Bewley takes T86 title

Tom Bewley secured the 2023/24 Toyota 86 Championship after a trouble-free drive to fifth place in the final race of the weekend at Taupo International Motorsport Park.

Although he was helped by the retirement of his chief rival William Exton, Bewley had everything covered as he came home to take the title by 32 points.

Jackson Rooney continued his dominance of the Supercars weekend with his second win of the weekend. Hunter Robb did what he could by finishing second for runner-up spot in the championship and the rookie title.

The day though belonged to the new champion Bewley, pictured. “It’s hard to say how I feel,” he says. “Obviously I’ve got to thank a mighty team who have kept me grounded and allowed me to improve as a driver, and I know I have.”

The race was straightforward with the only moment of drama Exton’s exit with clutch issues. Rooney ran away with it, showing prodigious speed that could mark him as the major title contender next season if he decides to continue in the championship with the new GR86.

Bewley topped the season’s tables with 909 points. Exton was second on 899 and Robb third with 843. Next up were Rooney and Justin Allen with 723 and 625 points respectively.

Rooney maintained his run at the top at the final round with a fine victory from pole position in the weekend’s first race.

He was slow to get away at the start, conceding the lead to Exton early on and settling into second place ahead of a fired up Lockie Bloxsom. Once in the lead, Rooney never looked back.

Bewley secured a vital victory in the reverse-grid second race, with his win putting him back at the top of the points table with just the final race to go.

The current Toyota 86 has now completed its last championship laps. Eleven seasons of epic racing having helped produce some exceptional drivers now racing throughout the world and Australasia at a very high level. Bewley will be hoping to join them.