Webley takes next step in racing career with Toyota 86 Trophy run

Nelson racing driver Conley Webley will take on some of the country’s top young talent in the forthcoming Toyota 86 Trophy Series.

At just 15 years old, Conley – a Year 11 student at Waimea College in Richmond – has already amassed a wide range of racing experience.

He started racing at just eight years old on the dirt in quarter midgets. Having gained a top three national nomination he moved into Youth Ministocks at 12 and currently holds both the NZ and South Island ‘1’ nominations.

At 11 he started karting and recently took a top ten placing at the National Schools event. His first experience of circuit racing came two years later at 13 in the South Island 2K Cup and the Mag & Turbo Series. Now, the competitive arena of Toyota 86 racing is his next big stepping stone.

“The Toyota 86 Trophy Series looks like it is going to be competitive and a respected development series in New Zealand,” he said. “It’s the perfect step up to hone my skills in a challenging car, gain crucial seat time, and learn from some of the best in the country. It’s also a great platform for exposure and development heading into endurance racing later in the year.”

Conley will join experienced team Action Motorsport for the four round series, which gets underway at Hampton Downs this weekend. Even though he won’t step into the car until Friday practice, he’s excited about the challenge that lies ahead, adding:

“I haven’t driven the TR86 yet my first time will be this Friday but I’m really looking forward to getting behind the wheel and seeing how I adapt to it.

“I’ve been watching as much onboard footage as possible to learn the tracks and cars behaviour. I’ve also spent time on the simulator and going over data to prepare mentally and technically for the step up.

“I’m looking forward to Hampton Downs particularly. Being from the South Island, I haven’t had much track time up north, but I’ve done a few laps at Hampton Downs and really enjoyed the technical features of the circuit. I’m also looking forward to learning more tracks as the season progresses too.”

Conley will tackle the Manfeild and Taupo race tracks as well as this weekend’s opener at Hampton Downs in a campaign supported by Tyre World Richmond, Express Lube WOF and Tyres, Waimea Vehicle Testing Station, MTF Finance Richmond and MEC NZ.