Double Victory For McRae F5000 At George Begg Festival

Saturday 12 April 2025

Dunedin’s Steve Ross (McRae GM1 009) dominated Saturday’s action at the final round of the SAS Autoparts MSC NZ F5000 Tasman Cup Revival Series, claiming victory in both races at Teretonga Park as part of the nostalgic George Begg Festival.

Having set the fastest time in Friday’s qualifying session for the four-race weekend, Ross drove clear of the chasing pack—seemingly finding an edge in the blustery Southland winds.

Feilding’s Kevin Ingram (Lola T332 HU48R) secured second in the morning’s 10-lap race, maintaining his grid position from qualifying and further extending his lead in the overall series standings.

Blenheim’s Michael Hey (McRae GM1 004) came through for an impressive third, after being forced to start from the back of the grid following an early departure from qualifying.

The Begg FM5/2, driven by Blake Knowles—standing in for Steven Richards—set the third-fastest qualifying time. The Formula Ford champion made a strong start but was forced to retire when the rear wing began to work loose.

Grant Martin (Talon MR1 #3) finished fourth, with Tony Galbraith (Lola T332 HU38) close behind. Galbraith’s consistent results continue to solidify his hold on second in the Open category standings.

Tony Roberts, driving the sole Class A entry, brought his McLaren M10A home in eighth. The result was enough to push him ahead of Frank Karl (McLaren M10B) to take the lead in the overall Class A points battle.

In similar gusty conditions, the afternoon’s second 10-lap race was another McRae showcase, with Hey finishing second behind Ross, while Ingram took third. Galbraith, Martin, and Knowles provided the most exciting battle of the race, crossing the finish line separated by just over one second.

A brief off-track moment for Glenn Richards dropped him down the order to finish seventh, while David Banks (Talon MR1) was forced to retire after eight laps due to a broken exhaust.

Adding to the celebration of Southland motorsport history, the second Begg car (chassis 018)—owned by Invercargill’s Scott O’Donnell—is taking part in demonstration runs only, with former A1GP driver Jonny Reid at the wheel.

Looking ahead, Sunday’s two remaining 10-lap races are expected to be run in more settled conditions, with lighter winds and mild autumn temperatures promising a perfect setting for the season’s grand finale.

Supporting the series in its 22nd season is SAS Autoparts, MSC, NZ Express Transport, Bonney's Specialised Bulk Transport, Mobil Lubricants, Nova Tyres, Webdesign, Exide Batteries and Pacifica Shipping – who sea freight the cars for the New Zealand events. Their commitment ensures that this classic racing series remains a highlight of New Zealand’s motorsport calendar.

For more information on event dates, entry details, and how to follow the series, visit the official website www.f5000.co.nz and follow us on Facebook at F5000 New Zealand.

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