Grammer aiming big second time around in Toyota 86 Trophy Series
Nathan Grammer begins his second campaign in the Toyota 86 Trophy Series today as one of the pre-season favourites for overall race and round wins and the Winter Series class title.
Last season in the inaugural series he finished an impressive third overall in the Trophy class standings in his first campaign aboard a Toyota 86.
He begins this winter campaign on the back of two appearances at the end of the season in the Bridgestone GR86 Championship ahead of his rookie 2026/27 Bridgestone GR86 Championship campaign.
Since the last Trophy Series, the 16-year-old has continued to build his motorsport career experience, competing in both the North and South Island Endurance Series with Mackenzie Motorsport, and securing the 2025 Motorsport NZ 1 Hour Endurance Championship for Classes 4 and 5.
“The Winter Series provides valuable seat time through the off-season while keeping me sharp heading into a what’s going to be a busy and important 2026-2027 summer campaign,” he said at Hampton Downs during Friday practice – where he was impressively quick.
“It’s important time with the car and with the team and its definitely going to help as I look to the Bridgestone GR86 Championship and more endurance racing next season.
“Ultimately, it’s an important stepping stone on that route to competing internationally in endurance racing where one day I’d love to compete in the FIA World Endurance Championship.”
Away from car racing, Nathan still enjoys spending time in his Energy Corse New Zealand kart, and that has formed the basis of preparation for the winter campaign.
Nathan’s distinctive TR86 will carry the backing of regular supporters J.A. Russell Ltd, Marley New Zealand and Ambius Lighting for the four-round series.
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)
