The North Island Endurance Series continued with Round 3, it was a weekend of unpredictable weather conditions and threatening clouds. Despite the challenges that come with on-and-off rain, the team demonstrated resilience and adaptability throughout the weekend.
We had 2 IRC Cars in the running for the weekend, with John Goodacre and Rhys Gould driving to success!
The track for practice sessions on Friday was quiet as intermittent rain hampered the track conditions until around 2 pm. Despite the inclement weather, the afternoon session provided an opportunity for John Goodacre to familiarise himself with the second half of the track, utilising the limited time effectively to prepare for the weekend ahead.
The one-hour race began on Saturday. Rhys Gould posted the fastest time in P1, showcasing his skill and the car’s capabilities.
In the qualifying sessions, Rhys secured an impressive 2nd place, while John Goodacre managed to qualify 9th, setting the stage for a competitive race day.
The race itself was dry for the most part, allowing the drivers to push their limits. Rhys maintained a strong position, running second overall and aiming for a podium finish. However, the race took a dramatic turn in the final five minutes as rain began to fall. The sudden change in weather led to a spin on the last lap, dropping Rhys from 2nd to 8th place.
John spun out into a gravel trap also as a result of the late rain, spinning out into a gravel trap while running 9th overall. The wet weather tested the drivers’ skills and the cars’ performance under changing conditions.
Despite the setbacks in the final moments of the race, the IRC team remains optimistic and focused on the upcoming challenges. The experience gained in Round 3, especially in handling adverse weather conditions, will undoubtedly contribute to better performance in future rounds.
As the team reflects on the lessons learned and the progress made, they look forward to the first round of the South Island series with renewed determination and the aim to secure stronger finishes. The IRC team continues to push the boundaries of endurance racing, proving their resilience and competitive spirit in the North Island Endurance Series.