will be televised on TV1 as well as Sky TV in a one hour time slot.

Key competitors registered so far include Tony Quinn who will head up the Australian contingent in his Porsche 997 RSR (pictured) and is rumoured to have Craig Baird on the team.

Other cars entered or expressing strong interest include: Ford Focus V8, Honda Civic R, Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 1/Evo 9, Porsche GT3 & 944, Ferrari F430, Radical 10, Saker SVIR, and VW.

This isn’t a race just for the pros, so if you think you and your track car are up for it, then go to www.endurance.org.nz get the relevant info and fill in the forms to get yourself sorted. Now with 3 hour and 6 hour races included its a good chance to try your hand at endurance racing and get coverage for sponsors. But you better be in quick, entries are closing very soon.

The expected TV audience could be over 200,000. Entry fees for the racing start from $550 and there are special deals on fuel and tyre changing equipment. Garages are included in the entry fee and are allocated by Hampton Downs Motorsport Park.

To find out more go to www.endurance.org.nz.