TOYOTA GAZOO Racing New Zealand is launching the Toyota 86 Trophy Series to provide a sustainable professional and competitive environment for the older Toyota TR86 model and an entry-level series during the winter for those drivers and teams perhaps looking to progress to the GR86 Championship or beyond.
The Toyota 86 Trophy Series, like the Bridgestone GR86 Championship and Castrol Toyota Formula Regional Oceania Championship, plays a major role in helping rising race drivers hone their skills.
Conceived as a stepping stone to greater things, the Toyota 86 Trophy Series is an intensely competitive premier-level championship that attracts rising racers and some of the highest profile names in New Zealand motorsport.
Going into its first year, the championship welcomes a fresh draft of talented racers expected to make the racing at each of the four rounds a close-fought battle.
The race-ready TR 86 takes driving where few sports cars dare to go - the track.
Cars are available to lease for drivers, either to those seeking experience in a saloon based category or as a stepping stone to the Bridgestone GR86 Championship and 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”, Toyota 86 Trphy Series 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”.
The Toyota 86 Trophy Series 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.
