Hill to take winning form into Toyota 86 Trophy Series
Sixteen-year-old Josh Hill will be aiming to take some impressive form from his most recent events into the forthcoming Toyota 86 Trophy Series.
Hill, from Queenstown, recently completed his first race series outside of karts – winning Class 3 of the Jackson Orchard Sprint Series aboard his Toyotas 86 and in the process the Toyota 86 Grant Aitken Perpetual Trophy.
He was supported in his campaign by a couple of notable names – Paul Blomqvist and former Toyota 86 Championship star William Exton - and says it was a significant help as he moved from karting into circuit racing.
“The Orchard Sprint Series was a great start for moving up to cars from karts, which I have been competing in since I was seven,” he explained.
“Paul Blomqvist at Highlands was an amazing driver trainer and Willie Exton has been a huge help with my transition into the 86. I’m confident that I can take that knowledge into the Trophy Series , race hard and learn how to lead a pack.”
Josh will use the same car he won the Highlands title in for the Toyota 86 Trophy Series and he’s been doing what testing he can ahead of the first round at Hampton Downs this coming weekend.
‘Ive been able to do lots of testing on my home track at Highlands but obviously minimal on the North Island, but I’m looking forward to the tracks. They always produce great Toyota 86 racing and I’m looking forward to being part of that over the next few weeks.”
Josh – who says his biggest motorsport heroes are Shane van Gisbergen, Greg Murphy, Ryan Wood and Exton has amassed some good local support for his campaign.
HSD Building, Placemakers Queenstown, E13 Performance Windows, Kerb Central, JK’s Engineering, Welco, Transport Engineering Southland, Carpet Court Queenstown, Topcoat Specialist Coatings, Creation Signs, Pringle Decorating and Lakeland Glass will all be represented on his 86 for the four round series.
Hill’s four-round Trophy Series campaign begins at Hampton Downs over the weekend of May 16th and 17th before moving further south to Taupo Motorsport Park on June 20 and 21. Manfeild is the destination for the third round two weeks later on July 4th and 5th before the series concludes at the same circuit on August 1 and 2.
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)
