Toyota’s acclaimed 86 sports coupe returns for an eleventh championship season after making its debut on New Zealand’s race tracks in 2013 using the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing NZ developed version designed for racing, the TR 86.
The Toyota 86 Championship, like the Castrol Toyota Formula Regional Oceania Championship, plays a major role in helping rising race drivers hone their skills, and for the close grids of Toyota 86 competitors it brings the added bonus of dedicated media coverage and television, helping to attract sponsors at driver and team level.
Conceived as a stepping stone to greater things, the Toyota 86 Championship is an intensely competitive premier-level championship that attracts rising racers and some of the highest profile names in New Zealand motorsport.
The Toyota 86 Championship takes drivers to some of the most spectacular race circuits in New Zealand, sharing the billing with SuperCars, New Zealand’s premier motor racing championship the Castrol Toyota Formula Regional Oceania Championship and includes the New Zealand Grand Prix weekend.
Going into its eleventh year, the championship welcomes a fresh draft of talented racers expected to make the racing at each of the six 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 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 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 Toyota 86 Championship trophy, the Toyota 86 Rookie of the Year, and the Master of the Year Trophy.
TOYOTA 86 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 Toyota 86 Championship Trophy.
TOYOTA 86 CHAMPIONSHIP ROOKIE OF THE YEAR TROPHY
The title of 86 Rookie of the Year will be awarded to the Rookie driver with the highest overall points.
Note: Criteria applies
TOYOTA 86 CHAMPIONSHIP MASTER OF THE YEAR TROPHY
The title of 86 Master of the Year will be awarded to the Master driver with the highest overall points.
Note: Criteria applies
The Toyota 86 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.
