Castrol TRS dates for 2023
New Zealand’s only international single-seater championship – the Castrol Toyota Racing Series (TRS) – has confirmed its schedule and return to next year’s global calendar.
The first full championship since the pandemic began in 2020 will feature two rounds in the South Island and three in the North Island.
The date of the 67th NZ Grand Prix, which remains as the centrepiece of the championship trail and is one of only two non-Formula One grand-prix events recognised by the FIA, is still to be confirmed.
Toyota Gazoo Racing NZ is now focusing on securing a full field of 20-plus cars for the first round at Highlands Motorsport Park over the weekend of January 13-15. It hopes emerging Kiwi talent will once again take on the best young single-seater racers from around the world.
The championship heads to Teretonga Park a week later before going north for rounds at Manfeild – Circuit Chris Amon, Hampton Downs and Taupo International Motorsport Park.
“At this time of year, almost all young drivers are preparing for their summer seasons, particularly in the northern hemisphere,” says Nicolas Caillol, TRS category manager.
“The Castrol TRS has always been recognised for providing a superb five-weekend championship at high-quality circuits with plenty of testing, practice, qualifying and race mileage. That remains the focus as we return to normal after pandemic restrictions.
“We are finalising budgets for 2023, but the focus will remain to provide a world-class championship that in single-seater terms represents the best value for money out there at around 25 per cent less than comparable championships.
“Super Licence points will continue to be awarded and can be added to a driver’s total tally for next year making the series even more attractive for those building towards securing a Super Licence, which is essential for racers wanting to make it to F1.”
New Zealand’s Covid-19 restrictions meant there was no series this year. But Caillol is currently in the middle of a tour of junior single-seater racing events promoting the series and making sure all the young talent out there, their management teams and bigger motorsport operations running programmes are aware of what’s happening.
He adds: “It’s a big process to restart the championship. However, we have plenty of interest and, of course, securing dates and venues is a critical part of the planning for anyone interested in competing in 2023.”
The dates for next year’s Castrol TRS are January 13-15: Highlands Motorsport Park, January 20-22: Teretonga Park Raceway, January 27-29: Manfeild – Circuit Chris Amon, February 3-5: Hampton Downs International Motorsport Park, February 10-12: Taupo International Motorsport Park.
