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2024 TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Festival
Event Day Schedule
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Pre Event Information
Always wanted to take your Toyota on a professional race circuit?
Here’s your exclusive chance to drive your Toyota, old or new, on one of New Zealand’s most picturesque and professional race circuits.
The annual 2024 TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Festival is returning to Hampton Downs on March 9th, 2024!
The TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Festival is an opportunity to come along for a track experience like no other, show off your pride and joy or simply soak in the atmosphere of Toyota car heaven.
Activities range from gymkhana, to show and shine, track sessions, and a 4x4 experience.
Back for 2024
This year we are thrilled to bring back Club Drift! The Ultimate drifting experience is coming to the track and will be managed by 3x D1NZ Champion and Formula Drift USA pro driver, Darren Kelly!
This event is a must-attend for all drifting enthusiasts looking to take their skills to the next level.
As an entrant, you'll receive open access to the club circuit where we will run 15-minute open sessions throughout the day. This means you'll have ample time to perfect your technique and show off your skills. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a newbie, this event is perfect for everyone!
TRACK ACTIVITIES
Track Plus
Cost: $259 per person
Time: 9.00am - 4.30pm
When: Saturday 9th March 2024
Where: Hampton Downs Motorsport Park
If you want the ultimate track experience, then this is the package for you! Including 4x 15-minute sessions per group (based on experience), you will have ample time on track to release your inner pro-driver skills.
Registrations have now closed.
Track Lite
Cost: $159 per person
Time: 9.00am – 12.00pm
When: Saturday 9th March 2024
Where: Hampton Downs Motorsport Park
Don’t want to spend all your time on the track? No worries, our Lite Track package gives you the best of both worlds to enjoy thrilling track time and make the most of everything on offer off the track. With 2x 15-minute sessions per group (based on expereince), we know you’ll be leaving satisfied.
Registrations have now closed.
Toyota 4X4 Track
Cost: $59 per vehicle
Time: 9.00am – 12.00pm
When: Saturday 9th March 2024
Where: Hampton Downs Motorsport Park
Bringing your Toyota 4x4 to the track? We have an epic 4x4 course for you to put it to the test, plus learn some tips by our 4x4 experts. Sessions will be running all morning, and you can do the course as many times as you can. Cost is per vehicle which means you can pile in your friends and family, safely of course, and enjoy the course together.
Vehicle requirements: Capable of low range 4WD, preferred all terrain tyres and reasonable ground clearance.
Any skill level can take part.
Registrations have now closed.
Gymkhana
Cost: $79 per vehicle
Time: 9.00am – 4.30pm
When: Saturday 9th March 2024
Where: Hampton Downs Motorsport Park
Want to put your driving skills to the test as you race against the clock to become the Gymkhana Champion?
Gymkhana registration will give you access to the Wet Skid Pan for the day and give you the opportunity to beat the time set by one of our pro drivers while navigating your way through a short course.
The top 10 entrants with the fastest times will then compete against each other to determine who will be crowned the ultimate Gymkhana Champion!
Online Registrations have now closed. Registrations available on Event Day - Eftpos available.
Club Drift
Cost: $199 per vehicle
Time: 9.00am – 4.30pm
When: Saturday 9th March 2024
Where: Hampton Downs Motorsport Park
Want to take part in the ultimate drifting experience? The track will be managed by 3x D1NZ Champion and Formula Drift USA pro Driver, Darren Kelly.
You will receive open access to the club circuit where we will run 15-minute open sessions throughout the day, meaning you will have ample time to perfect your technique and show off your skills!
All skill levels welcome.
Registrations have now closed.
The 2024 TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Festival is returning to Hampton Downs. Experience the exceptional on 9th March 2024!
Driver's Briefing
Important: If you are taking part in the above activities, you must attend the compulsory driver’s briefing at 8.00am. We suggest you arrive no later than 7.30am which will give you time to park up your vehicle and get ready.
*The minimum requirement for track sessions is a single layer race suit with a SFI 3.2A/1 rating (cotton overalls are not permitted). Please contact Hampton Downs if you have any further questions.
OFF-TRACK ACTIVITIES
If the tracks not really your thing, we have plenty of free off-track activities.
Show and Shine Competition
If you’ve got an amazing Toyota old or new, 4x4, car or SUV, then we’d like to see it. Whether it’s an impeccably detailed rebuild, quarter-mile demon or a high-tuned track weapon – any age, model and style can enter – as long as it’s a Toyota or Lexus.
Categories will be based on vehicle age: PRE 1980, 1980-89, 1990-99, 2009-09, 2010-19, 2020+ and Under Construction.
Prizes will also be awarded to Best Original, Best Engine Bay, Best Interior, and the popular People’s Choice award.
Timing: Judging will commence at 9.00am and the winners will be announced at 3.30pm (approx.).
Your vehicles will require a Show and Shine sticker to be displayed on the windscreen to qualify for judging (provided at Gate).
Due to high demand the Show and Shine Competition has reached capacity and we are no longer taking entries online. If you have entered but are no longer taking part or if you would like to join the waitlist, please contact customercare@toyota.co.nz.
Toyota Parade Lap & Main Straight Photo
Whether you are participating in any track activities or not. All Toyota and Lexus vehicles are welcome to participate in our Toyota Parade Lap led by the pace car. So even if you’ve just come to watch for the day here’s your chance to get on track! This is a slow cruise around the track where we stop on the main straight, line up all the cars and take the now infamous TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Festival photo. The best part is that it’s FREE and you can take passengers with you.
Timing: Midday
Cost: Free
Merchandise
Get into gear and check out the latest TOYOTA GAZOO Racing New Zealand merchandise. Eftpos will be available.
Toyota 86 Championship Pit Stop Challenge
Challenge a friend and earn bragging rights on who can change a Toyota 86 Championship tyre the fastest. Prizes up for grabs for the three fastest times at the end of the day.
Timing: 9.00am-4.30pm
Cost: Free
TOYOTA GAZOO Racing New Zealand Simulators Challenge
Wanting to kill some time between your track sessions? Have a go on the amazing race simulators and be in to win some cool prizes.
Timing: 9.00am-4.30pm
Cost: Free
Frequently Asked Questions
The Toyota Festival is the largest manufacturer track event of the year hosted by Toyota New Zealand. The purpose of the event is not only to provide a safe and enjoyable day on the track, but to celebrate with Toyota’s number one fans!
You can expect to see a variety of on and off-track activities, such as Track Sessions, Gymkhana, Club Drift and a 4x4 experience, as well as a Show & Shine Competition and pitstop challenge. Make sure you stop and pick up some TGRNZ merch plus be in to win a Hot Lap spot prize!
If you don’t want to participate, no worries, you can just come along for the day and enjoy it for free. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a newbie, this event is perfect for everyone!
No, assuming your car is roadworthy (i.e. has a current WOF and is registered) or is a race car with a current MSNZ logbook. The brakes will be worked harder than usual, so we recommend visiting your local Toyota Store for a check-up prior to the event.
If you purchase the Track Lite (morning session) option, you’ll get 2x 15 minute track sessions. For the Track Plus (full day) option, you’ll get 4x 15 min track sessions.
The Festival gates will open at 7.00am, followed by a compulsory drivers briefing at 8.00am. The first Track Session will begin at 9.00am and run throughout the day until 4.30pm. Track Sessions are spread out during the day to give you plenty of time to rest and check out other things that are happening on and off the track.
Yes, you are welcome to enter.
Yes, as long as your licence is in English, or converted into English and readable.
To drive on the track, you need a crash helmet in good condition.
If your vehicle has a 4-point harness or more, you must wear Frontal Head Restraints (FHR).
For Factory Standard Cars (lap diagonal belts), a helmet, fire retardant race suit (minimum of a single layer fire retardant race suit) and closed in shoes are required.
For Modified Vehicles (roll cage, 4-point harness, etc.), a FHR, helmet, fire retardant race suit, fire retardant shoes and fire-retardant gloves are required.
No race suit is required if you are only partaking in the slow Toyota Parade lap at midday.
Once you register online you will receive a confirmation email from us.
Yes, we offer refunds until seven days prior to the event. Any refund requests after this time will be processed at our discretion.
No passengers are permitted on Track Sessions. If you are partaking in the slow Toyota Parade lap, then you may take passengers.
Yes, racing slicks, and semi slicks can be used.
Track Sessions are all in a controlled environment and will be led by one of our pro drivers in a pace vehicle. Please drive to the speed that you feel safe and comfortable with. We split cars up into 4 groups ranging from beginners, slow, medium, and fast. The Track Sessions are non-competitive, remember it’s your own pride and joy you are driving. We want everyone and their rides to return home in one piece!
Generally, no, but we recommend that you check with your insurance providers as some will add track day cover to your policy for a small premium.
We suggest that you enter the beginners group and to drive within your own ability.
Yes, you can. Please notify the Festival staff at the gates who will direct you to the correct parking area.
Entry and parking to the event is free for everyone. If you own a Toyota, you can park your car in the public carpark for free and still be in to win some spot prizes.
Although you won’t be able take part in the activities e.g. Track Sessions and the Show & Shine, you are most welcome to attend and ponder why you don’t already own a Toyota. Spectator entry is free and there will be public parking available for your non-Toyota vehicle outside of the venue.
Yes, all Lexus vehicles are welcome in all activities.
Yes, all BRZ vehicles are welcome in all activities.
Yes, you are welcome to, however there will be areas that have restricted access. If you are interested in accessing these restricted areas, please contact us. We have a professional photographer and film crew working throughout the day. All images will be posted on our Flicker Account.
Yes, we will have our TOYOTA GAZOO Racing New Zealand and Toyota Festival merchandise available for purchase. Cash and EFTPOS will be available.
Yes, there will be a variety of food vendors and coffee available for purchase. If you have any special dietary requirements, we recommend that you bring your own food.
Event Details
Where: Hampton Down Motorsport Park
When: Saturday 9th March 2024
Stay Updated
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