New car for stalwart

Toyota 86 stalwart Justin Allen has a new car and team heading into the inaugural Bridgestone GR86 Championship.

Allen has been a regular race winner and top three contender in recent seasons in New Zealand’s top one-make, one-model series and finished last season as a winner in his familiar NAPA Autoparts backed vehicle.

The colour scheme might be similar on his Bridgestone GR86 Championship challenger, but that’s about all. 

His new GR86 will also be part of a new team, Syndicate Motorsport, run by engineer Glenn Mason who has plenty of experience engineering Taylor Bryant’s Toyota 86 in recent seasons.

Allen is aiming to be a contender right from the first practice laps when the championship gets under way at Taupo International Motorsport Park on November 22.

He says: “I’ve had limited time in the new car like everyone else. But first impressions are excellent and we were quickly up to speed at the first shakedown test at Taupo last week.

“The team is new and will be a two-car team. We are very focused on succeeding and, as I’ve said before, I personally have unfinished business in this championship. 

“Maybe with the new car and a level playing field, I can finish the job this season, win races, be consistent and be a factor in the title chase.”

As well as familiar supporter NAPA, Jallen’s GR86 will carry support from Feilding Auto Electrical, and Manawatu and TRC Toyota.

Five rounds in the new year conclude at Taupo with the championship drivers on show to all the Supercar teams when the Australian championship comes to town once again. 

More than 20 of the country’s top drivers and rising stars are all set for battle in the championship.