Motorsport Diary: Kiwis racing overseas this weekend

by Matthew Sampson

 April 18, 2024

This is definitely a weekend for the motorsport fans.

In addition to the ITM Taupo Super400 (more information can be found here), Shane van Gisbergen will run NASCAR and Xfinity Series double duties at Talladega.

There’s also IndyCar, the World Endurance Championship, and so much more.

While there’s no Kiwis in it, there’s also the Formula 1 Chinese Grand Prix in Shanghai. We’re spoilt for choice!

Sit back, enjoy the weekend, and take in as much of the action as possible.

Viewing times and information below!

Shane van Gisbergen: Xfinity Series & NASCAR Cup Series

• Where? Talladega Superspeedway
• NZ Times:
  • Xfinity Series Qualifying: Saturday 9.30 am
  • Cup Series Qualifying: Sunday 2.30 am
  • Xfinity Series Race: Sunday 8.00 am
  • Cup Series Race: Monday 7.00 am
• How to watch: ThreeNow (Races only)

Shane van Gisbergen will make his oval debut in the NASCAR Cup Series at the famed Talladega Superspeedway in Alabama.

For the second time this season, the Kiwi is running double duties, running special Wendy’s liveries in his Kaulig Racing entry in both classes.

Van Gisbergen is 15th in the Xfinity Series Driver’s Championship but only 25 points off the top ten.

Scott Dixon, Scott McLaughlin, Marcus Armstrong & Tom Blomqvist: IndyCar

• Where? Streets of Long Beach, California
• NZ Times:
  • Practice 1: Saturday 9.50 am
  • Practice 2: Sunday 3.25 am
  • Qualifying: Sunday 6.25 am
  • Final Warm-Up: Monday 4.00 am
  • Race: Monday 7.00 am
• How to watch: Sky Sport

Points are once again on offer in IndyCar following the non-competition Thermal Club $1 Million Challenge, where Scott McLaughlin netted a cool US$350,000 for finishing second.

McLaughlin was third in the season’s opening round at St. Petersburg and leads the Kiwi charge.

Chip Ganassi Racing’s Scott Dixon was ninth in Flordia, while rookie Tom Blomqvist continued to show he’s quickly getting up to speed in his Meyer Shank Racing entry in 17th.

Marcus Armstrong qualified well but crashed out at Turn 10 on Lap 26 while running 10th.

Brendon Hartley & Earl Bamber: WEC 6 Hours of Imola

• Where? Imola, Italy
• NZ Times:
  • Qualifying: Sunday 12.45 am
  • Race: Sunday 11.00 pm-Monday 5.00 am
• How to watch: Paid Subscription (WEC app)

The World Endurance Series shifts focus to Italy this weekend, with the 6 Hours of Imola featuring an impressive field of 19 Hypercars.

Earl Bamber returns to Chip Ganassi’s Cadillac Racing entry, which he shares will Alex Lynn. The andwith Sebastien Bourais, finished fourth in the Qatar 1812km but were disqualified post-race for non-compliant bodywork.

Brendon Hartley partners Sebastien Buemi and Ryo Hirakawa in the #8 Toyota Gazoo Racing GR010- Hybrid, having struggled at Lusail International Circuit to be classified eighth.

Unfortunately, WEC is not being televised in New Zealand, leaving their app as the only viewing option. CRC Motorsport on TV3 will show highlights of the race next Sunday.

Zac Stichbury: Porsche Carrera Cup Asia

• Where? Shanghai International Circuit, Chine
• NZ Times:
  • Qualifying: Saturday 4.50 pm
  • Race 1: Saturday 8.55 pm
  • Race 2: Sunday 3.30 pm
• How to watch: TBC

Team Porsche New Zelanad/ Earl Bamber Motorsport’s Zac Stichbury begins his 2024 Porsche Carrera Cup campaign at Shanghai International Circuit this weekend. The series is racing in support of the Chinese Grand Prix.

Jono Lester: GT World Challenge Asia

• Where? Sepang, Malaysia
• NZ Times:
  • Qualifying: Saturday 2.30 pm
  • Race 1: Saturday 6.45 pn
  • Race 2: Sunday 3.30 pm
• How to watch: Free live stream (Races only)

Jono Lester makes a long-awaited return to Asia to compete for Team KRC in the Silver-Am class with Ruan Cun Fan. The duo will share a BMW M4 GT3.

Cormac Buchanan: FIM Junior GP World Championship

• Where? Misano World Circuit, Italy
• NZ Times:
  • Qualifying 1: Sunday 1.00 am
  • Qualifying 2: Sunday 3.05 am
  • Race 1: Sunday 9.00 pm
  • Race 2: Monday 12.00 am
• How to watch: Free live stream

Talented South Islander Cormac Buchanan begins his FIM Junior GP World Championship in Italy this weekend.

The 17-year-old is riding for AGR Team for the season, beginning with two 16-lap races at Misano.