The announcement earlier this year that a number of international Formula Junior cars from the UK, Australia and the USA would be a feature of the 2026 70th New Zealand Grand Prix to be held again at the Highlands Motorsport Park near Cromwell, was an exciting addition to this storied event. Just as recently as last week, the promoters of the NextGen NZ Championship had just announced their summer season, which included the mention of Formula Junior.
“Adding to the excitement, Formula Junior joins the championship at the 70th New Zealand Grand Prix, a symbolic moment as the international Formula Junior community gears up for its 70th Anniversary Jubilee World Tour in 2026.
Originally a launchpad for legends, Formula Junior’s presence bridges the gap between motorsport’s storied past and NextGen’s future-focused vision.”
Unfortunately now due to ever increasing entry costs and citing the practicality of moving containers around the South Island, the Formula Junior organisers have sadly had to cancel the involvement of these cars at the Grand Prix meeting.
Instead they will be still competing at the three usual February Classic meetings commencing with the Skope Classic at Ruapuna Park near Christchurch, the Southern Classic at Levels Raceway near Timaru and the Speedfest event at Teretonga Park near Invercargill on three consecutive weekends.
The new dates are:
Weekend 1: SKOPE Classic. Ruapuna Park, Christchurch. 6 – 8th Feb
Weekend 2: Levels Raceway Timaru. 21st Anniversary event. 13 – 15th Feb
Weekend 3. Southern Classic, Teretonga Park, Invercargill. 20 – 22nd Feb
Despite the loss of their presence at the New Zealand Grand Prix glamour event, these cars will still bring a welcome international presence to the perennially popular three South Island Classic race meetings.
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