Big financial prize on offer for Tasman Series

Wednesday 18 August, 2021

Competitors in the 2021 Tasman Series will be competing for up to $50,000 worth of prizes.

This year’s return of the iconic Tasman Series has received a major financial boost with up to $50,000 worth of prizes up for grabs.

Following the completion of the S5000 series’ two major events this year, the outright winner will receive a huge cash prize of $30,000, while the runner-up and third place getter will receive $10,000 and $5,000 respectively.

With the series also open to New Zealanders and internationals, a further $5000 is on offer to the best non-Australian performer in the series.

Making up the series will be seven races split across two rounds, beginning with the Supercheap Auto Bathurst International at the end of November and the Boost Mobile Gold Coast 500 on the following weekend.

Spearheading the Tasman Series’ grand return is Australian Racing Group and CEO Matt Braid believed investing a large financial incentive could lure in some great talent.

“A $50,000 prize fund reflects the prestige in which ARG holds the return of the Tasman Series. It is an iconic brand and the rewards on offer for those competing needed to reflect that,” Braid said.

“Investing in a prize fund shows that we are committed to giving the S5000 Tasman Series the best possible launch pad with which to build a long-term future for it and S5000 as a category.

“It also offers the potential of a significant return to those who enter the series and have some success.

“The $5,000 bonus for the top international driver will help add to the value proposition for those coming from New Zealand, or further afield.

“A potential $35,000 windfall, should they win the series, is a worthwhile return over and above a chance to win the Tasman Cup and compete at two iconic circuits.”

As the final sporting regulations are currently being developed, the points structure and grid determination system is yet to be confirmed, however promoting close competition and mixture of different race winners remains a top priority for organisers.

Outside of a brief return in the 1990s, the Tasman series will be run after almost 50 years of hiatus, having been mainly contested between 1964 and 1975 with Motorsport Australia and Motorsport New Zealand both owning the trophy.

All seven races will be broadcast live on the Seven Network or Fox Sports in Australia and Sky Sport in New Zealand.