Kiwis racing overseas this weekend (September 22 to 24, 2023)

Although this weekend may be quieter than usual for Kiwis racing overseas, it’s by no means less exciting with our fellow countrymen competing in Formula 1 and GT categories.

Liam Lawson returns to the F1 paddock in what could be his last race in the series in 2023, with Daniel Ricciardo expected to return from injury for the Qatar Grand Prix. The Japanese Grand Prix makes for much friendlier viewing times in New Zealand, meaning no tired faces around the office on Monday.

Reid Harker is also on the entry list for the final round of the GT World Challenge Asia at Sepang, while Rianna O’Meara-Hunt is back in the United States applying her trade in GT4 America.

Brendon Leitch will sit out this weekend’s Le Mans Cup round at Spa-Francorchamps.

While the overseas action slowly starts to wind down towards the end of the Northern Hemisphere’s summer, there’s still plenty to take in on our shores with this weekend’s action in New Zealand highlighted by the South Island Endurance Series at Teretonga and the highly anticipated Daybreaker Rally.

To see who is in action overseas, how you can follow, and at what times, see below!

Liam Lawson – Formula 1 Japanese Grand Prix

• Where: Suzuka International Racing Course, Japan
• NZ Times:
  • FP1: Friday 2.00 pm
  • FP2: Friday 5.45 pm
  • FP3: Saturday 2.15 pm
  • Qualifying: Saturday 5.00 pm
  • Race: Sunday 5.45 pm
• How to watch: Sky Sport

Liam Lawson reunites with AlphaTauri for the Japanese Grand Prix as Daniel Ricciardo continues to recover from a broken hand. It’s believed Ricciardo will return for the Qatar Grand Prix, meaning this could be Lawson’s last Formula 1 race in 2023.

The Kiwi has impressed in his three races this season, scoring AlphaTauri’s best result of the campaign when he finished ninth in Singapore.

Reid Harker – GT World Challenge Asia

• Where: Sepang International Circuit, Malaysia
• NZ Times:
  • Qualifying: Saturday 2.05 pm
  • Race 1: Saturday 7.35 pm
  • Race 2: Sunday 4.00 pm
• How to watch: Free live stream (motorsport.tv)

Reid Harker makes a return to the GT World Challenge Asia when he partners with Adrian Henry D’Silva in Earl Bamber Motorsport’s #61 Porsche 911 GT3 R (992) in the Pro-Am class.

Harker’s best result this season came in the second race at Fuji International Speedway when he finished second with Setiawan Santoso.

Rianna O’Meara-Hunt – GT4 America

• Where: Sebring International Raceway, Florida, USA
• NZ Times:
  • Qualifying: Sunday 2.20 am
  • Race 1: Sunday 9.00 am
  • Race 2: Monday 2.50 am
• How to watch: Free live stream (GT4 America website)

Rianna O’Meara-Hunt returns to GT4 America for the penultimate round at Sebring, where she’ll partner Hannah Grisham in the Am class driving Heart of Racing Team’s #26 Aston Martin Vantage AMR GT4.

The duo sit 11th in the driver standings.