Taylor Mitchell wins CareVets seat for Toyota 86 Trophy Series

Up and coming Hamilton racer Taylor Mitchell has won the 2026 CareVets Scholarship – securing a seat in the CareVets Toyota 86 for the entire 2026 Toyota TR86 Trophy Series.

The 2026 CareVets Scholarship annual shootout was held at Hampton Downs yesterday and put the skills and fitness of eight drivers – hand-picked from an entry of more than 35 – to the test. It was a close run thing, but Mitchell’s consistency got him the nod after he tied on points with runner-up Cooper Cooley.

“I didn’t expect to win, especially against such high quality opposition but I am absolutely stoked to come out on top,” he said moments after being confirmed as the winner. “I can’t wait to go racing in the CareVets TR86,  I know it’s going to be very competitive out there but I’m genuinely very excited with what lies ahead.”

Part of the family behind the Mitchell Race Xtreme operation in Hamilton, Taylor (18) impressed on the run and the gruelling 10 minute Wattbike endurance test, before excelling in a tough interview scenario and then impressing engineers and driving judge Tom Alexander with his track and set-up skills.

As in 2025 when rising star Corban Sprague was victorious, Mitchell wins the use of the CareVets Toyota TR86 for the four rounds of the 2026 Trophy Series and along with that, the services of an experienced mechanic and engineer to make the race weekends as productive as possible for the winner. The driver will only be responsible for entry, running and any repair costs.

“It was an exceptionally high standard this time around, higher overall than we have seen in recent years,” said CareVets boss and the man behind the long-established Scholarship Programme, Keith Houston. 

“Taylor was the stand out performer for consistency and overall effort. It was obvious he wanted to win and wants to be part of the sport. This grassroots pathway will give him that first step and we can’t wait to see how he goes.”

Entry for the 2026 Toyota 86 Trophy Series opened on Tuesday – with plenty of interest and a host of early confirmations.

2026 Toyota 86 Trophy Series

Round 1: 16 and 17 May at Hampton Downs (NZIGP Season Finale)

Round 2: 20 and 21 June at Taupo Motorsport Park (Taupo Car Club Winter Series)

Round 3: 4 and 5 July at Manfeild - Circuit Chris Amon (Feilding Auto Electrical Winter Series)

Round 4: 1 and 2 August at Manfeild - Circuit Chris Amon (Feilding Auto Electrical Winter Series)