Castrol Toyota Racing Series test up for grabs for NZ Formula Ford winner

TOYOTA GAZOO Racing New Zealand has continued their support of the NZ Formula Ford Championship, offering the winner of the 2021 championship a test in their FT50 or FT60 race car.

The NZ Formula Ford Championship, popular with junior drivers, has proven to be a successful stepping stone for young drivers who go on to compete in the Castrol Toyota Racing Series (TRS).

Newly crowned TRS champion Matthew Payne cut his circuit racing teeth in Formula Ford briefly before his breakthrough championship win last weekend. TRS drivers Billy Frazer and Kaleb Ngatoa also stepped up from the most recent NZ Formula Ford season, in which Frazer was crowned the 2019/20 Champion.

The test on offer from TOYOTA GAZOO Racing New Zealand will assist the next young superstar in transitioning to a full blown ‘wings and slicks’ race car, something that TRS category manager Nico Caillol is passionate about.

“We are pleased to keep offering the winner of the NZ Formula Ford championship a test day in an FT50 or FT60,” said Caillol.

“Formula Ford has proven to be an important step in the development of kiwi drivers. You can see that with the top three this season, Matthew, Kaleb and Billy, having done their time in Formula Ford.

“We will have an eye on this season as there is once again a good group of talented drivers eager to fight for the top position and with no doubt, we will have a few of them on the grid for our 2022 season.”

NZ Formula Ford Championship co-ordinator, Karen Gillard, said the continued support from TOYOTA GAZOO Racing New Zealand will be a real boost for the championship.

“Having this prize on offer for our competitors is fantastic. All of our young drivers aspire to join the Castrol Toyota Racing Series and test their ability in the proven F1 breeding ground. The test day will help them get that much closer to making it a reality.”

The 2021 NZ Formula Ford Championship commences this weekend at Hampton Downs Motorsport Park.

2021 NZ Formula Ford Calendar:

Round 1: 21 February 2021 – Hampton Downs

Round 2: 14 March – Pukekohe Park

Round 3: 1 May – Ruapuna