There was nothing calm about the day as wet weather had an impact on the second round at Teretonga on Saturday leading to frequent lead changes, and both yellow and red flags.
“Thrilled with the win,” Day said.
“We didn’t have the pace initially in the dry but once the rain started, I was able to get into a groove.”
Second was the Lamborghini Huracan GT3, of Glen Brazier/Andrew Waite, followed by Sam Fillmore/Jonny Reid (Audi R9 LMS GT3 Evo), Paul Kelly/ Kaleb Ngatoa (Porsche 992 GT3 Cup) and Andy Childe/Tom Alexandra (Porsche 992 GT3 Cup) in fifth.
Auckland driver Hugh Gardiner ended up claiming his second win of the South Island one-hour endurance series for class 1, 2 and 3 cars.
Southland’s Jordan Michels (Marc II Mustang) led for 51 minutes before a gearbox issue sidelined him momentarily.
That allowed Gardiner, who had been pursuing Michel all race, to get to the front and hold off Steve Brooks/Bill Riding (Porsche GT3 Cup 992) and Jaden Ransley (Ford Falcon FG).
Kelly (Porsche GT3 Cup 992) was fourth as Michels salvaged fifth.
"We were sitting pretty until the gearbox jammed and we had to pull over and reset," Michels said.
"Fifth place was still a strong result despite the misfortunes."
Gardiner, who won the opening round in Christchurch, had hovered within seconds of Michels and took his compulsory pit-stop first.
When Michels pitted, he emerged in first and with an increased lead.
The result gives Gardiner an 18-point advantage over Brooks and Riding with one round left in the 2025 series. Michels is three points back on 169.
First class 3 car was Caleb Paterson (Porsche Cayman GT4 RS) in 10th overall.
Michael Bushell/Angus McFarlane (Porsche GT3 Cup) lead the class from Pel Arnott (Hyundai i30N TCR).
The third and final round is at Highlands Motorsport Park in Cromwell on October 18.
— Allied Media
