Driver shifts into new series

Hugo Allan, a race winner in the Toyota 86 Championship, has become the first driver to confirm a full campaign in the new Bridgestone GR86 Championship.

The 20-year-old, who made his racing debut at Taupo in the Toyota 86 several seasons ago, will run his 2024-2025 campaign with CareVets Racing.

Allan, pictured, says the move into the new series is a major step for him and could be a springboard to a sustainable career in GT, touring car or endurance racing.

“The Bridgestone GR86 Championship will have a strong focus on the driver and that’s what appeals to me and I’m sure other young drivers,” adds the North Shore-based racer, who grew up in Queenstown learning his skills in a field with a Toyota Hilux.

“Being a one-make series means that everyone is on equal footing, especially now with the new car. In previous seasons, the prize fund has provided significant opportunities for young drivers to further their careers, which is fantastic.”

Allan’s motorsport journey began in the bedroom on a DIY sim rig and he won national titles before wanting to race the real thing and test his skills on a circuit.

He joined the final round of the Toyota 86 championship in 2021 and, with support from The Heart of Racing, went on to win the rookie title in 2022 after collecting two race wins. 

Since then he has also tested Toyota’s Formula Regional FT-60 car and was selected to take part in the Porsche Carrera Cup Asia Talent Pool.

His GR86 Championship campaign will start with the first round at the Taupo International Motorsport Park over the weekend of November 22-23, with the final round being held at the same venue in April.