The drivers were part of the Southern Saloon Slam, a racing series taking in Cromwell, Invercargill and Dunedin.
Series promoter Fiona Moffitt, of Oamaru, said the drivers suffered their strokes off the track but they were so severe both were now out of competitive racing and it was likely one would never return.
She declined to name the drivers, but said they were well known on the racing circuit.
Both were in their 50s and were "busy people, businesspeople, energetic people.''
Ms Moffitt said other drivers felt helpless.
"People were surprised at how quickly someone's life could change in unknown ways.
"Everybody wants them to get better and their lives back to normal.''
This spurred the group into action and it decided to get behind the Stroke Foundation of New Zealand.
"Because you can't do anything for those drivers, we're trying to work with the Stroke Foundation to get their message across.''
At the last race meeting for the season in Cromwell today, drivers and meeting organisers will adorn their cars with stroke foundation slogans.
Ms Moffitt said the racers and organisers would normally sell those spots to advertisers or sponsors, but they felt they could do more good for their community by promoting the anti-stroke health messages.
"Anybody can have a stroke at any time. Our aim is to help the Stroke Foundation and support the message so people can spot a stroke quickly and get help,'' Ms Moffitt said.
At a glance
Common first signs of stroke include:
• Sudden weakness and/or numbness of face, arm and/or leg, especially on one side of the body
• Sudden blurred or loss of vision in one or both eyes.
• Sudden difficulty speaking or understanding what others are saying.
• Sudden loss of balance or an unexplained fall or difficulty controlling movements, especially combined with any of the other signs.
- Source: Stroke Foundation of New Zealand
