2024 sees the introduction of the new GR86 race car. This will be the 12th year of the championship - the first 11 seasons with the hugely successful TR86.
The 86 evokes its inspiration, the iconic AE86 of the 1980s, with superbly balanced handling, free revving engine and a performance oriented rear wheel drive format.
Internationally the GR86 is out on the race track with the successful one-make series also being run in the United States and Australia.
The TR86 was the subject of rapturous acclaim on debut and we expect the same with the all new GR86. Built by TOYOTA GAZOO Racing NZ, the cars are designed for racing and professionally prepared at our Hampton Downs facility.
Building on the globally recognised success of its unique Castrol Toyota Formula Regional Oceania Championship, Toyota run a closely controlled one-make championship for the GR86, offering local race drivers the chance to be part of a close fought and exciting series that competes on New Zealand’s leading race circuits.
The GR86 Championship, like the Castrol Toyota Formula Regional Oceania Championship and Toyota 86 Trophy Series (which commences in 2025), plays a role in helping rising race drivers hone their skills - and with the close grids of GR86 competitors, it brings the added bonus of dedicated media coverage and television, helping to attract sponsors at driver and team level.
The championship has its own dedicated photographer, with images posted each evening of race weekends on the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing New Zealand Facebook page and the TGRNZ website. The images accompany professionally written media releases summarising the day’s on-track activity.
TOYOTA GAZOO Racing NZ is introducing the brand new GR86 race car for the championship’s 12th season.
Cars are available to lease for drivers, either to those seeking experience in a saloon based category or as a stepping stone to the Castrol Toyota Racing Series single-seaters. Cars can be leased on a dry hire basis, or a fully managed package through a team.
“Our aim has always been to offer a race series that challenges drivers and helps them develop their skills”, Bridgestone GR86 Championship Manager Amanda Tollemache says.
“We know there are many drivers – especially young drivers – who would like the chance to try their hand in the championship. So far we have seen people either buy cars outright or race with the support of a team and a car owner. This initiative adds a further way to get on the grid”.
Drivers will compete for the coveted Championship trophy, the Rookie of the Year, and the Master of the Year Trophy.
CHAMPIONSHIP TROPHY
At the annual MotorSport New Zealand Awards function, the overall winner (highest overall points scorer from all rounds of the championship) will be awarded the Championship Trophy.
ROOKIE OF THE YEAR TROPHY
The title of Rookie of the Year will be awarded to the Rookie driver with the highest overall points.
Note: Criteria applies
MASTER OF THE YEAR TROPHY
The title of Master of the Year will be awarded to the Master driver with the highest overall points.
Note: Criteria applies
The Bridgestone GR86 Championship is organised and run by TOYOTA GAZOO Racing New Zealand (TGRNZ) out of their unique workshop facility at Hampton Downs.
TGRNZ provides full technical support and backing, and is a recognised MotorSport New Zealand Championship.
Amanda Tollemache is the appointed Category Manager, who oversees the general management of the series plus logistics and hospitality.
Bruce Airey manages all technical aspects of the series.
