Toyota and Castrol join forces in NZ motor racing

Toyota Racing New Zealand has entered into a sponsor relationship with Castrol Oil New Zealand. 

Steve Boyce, Toyota’s Motorsport Manager, says the agreement gives Castrol overall naming rights for the coming Toyota Racing Series which will be known as the Castrol Toyota Racing Series.

It also establishes Castrol as the sole lubricant supplier for TRS and the 2016-2017 Toyota 86 Championship. All teams in both championships will carry the Castrol brand on their vehicles and use Castrol engine and other oil products.

“The Toyota championships are high performance environments where drivers from New Zealand and around the world put our vehicles to the ultimate test as they seek to win races and titles. For Toyota, any racing partner must share our passion and commitment to excellence. Castrol fits these criteria,” he said.

Greg Bond, Castrol New Zealand Market Manager, said Castrol is excited to be partnering with Toyota to support the Castrol Toyota Racing Series and also partner as the official oil of the Toyota 86 Championship.

“Castrol has a long history and ongoing commitment to motorsport and motoring in New Zealand and we are proud to now be commencing an association with a world class racing series, and importantly, one that provides a great platform to develop and nurture young racing talent. Castrol EDGE is our strongest oil ever – perfectly suited for the Toyota racing environment, where there are extreme conditions for both car and driver,” said Mr Bond.

Steve Boyce said the relationship between Toyota and Castrol “goes back to the very origins of our involvement in motorsport and motor racing. Some of the most famous names in the sport have won races, rallies and championships driving Toyota vehicles that carry the Castrol brand. We now look forward to writing the next chapter in this proud history.”

2017 Castrol Toyota Racing Series dates and current lap records

Round 1 11 -15 January Mike Pero Motorsport Park, Ruapuna, Christchurch, Lady Wigram Trophy. TRS lap record 1:17.062, Lando Norris, January 2016

Round 2 19 - 22 January Teretonga Park, Invercargill, Spirit of a Nation. TRS lap record Lance Stroll 53.109, January 2015

Round 3 26 – 29 January Hampton Downs, New Zealand Motor Cup. TRS lap record 1:00.154, Arjun Maini, January 2016

Round 4 2 – 5 February Taupo Motorsport Park, Taupo, Denny Hulme Memorial Trophy. TRS lap record 1:23.357, Jehan Daruvala, February 2016

Round 5 9 – 12 February 2017 Manfeild, Feilding, New Zealand Grand Prix (along with the Dan Higgins Trophy and Dorothy Smith Memorial Cup). TRS lap record 1:02.653, Brandon Maisano, February 2015.

2016 -2017 Toyota 86 Championship dates and current lap records

Round 1  4 – 6 November 2016 Pukekohe Park Raceway, Pukekohe. Toyota 86 lap record. Ash Blewett 1.14.970, November 2015*

Round 2   9 – 11 December 2016 Taupo Motorsport Park, Taupo. Toyota 86 lap record Ash Blewett 1:42.258, September 2014

Round 3  13 -15 January 2017 Mike Pero Motorsport Park, Ruapuna, Christchurch. Toyota 86 lap record Tom Alexander, 1:36.654, January 2015

Round 4  20 - 22 January 2017 Teretonga Park, Invercargill. Toyota 86 lap record Nick Cassidy 1:07.148, January 2015

Round 5  10 – 12 February 2017 Manfeild, Feilding. Toyota 86 lap record Tom Alexander 1:17.279, February 2015

Round 6   10 – 12 March 2017 Hampton Downs. Toyota 86 lap record Tom Alexander, 1:14.210, May 2014