TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Festival back even stronger at Hampton Downs

20 March 2026 /

Toyota’s annual celebration of all things Toyota returns to Hampton Downs on Saturday 28^th March with even more amazing classics, latest models, a new full day 4X4 experience and activities for children of all ages.

TOYOTA GAZOO Racing New Zealand Chief Strategic Officer and Vice President, Andrew Davis, says the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Festival “reflects our commitment to our customers, a love of our heritage and is tied to our Let’s Go Places vision by showcasing mobility for all, pushing the limits for better, connection with community, and it is about having fun!”

“An iconic event that brings like-minded people together each year, the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Festival is a great way to celebrate our customers, meet old friends and take in the iconic vehicles.”

Andrew says a highlight of the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Festival this year is the addition of a GR Hub, Toyota Happy Laps Cruise and a new North Island full day 4x4 Experience set within rugged North Waikato countryside.

“For the first time, Toyota’s legendary full day 4x4 Experience is coming north, bringing an adrenaline-charged, medium level exclusive offroad adventure where you’ll crawl over rocks, crest hilltops, and farmland. This new feature has proved so popular we have already sold out of spaces for the Experience,” he says.

This year’s Festival also brings a refreshed and more deliberate TOYOTA GAZOO Racing presence across the event. Visitors will see a more visible and consistent GR brand identity woven throughout the venue, supported by clearer GR storytelling that links the vehicles on display with Toyota’s global and local motorsport programme. The enhancements also reflect stronger alignment with global TOYOTA GAZOO Racing direction – applied in a way that fits the New Zealand motorsport landscape.

These updates introduce a deliberate, but measured, increase in GR DNA across the weekend, ensuring the brand not only stands out but feels integrated and purposeful.

This year’s TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Festival will include a special section within the Show and Shine display dedicated to Lexus models (another first). Show and Shine is open to anyone who loves their Toyota or Lexus and is equally in love with washing and waxing their pride and joy.

TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Festival is designed for fans to bring the whole whānau for a full day of excitement with a huge lineup of offtrack activities designed for all ages, from entertainment and displays to hands-on experiences that keep the energy high from the moment visitors arrive.

When you’re ready for some real track action, register to get behind the wheel and experience what it’s like to drive your Toyota, old or new, on one of New Zealand’s premier race circuits.

This is a one-of-a-kind track experience where you Toyota enthusiasts can flaunt your cherished vehicle or immerse yourself in the Toyota car paradise ambiance. Activities include a gymkhana wet skid pan competition, Show and Shine Competition, track sessions, and a thrilling 4x4 experience, ensuring there's something for everyone to enjoy.

Another feature of the weekend will be the Club Drift. The Ultimate drifting experience is coming to the Hampton Downs track and will be managed by three times D1NZ Champion and Formula Drift USA pro driver, Darren Kelly.

This event is a must-attend for all drifting enthusiasts looking to take their skills to the next level. As an entrant, you'll receive open access to the club circuit where 15-minute open sessions will be held throughout the day. This means you'll have ample time to perfect your technique and show off your skills. Seasoned pro or newbie, this event is perfect for everyone!

Whether you are participating in any track activities or not, at midday all Toyota and Lexus vehicles are welcome to participate in the Toyota Parade Lap led by the pace car. So even if you’ve just come to watch for the day, here’s your chance to get on track. This is a slow cruise around the track where we stop on the main straight, line up all the cars and take the now infamous TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Festival photo. The best part is that it’s free to Toyota car owners and you can take passengers with you.

While fans show off their Corollas, Crowns and Supras and enthuse over the new GR Yaris and Corolla models, Toyota engineers around the world are working on a range of new technologies designed to keep the motor racing heritage alive but in a more sustainable way.

TOYOTA GAZOO Racing is focused on pushing the limits for better, which includes testing the capabilities of low emission technology. Part of the pushing the limits for better strategy includes looking at innovation with low emission technology such as making a hydrogen powered GR Corolla or engines that run on synthetic carbon neutral fuel.

It is also about pushing current technologies to ensure they run more efficiently and deliver better performance with less CO2 like the 3-cylinder GR Yaris and GR Corolla engines, which will be on show at the Festival.

Track registration details

Track Plus

Cost: $299 per person

Time: 9.00am - 4.30pm

If you want the ultimate track experience, then this is the package for you! Including 4x 15-minute sessions per group (based on experience), you will have ample time on track to release your inner pro-driver skills.

Club Drift

Cost: $259 per vehicle

Time: 9.00am – 4.30pm

When: Saturday 28th March 2026

Where: Hampton Downs Motorsport Park

You will receive open access to the club circuit where we will run 15-minute open sessions throughout the day, meaning you will have ample time to perfect your technique and show off your skills!

Toyota Happy Laps Cruise (NEW)

Cost: $69 per vehicle, $15 per passenger

Time: 1.00pm - 2.00pm

When: Saturday 28^th March 2026

Where Hampton Downs Motorsport Park

Cruise the national track in your own car (passengers allowed). Join other enthusiast behind a safety car for a circuit of the Hampton Downs National Track.

Gymkhana

Cost: $89 per vehicle

Time: 9.00am – 4.30pm

When: Saturday 28th March 2026

Where: Hampton Downs Motorsport Park

Want to put your driving skills to the test as you race against the clock to become the Gymkhana Champion? Gymkhana registration will give you access to the Wet Skid Pan for the day and give you the opportunity to beat the time set by one of our pro drivers while navigating your way through a short course. The top 10 entrants with the fastest times will then compete against each other to determine who will be crowned the ultimate Gymkhana Champion!

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