In a thrilling announcement for New Zealand motorsport, current IndyCar star Marcus Armstrong is set to trade the high banks of American ovals for the technical twists of Highlands Motorsport Park this October. Fresh off a stellar season in the United States, Armstrong will return to his roots to team up with his father, reigning GTNZ Champion Rick Armstrong, for a special one-off appearance in the South Island Endurance Championship. This is a family affair, and a rare chance for Kiwi fans to witness one of the world’s brightest motorsport talents on home turf.
From Indianapolis to Cromwell
Marcus Armstrong’s 2025 season in the NTT IndyCar Series can only be described as a resounding success. Piloting the #66 Honda for Meyer Shank Racing, he carved out an impressive 8th place finish in the final championship standings, cementing his status as a formidable competitor in one of the planet’s most demanding single-seater categories. The IndyCar series is a brutal test of versatility, forcing drivers to master everything from 350km/h superspeedway ovals to tight, unforgiving street circuits and flowing road courses.
Now, Armstrong is bringing that world-class experience back to New Zealand. He expressed his excitement, noting the nostalgic connection to the machinery: “Some of my earliest racing memories were of Porsche cup cars – watching my Dad race. It will be cool to share the car with him and race in front of a kiwi crowd.” He added, “It’s been a good season in IndyCar and although the season has only just finished, I’m itching to get back in a race car.” This hunger to compete is what separates the good from the great, and it’s what fans can expect to see unleashed at Highlands.
A Flat Out Family Affair
While Marcus brings the international stardust, his co-driver is a champion in his own right. Rick Armstrong, founder of the Armstrong’s group, is a formidable force in local motorsport. He is the reigning GT New Zealand Open Class Champion and will be chasing a commanding “three-peat” in the upcoming season. For him, this endurance race is the perfect blend of high-level preparation and priceless family time.
“Racing alongside Marcus is something truly special. It is not often you get to share the track with your son, let alone one who is racing at the very highest level overseas,” said Rick.He sees the event as an ideal shakedown before his title defense begins. “Highlands is a great place for us to do this, and it is a fantastic warm-up before I get stuck into another GTNZ season.”The father-son pairing promises a fascinating dynamic in the cockpit, blending youthful IndyCar aggression with veteran touring car experience for the three-hour endurance race.
The Weapon of Choice: Porsche’s 992 GT3 Cup
The Armstrongs won’t be bringing a knife to a gunfight. Their chosen vehicle is an all-new Porsche 992 GT3 Cup Car, set to debut in fresh colours for the 2025/2026 season.The 992-generation Cup car is a pure, unadulterated racing machine, representing the pinnacle of one-make Porsche racing worldwide.Powered by a 4.0-litre, naturally aspirated flat-six engine producing around 510 horsepower, it delivers a visceral sound and immediate throttle response that drivers adore.Stripped of all non-essential comforts and equipped with a sophisticated aerodynamic package, its sole purpose is to corner harder, brake later, and accelerate faster than its predecessor. It’s the perfect weapon for a demanding circuit and a multi-hour endurance format.
A Weekend for the Fans at a World-Class Venue
The event will unfold at the spectacular Highlands Motorsport Park in Cromwell on October 17–18, 2025.More than just a racetrack, Highlands is a premier destination known for its dramatic elevation changes, iconic bridge crossover, and challenging, high-commitment corners that reward brave and precise driving. It’s a fitting stage for this unique event. The South Island Endurance Championship’s three-hour race will provide the ultimate test of strategy, reliability, and driver skill.
Beyond the on-track action, the weekend is a must-attend for Kiwi motorsport enthusiasts. Organisers have confirmed that fans will have opportunities to meet Marcus Armstrong, offering a rare chance to connect with a driver at the peak of his international career. This combination of accessible homegrown talent and global star power makes the SIERDC Round 3 an unmissable event on the 2025 motorsport calendar.
