Big first season for GR86

Fans of the new GR86 Championship have meetings in the North and South Island for fans to look forward to.

Highlights of the forthcoming season include supporting the Supercars at Taupo, the New Zealand Grand Prix at Highlands and returning to Teretonga.

There has been plenty of interest from drivers in the new GR86 and the 2024-25 championship is expected to be just as good as previous TR86 championships.

“Fans can expect racing that’s just as close and just as competitive,” explains Caillol, of Toyota Gazoo Racing New Zealand.

“Drivers from the TR86 have always risen up the ladder performing with distinction and success, and that will continue with the new car. Testing has gone incredibly well and the drivers are going to love it.”

The first official hit-out for the new GR86 and its drivers will be the annual official test and media day at Hampton Downs on October 29 and 30.

Fans will see the new cars in action with the first round scheduled for Taupo International Motorsport Park from November 22-24.

There will be a decent Christmas break before the championship reconvenes at Hampton Downs from January 17-19 for round two around the full international circuit.

The championship will then head to the deep south for the third round from January 31 to February 2 at Teretonga Park Raceway in Invercargill. A week later, it’s Highlands as the main support for the NZ Grand Prix weekend.

The drivers and teams then get a chance to take a breath before the final two rounds of the championship in the North Island. 

The penultimate round will be on Hampton Downs’ national circuit over the weekend of March 21-23. The season finale, which will be at the Supercars event at the Taupo International Motorsport Park, takes place from April 11-13.

The championship will run all its races at events organised by new promoter, National Racing Group Promotions, apart from the final Supercars round.