As the highlight of the off-road racing calendar for our club and the entire South Island this year, anticipation is mounting for a display of skill, speed, and sheer determination. Nestled within the scenic surrounds of West Melton, the Canterbury Off Road Club’s home track sets the stage for the Mainland Challenge 2024 and this year’s National Round 2 and 3 events, promising excitement for both drivers and spectators alike. Additionally, this meeting will serve as the inaugural round of the 2024 Great Southern Enduro Series.
The CORC Track, with its purpose-built design and challenging terrain, sets the stage for a racing spectacle that will push machines to their limits on day 1. On day 2 the 250 – 270 km enduro will feature a diverse terrain ranging from riverbeds to shingle-based tracks, alongside challenging obstacles, tight corners, and expansive straights. The Mainland Challenge traditionally draws drivers from across the South Island, with occasional participation from North Island competitors. Whether seasoned veterans or rising stars, each driver brings their unique style and strategy to the track, ensuring every race is a spectacle for both onlookers and participants.
Beyond the competition, the Mainland Challenge 2024 embodies the spirit of the off-road community and the shared passion that unites us all. From dedicated fans to newcomers, everyone will find something to love about this event, from the thunderous roar of engines to the camaraderie among fellow enthusiasts.
Families and spectators are encouraged to join in the excitement at the Mainland Challenge, contributing to an inclusive atmosphere where the cheers from the sidelines harmonise with the sounds of revving engines. The South Island National Rounds 1 and 2 double meeting isn’t just about skill and speed—it’s an event that unites individuals who share a passion for off-road racing.
So, mark your calendars, prepare to rev your engines, and immerse yourself in the off-road event of the year in the South Island. For further event details, please visit our events page. Additionally, for more information about ORANZ, our national governing body, please click here. We are always looking for assistance as well so if you or anyone you know can lend a hand, please contact one of our committee members here.
You can also stay up to date with the latest event details by following the event page on Facebook here.
Spectator Information
While our racing action spans two days, Saturday, May 4th, promises to be the highlight for spectators! Join us for a day of short course racing on our purpose-built club track in West Melton, kicking off at 9:30 am sharp.
Witness the racing as each class competes in three heats of 5 laps, followed by a fourth heat of 7 laps. After the final short course heat, get ready for the excitement of the one-lap qualifying shootout, where competitors will vie for pole position in Sunday’s enduro. Don’t miss the pole shuffle following the qualifying featuring the top 10 cars, determining the final starting positions for Sunday’s 250-270km enduro. The winner taking away $1000 cash.
On Sunday, the action continues with the enduro, incorporating the club track loop before venturing into the forest. Expect cars to return approximately every 20-25 minutes, covering a distance of 250-270 km, starting promptly at 10 am.
Spectator tickets are available for $20 per person at the gate on Saturday, with children under 15 admitted free (cash only). Please note that no dogs are allowed at the venue.
Hungry? Thirsty? Fear not! Food and hot drinks will be available for purchase both days, with Eftpos accepted but cash preferred due to intermittent cell phone service.
For any specific inquiries, feel free to reach out on our event page on Facebook or contact one of our friendly committee members. Don’t miss out on this unforgettable weekend of off-road excitement!
Event Sponsors
Welcome to our event sponsors, where we extend our heartfelt gratitude to the businesses and organisations whose generous support helps make our events possible. Without their commitment and partnership, we cant do what we do.
As you take in our sponsors, please learn more about each partner and the contributions they make to our events. Together, we celebrate their commitment and extend our sincere thanks for their continued support.
CT Civil – sewer and stormwater contractor specialists New Zealand
4wdbits.co.nz
Home – V-Dub Shoppe Ltd (vdubshoppe.co.nz)
Offroad Association of New Zealand Inc – HOME (oranz.co.nz)
Can Am North Canterbury
CAN-AM OFF-ROAD|CAN-AM NORTH CANTERBURY (canamnc.co.nz)
Destination Apparel
Phoenix Eyewear
https://www.phoenixeyewear.co.nz/
Superdry
Dynamic Eyewear
Mainland Challenge Current Entry List
Below you’ll find yourself at the forefront of the build-up as we unveil the lineup for the upcoming Mainland Challenge 2024. Stay tuned as we update this page daily in real-time, giving you a front-row seat to the roster of competitors who are gearing up to take on the challenge.
So, whether you’re a competitor eagerly awaiting to see your name among the ranks or a fan looking to scope out the competition, this is your page for up-to-date entry’s.
Class 8
887 Nick Leahy – WORC
875 Dean Christmas – TORC
Class 1
169 Paul Eayrs – PNORC
192 Ashley Kelly – NORC
165 Slim Slee – OORRC
177 Geoff Densem – CORC
123 Jacob Brownlees – CORC
Class S
S77 Clint Densem – CORC
S21 Jr Fernandez – CORC
S46 Tim Culling – CORC
S66 Rick Field – TORC
S42 Cullum Bairds – CORC
S20 Daimeon Vitch – CORC
S75 Aaron Rogers – CMORC
Class C
C32 Martin Jesson – CORC
Class U
UI81 Keegan Terrell – CORC
U15 Andrew Thomason – CORC
U02 Cody Harford – WORRC
U07 Wayne Spicer -WORC
U06 Kenna Baker – WORRC
Class 3
398 Kevin Cooper – AORC
375 Grant Adamson – NORC
324 Jason Midgley – AORC
Class J
J11 Jack Rice – TORC
Class 5
554 Asher Morgan – AORC
Mainland Challenge Driver & Crew Event Information
HOSTED AT THE CANTERBURY OFF ROAD RACEWAY WEEDONS-ROSS ROAD WEST MELTON
The Canterbury Off Road Club hosts the annual MAINLAND CHALLENGE event over 2 action packed days. With Short Course racing on Saturday and a 250km -270km of Adrenaline Rush Forest endurance racing on Sunday.
COMPETITOR INFORMATION
Friday 3rd May – Tech Check
Scrutineering will be held at the club track on Friday 3rd May from 3.00pm to 6.00pm. Drivers & passengers to sign in, complete all paperwork, have race gear checked & have arm bands put on. Tech Check will be as per the ORANZ rulebook. Arm restraints or window nets are strongly recommended. Front window meshes are also strongly recommended as there are stones present on the track surface.
PLEASE NOTE ALL CARS MUST HAVE A 2024 ORANZ TAG – NO TAG NO RACE
POINTS & RACE FORMAT:
The MAINLAND CHALLENGE is a TWO-DAY event. Results for the Mainland are a combination of both days.
The Short Course National Round 2 will be held on Saturday and points will be awarded as per the ORANZ Rule book for an individual Short Course event. The Enduro National Round 3 will be held on Sunday and points will be awarded as per the ORANZ Rule book for an individual Enduro/Long Course event. The MAINLAND CHALLENGE will in effect consist of both National Round 4 and National Round 5 together.
TIMETABLE:
SATURDAY 4th May – MAINLAND CHALLENGE SHORT COURSE.
Canterbury Off Road Raceway – CORC Club Track.
Day 1 Mainland Challenge & ORANZ National Round 4
8 am – Marshals/Media Briefing
8.30 am – Drivers Briefing. All drivers must attend.
9.30 am – Racing starts …… The short course will consist of 3 heats of 5 laps as well as a 4th heat of 7 laps per class.
Grid positions for the first heat will be done in the order your entry is received, per class.
Heats will be run efficiently. If you are not at the dummy grid when your class leaves to enter the track the gate will be closed on you.
Qualifying for Saturday Enduro
At the completion of the final heat of the short course there will be a one lap qualifying for the enduro on Sunday. This will consist of a warmup lap and one flying lap. Anyone not able to do the flying lap qualifying will go to the back of the field that complete the qualifying and then will be placed in order of fastest lap from your days racing.
If time allows and it will be decided on the day this will be followed by a pole shuffle of the top 10 cars that will consist of a warmup lap and one flying lap. We are currently looking for sponsors to offer a cash reward for pole position.
SUNDAY 9th July – MAINLAND 250Km ENDURO CHALLENGE.
Waimakariri Regional River Park & Club Track Day 2
Mainland Challenge & ORANZ National Round 5
8.00 am – Kiwi Truck Drivers Briefing
8.30 am – Kiwi Truck Enduro
9.15 am – Marshalls/Media Briefing
9.30 am – Drivers Briefing. All drivers must attend.
10 am Racing starts ……
The Enduro will be approximately 250-270kms. The track closes 30 minutes after the chequered flag.
Mainland Challenge 2024 Entry Fee
Short Course Saturday Only $250.00
Enduro Sunday Only $300.00
Both Days $480.00
Kiwi Trucks FREE for both days
All payments are to be made to Canterbury Off Road Club 03 1593 0018939 00 please use your surname and car # for reference.
Entries close midnight on April 19, 2024. If you enter before this close off date, then you will go in the draw to win your entry fee back. Entries received after this date, will be accepted however late entries will start off at the back of your class for the first heat of Saturday’s Short course racing.
Please Note: You will not be considered entered until your payment has been received in our account.
Please note – refunds will be provided 12 hours prior to the start of the event (day 1). Refunds will not be provided due to car breakage at the event, change of mind etc. Refunds will not be discussed at the event or prizegiving and must be submitted in writing to the Club Secretary.
ENTRY CONFIRMATION
As with previous years there will be no written entry confirmation. However, email confirmation will be sent to you with a copy of your entry. If you have not received this once entered, please contact: secretary@dirt.org.nz.
TRANSPONDERS
You will be required to supply your own transponder. Please ensure your Transponder information is on your entry form so that it can be loaded ready for the event. Thank you.
ENTRY TICKETS AND COSTS
All pit crew must be in the gate by 8am on both days racing. Please indicate on the entry form the number of your pit crew attending as they will be required to have an arm band for spectator safety the pit gate will be closed/locked for public entry. Arm bands will be issued for your crew at scrutineering. The arm bands must be worn and shown for entry to and from the pits.
No arm band no entry.
Tickets for spectators can be purchased at the gate for $20 per entry, under 15yr free. (Cash only)
PRIZEGIVING
To be confirmed
SERVICES
There will be food and hot drinks available for purchase on both days. Eftpos available but cash preferred due to intermittent cell phone service
CAMPING
Camping is allowed at the track from Friday scrutineering through to Monday. However apart from toilets there are no other facilities available, and the club gates will be closed and locked each night for security reasons so once you are in, you are in.
NO OPEN FIRES AT ALL
MEDIA
All media personnel attending this event must attend a short media briefing and sign indemnities on both days. Please contact Arlene at secretary@dirt.org.nz to register your attendance.
AS A CONDITION OF YOUR ENTRY ALL COMPETITORS ARE EXPECTED TO COMPLY WITH THE CANTERBURY OFF ROAD CLUB’S HEALTH AND SAFETY RULES DURING THE DURATION OF THIS EVENT. THERE WILL BE NO DOGS ALLOWED IN PITS OR PUBLIC VIEWING AREA FOR THE DURATION OF THIS EVENT