Title defence logical next step for Allan

Inaugural Bridgestone GR86 champion Hugo Allan is back to defend his title in the forthcoming season.

The 21-year-old Auckland-based driver will remain with iMac Race Engineering but will step aboard the ex-Will Morton car and will carry the iconic livery of the Mad Butcher for the duration of the season.

Successful championship defences have been seen in the Toyota 86 Championship over the years, most recently with Rowan Shepherd going two from two in 2021 and 2022 but Allan is not underestimating the challenge that lies ahead.

“This season is as much about defending my title as it is about strengthening my credentials as a driver and continuing to advance my motorsport career,” he explained.

“The Bridgestone GR86 Championship is the ultimate proving ground in New Zealand, with true car parity and highly competitive fields, it's the perfect environment to keep growing as a racer.”

Though he seems to have been around for a lot longer than he has, Allan is keen to remind everyone that his successful championship campaign last season marked only the second time funds have allowed him to complete a full championship.

“Last season was only my second full season of racing ever, outside of simulator racing, so it was all about learning, adapting to a new car, working with a new team, and competing in the largest-ever field of entrants,” he added.

“The experience I gained, particularly around tyre management and consistency, gives me a solid foundation and advantages I can carry into the 2025–26 season. We also have some new things to try this year, which I’m confident will make us even stronger competitors than last year.

“I’m hugely proud to have Mad Butcher as my principal sponsor for the 2025–26 season. I’m honoured to be backed by such a legendary New Zealand brand, though I reckon by the end of the season I’ll have eaten enough Mad Butcher sausages to qualify as part of the product line myself!

“I’m also excited to carry over some sponsors from last season and will have some new supporters jumping onboard for the new season, and I’m incredibly grateful for their belief in me.”

Hugo’s title defence will begin at the end of the month at Hampton Downs before an intense summer of action in both the North and South Islands.