New Zealand, 20 September 2016 – The North Island 2K Cup series has rapidly grown into New Zealand’s largest motorsport class and, with support from official tyre supplier Dunlop, has made the sport accessible to a passionate group of grassroots competitors.
Competitors must use road-registered vehicles that cost less than $2,000 to purchase, with no limit on what competitors can spend upgrading the safety of the car.
Series’ regulations also stipulate drivers must use the original tyre size with a minimum 200-tread wear, although the Dunlop Direzza ZII has become the default tyre for the class, due to its winning combination of performance and value.
Series coordinator and last season’s third-place finisher, Mark Mallard, says it’s great to have the tyre manufacturer’s support.
“All of our drivers get a great discount on the ZII, which is fantastic because it was already one of the most widely used tyres in the series thanks to its consistency, durability and speed,” says Mark. “I can run a whole season on a single set – it’s a really efficient and low-cost way to race, which is what the 2K Cup is all about.”
Dunlop Motorsport manager Richard Fraser says that the strong support the brand received from competitors prompted them to become the preferred supplier.
“This is our way of giving back to 2K Cup drivers, because they have been strong Dunlop supporters since the series started,” said Richard. “We’re also showing our support by providing them with a set of ZII tyres to give away at each round.”
“Its affordability makes it a great access point for people keen to get involved in motor racing, so we’re proud to get behind competitors who are pursuing their dreams.”
Champion eyes new challenge
This year’s series has attracted over 120 entries (including defending champion Simon Rollinson), with the first round set to feature a capacity 92-strong grid on 24 September at Hampton Downs.
With a background competing in hill climbs and sprints, the North Island 2K Cup series was Simon’s first foray into track racing.
“It’s a really good way to experience motorsport and decide if you like it, without having to invest $10,000+. The pricing Dunlop provides us also makes it really affordable,” he says. “Not only that, I think they’re the best tyre for the specification we’re racing to. My first set of Direzza ZII tyres lasted me a season and a half. For performance, durability and pricing – you can’t beat them.”
He took out last year’s title in his Honda Integra in a thrilling final round, but this year is relishing the challenge of competing in a 1.6L Peugeot 106 GTi – with plans to make the Pukekohe round his first of the season.
“Last year in the Honda was all about me seeing how good I really was, and I’m stoked to have won the championship,” he said. “But my heart has always been set on European cars, which is why I decided to enter the Peugeot. It’ll be an exciting and fun challenge and, even though I won’t have the fastest car in the field, I’ll still do my best to be at the front!”
North Island 2K Cup series dates
- R1 24th September – Hampton Downs International Track
- R2 22 October – Manfield
- R3 3 December – Hampton Downs International Track
- R4 TBC – Pukekohe
- R5 8 April – Taupo Full Circuit
- R6 6-7 May – Hampton Downs International Track
About Dunlop Direzza ZII
The Direzza ZII is Dunlop’s extreme performance summer tyre, developed for drivers looking for race-like traction on the street or competing in autocross, drifting and track events.
The high-grip tread compound is moulded into a directional design, with a continuous centre rib flanked by massive shoulders, forming a highly rigid tread that delivers enhanced dry grip and handling, while promoting uniform temperatures and wear.
The Direzza ZII features Dunlop’s True Circle Profile, which distributes tyre deflection forces along the sidewall to provide more control. Its internal structure includes Jointless Band (JLB) Technology, which spirally winds polyamide cord over two wide steel belts to promote strength, uniform ride quality and high-speed capability. Two-ply polyester sidewalls help resist lateral deflection to provide responsive handling and cornering stability.
*Press Releases are direct from the Manufacturer, and not edited in any way.