Racing Local

Update after Round 1:

Drivers from all NZ motorsport disciplines have come together to ‘race funds’ for small local businesses.

It’s a role reversal as drivers give back to the small local businesses that many have relied on over the years. Each week more than 60 drivers will select a small local business from the SOS business website to race for. All money raised will be distributed evenly to all the businesses chosen by our pro and up and coming drivers.

All races will be live Friday evenings 7pm to 9pm (on our Facebook page- Racing Local) and highlights on CRC motorsport Sunday’s 3.50pm.(Channel Three)

The Concept,

As a result of the month-long Level 4 lockdown to eliminate the COVID-19 virus, all businesses deemed non-essential across New Zealand have had to close their doors to loyal customers. Businesses of all sizes are battling.

At the same time all around the world and at home, Kiwi racing drivers have put their helmets away and have turned to sim racing while being home bound. New Zealand racing drivers are well represented in top-level motorsport across the globe and we proudly display the New Zealand flag on our helmets and racing overalls. Most of us started out as enthusiastic young competitors supported by our Mums and Dads and other local businesses as sponsors and many are still supported by local business and individuals who have been keen to remain associated with us.

Now it’s time for a bit of a role reversal and for us to step up and give a little back by becoming a sponsor of our ‘locals’ who are struggling to survive during these unprecedented times.

SOS (https://sosbusiness.nz/) has been doing an incredible job rallying support for many of NZ’s small and medium sized businesses and services from the same loyal customers who are unable to walk through the door. Through their platform, they have already helped to raise over $1,000,000 for struggling businesses through vouchers and donations during the lockdown.

SOS have kindly agreed to endorse the “Racing Local” concept and will distribute all funds raised. Over the 4 weeks of Racing Local we hope to contribute to as many small local businesses who need help to survive the lockdown. If your favourite local business has not joined the thousands already on the SOS website, we encourage you to suggest they sign up.

A diverse group of 60 Kiwi racers from all types of motorsport will join forces to compete in the virtual world of iRacing to raise money for their local. Confirmed entry’s already include: Brendon Hartley, Chris Van Der Drift, Christian Hermansen, Scott McLaughlin, Shane van Gisbergen, Greg Murphy, Earl Bamber, Mitch Evans, Simon Evans, Andre Heimgartner, Tom Blomqvist, Hayden Paddon, Liam Lawson, Madeline Stewart, Hayden Guptill, Sam Waddell, Marcus Armstrong, Nick Cassidy, Reid Harker, Brendon Leitch, and Jaxon Evans.

We are pleased to announce that Giltrap Group is the founding sponsor of Racing Local as our first confirmed partner to sign on and they will be contributing to each week’s competition.

The Details

Driver’s entry fee is a minimum $20 each week (more if you wish),

You choose a local business from the SOS platform https://sosbusiness.nz

The business needs to be a registered business on the SOS website. If they’re not on there, get them on there!

All money raised from both entry fees and sponsorship will be collected on a GiveAlittle page and then distributed by SOS to all of the business the drivers are racing for.

Every nominated business will receive a donation, top 8 finishers on the night will get extra percentages from the pot for their business, plus there will be spot prizes for; best liveries, best overtakes, hardest charger and a hard luck award.

Who can enter?

25 of NZ’s top drivers are already registered and confirmed for week one.

The next 25 spots are now open for any motorsport (Speedway New Zealand, Motorsport New Zealand, Kartsport New Zealand, D1NZ competitors etc) license holder. These spots are first come first served.

The last 10 spots will be guest wild card entries for week one only and will be for anyone who wants to enter including non-motorsport license holders/e-sport drivers/anyone with access to a simulator.

Other details:

Events will be professionally live streamed on Youtube and Facebook. We encourage all drivers to share these to your followers.

If you chose to mention the business you are racing for on your social media, car livery or in any other fashion, we ask that you contact the local business for permission first.

There will be a Zero tolerance policy, if drivers are judged to be maliciously hitting others or clearly abusing the high standards we expect of all drivers then you will be stood down immediately, of course a little bit of rubbing is racing!

Founded by Brendon & Sarah Hartley, Chris & Billie Van Der Drift, Barrie & Louise Thomlinson and Christian Hermansen.