Five-round race series winds up at Manfeild on Sunday

The final round of a five-round series winds up at Manfeild on Sunday.

The United Travel race series has endured one of the worst weather patterns for five years, but has not stopped the racing action, says Motorsport Manawatu's Julian Hardy.

"The standing joke was that it never rained at the United Travel race series," he said. "After five years we probably were a bit overdue!"

The series has gone with few accidents in the sometimes appalling conditions. Most of the drivers have driven to the conditions and that created a lot of different outcomes.

A highlight for the series has been the introduction of the RS Cup. The class was created after UCOL Motorsport created four identical Toyota Starlets, with the promise of another six cars for the next year.

They were raced by TV3 Sunrise presenters Oliver Driver and Rod Cheeseman as part of their "Man Challenge".

The class is based around a very limited lap time, and then any modifications to the cars are up to the driver. If drivers better the lap time they are penalised, which reduces championship points.

Motorsport Manawatu expected six cars for the first few rounds with a projected increase to nine by season's end. All of these projections have been topped.

There are five other classes racing for the series.

As an incentive for the public to attend the meeting, the United Travel race series also has a five-day trip to Bathurst 2009 to give away. The draw will be done after the racing.

The final round also features the one-make Honda Cup series.

A 50km all-in race, which will include a compulsory pit stop, will conclude the series.

- © Fairfax NZ News