Zeltwanger races to first Toyota 86 Trophy Series pole

Experienced racer Lee Zeltwanger made a strong first impression as he completed his first competitive track session in a Toyota 86 – taking pole position at the first round of the new Toyota 86 Trophy Series by just under three tenths of a second.

For all of the drivers competing, it was the first dry time on track in the TR86 at the race meeting after most of Friday was rained off and it was Zeltwanger in his self-run TR86 – overseen by experienced Toyota racer Dion Pitt - who was quickest into the groove.

His first flying lap was in the 1 minute 16 second bracket before he unleashed his best on his second flying lap – an impressive 1 minute 16.150 second effort.

He was delighted to have found pole winning speed so quickly, commenting: “I set a decent lap time on my first flying lap but when the tyres were up to temperature I was able to go a bit faster and I am very happy with my speed. It’s a great car to drive, with much less roll than I am used to.

“I’m one hundred percent looking forward to the races a little later.”

Alongside Lee on the front row for the first race of the new series will be old hand Harry Townshend.

Back in the car he raced in the Toyota 86 Championship, but ineligible for Trophy Series points having run in the Bridgestone GR86 Championship last season, he nevertheless showed his intent to bag a few race wins and podiums with a fine lap of 1 minute 16.419 on his second flying lap. That was good for the fastest time in the Winter Series class, edging out rival Ajay Giddy by three tenths of a second.

CareVets Scholarship winner Corbyn Sprague saved his best effort until later in the session to claim the outside starting position on the second row with fourth fastest time.

Matt Day was at the sharp end from the first flying lap and had a solid session aboard the Dayle ITM Racing TR86, also clocking a time under the 1 minute 17 second TR86 benchmark to take the fifth fastest time. Sixteen year old Taupo student Toby Elmiger will be alongside Day on the third row of the grid.

Former TR86 championship series Master class racer Noel Simpson qualified a solid seventh in the Lexel TR86, edging Nathan Grammer. Ninth and tenth will be Kyan Davie and Conley Webley.

Toyota 86 Trophy Series – Round 1 Hampton Downs Qualifying