Audi team leads the standings in New Zealand

Lead in the standings extended ahead of the finale: The Audi customer team IMS is on course for its next title success in New Zealand. After the tradition-steeped squad already clinched a total of five championship victories with the Audi R8 LMS in 2016, 2018 and 2019, the driver duo Neil Foster/Jonny Reid achieved a decisive success in the third of four endurance races in the North Island Endurance Series. The two New Zealanders secured their second consecutive victory of the season on the Taupo circuit. Having previously been tied on points, the Audi privateers as sole leaders of the standings now have a five-point advantage. The title decision will be made at Pukekohe on June 27. Initially, the title contenders from Aston Martin took the lead in the three-hour race but a safety car period caused their advantage to shrink. After Gentleman driver Neil Foster handed over the Audi R8 LMS to Jonny Reid, the Audi privateer overtook the Aston Martin, increased his lead confidently and eventually even lapped it. With Andrew Fawcett/Sam Fillmore, a second Audi driver team managed to make it onto the podium. The two privateers finished third in their R8 LMS. Two more trophies from Taupo were brought home by two Audi teams in the one-hour competition. Anthony Leighs crossed the finish line in second place, followed by Geoff and Martin Short in another first-generation Audi R8 LMS.