Historic moment for racer
Glen Chappel’s hard-fought victory in the GT4 class of the Summerset GT New Zealand Championship proved to be an historic moment for him and his RaceLab team.
It was the first southern-hemisphere series victory for the GR Supra GT4 EVO2.
The car has been successful in the northern hemisphere winning more than 10 national and international titles in Europe and North America.
Its “coming of age” in the southern hemisphere and, in particular, New Zealand is a testament to vehicle, driver and team.
RaceLab owner Shane Helms says: “This is a significant milestone for RaceLab. To secure a national championship – especially the first for Toyota Gazoo Racing [TGR] in the southern hemisphere – validates the hard work, technical capability and commitment across the team.
“It’s not just a result. It’s a statement about where RaceLab sits competitively and what we’re capable of delivering at the highest level.”
Chappel secured the title at the season finale over this month’s Supercars weekend at Ruapuna Raceway after a tight battle in the class throughout the season with Grant Aitken and Allan Sargeant in another GR Supra.
The GT4 champion is quick to praise the success as a team effort. “When you have a team like RaceLab, a team-mate like Allan, and co-drivers like Tom Bewley, Shaun Varney and Lachlan Evennett, not a lot seems hard at all,” says Chappel.
“I love this sport and any minute I get in a car is paradise. I lost my father suddenly just before this final round so emotionally it was my most challenging weekend. He got a lot of enjoyment watching me race and for him not to see me win the championship was hard.
“Having said that, I’ve enjoyed every second in this EVO . Being in a team like RaceLab, it’s hard not to enjoy it. It was faultless every race. I’ve always loved front-engined, rear-wheel drives so this car suits me just fine.
“TGR is a now huge brand in motorsport and I hope I’ve done it proud. I really appreciate the support we’ve had at every meeting. It’s been world class.”
The GR Supra GT4 EVO2 vehicles racing here and across the Tasman in series such as the Monochrome GT4 are supported with a parts service from TGRNZ.
Its motorsport manager, Nicolas Caillol, says the vehicle has delivered on every level in its various Oceania campaigns.
“The GR Supra GT4 EVO2 has demonstrated impressive competitiveness in the hands of drivers like Glen and Allan, establishing itself as an ideal stepping stone for young racers transitioning from the GR86 championships in New Zealand and Australia into GT.
“A prime example of this pathway is Chris White who, after winning the 2025/26 Bridgestone GR8, is set to take the next step in his motorsport career by contesting the next three rounds of the GT4 Australian Series with GWR Racing as part of his championship prize.
“His progression highlights how the EVO2 has become an important platform for emerging talent to develop and showcase their skills at a higher level.
“The championship win in New Zealand is particularly significant, especially as it follows the car’s strong debut in the 2026 Monochrome GT4 Australia Series, where it claimed its first overall pole in Australia at the opening round.
“Teams and drivers like RaceLab will continue to unlock its performance at challenging tracks, but right now we’re proud of this milestone achievement for Glen and RaceLab.
“We’re now excited to see whether the five GR Supra GT4 EVO2s competing in the 2026 GT4 Australia Series can replicate the success achieved by the two cars here in New Zealand. We, at TGRNZ, are looking forward to the results.”
