Pathway prizes confirmed
Toyota Gazoo Racing NZ (TGRNZ) has confirmed its prize pool for the Toyota 86 Trophy Series and a competitive step up to the next level is promised for the top drivers.
Using the iconic TR86 model, the winter competition is designed as the first rung on the ladder that takes drivers from the first stage of circuit racing in a tin-top, through the high-profile Bridgestone GR86 Championship, then to GT4 and beyond.
The prize pool for the inaugural Toyota 86 Trophy is a key piece in that process. The winner will secure not only the free lease of a GR86 – supported by CareVets – but also free support from a race and championship-winning engineer and mechanic.
Second place in the championship will secure a free lease of a car from TGRNZ. Both first and second places will be responsible for other season costs.
The third-placed driver will secure entry fees and tyres for a season in the Bridgestone GR86 Championship.
“These are important benefits for any driver looking to use the Toyota 86 Trophy Series as a stepping stone in their career and we believe it will be extremely attractive,” says category manager Amanda Tollemache.
“The confirmation of the prize pool will not only be great news for those already signed up, but will be equally attractive and helpful for those close to confirming programmes and putting programmes together for the forthcoming four rounds.”
Eighteen-year-old Corban Sprague, of Timaru, will fly the flag for CareVets in the Toyota TR86 Trophy Series after winning a hotly contested scholarship shootout at Hampton Downs recently.
CareVets boss Keith Houston, a long-time supporter of young talent, says supporting the best drivers move into the Bridgestone GR86 Championship is the obvious next step.
He adds: “We are proud to be supporting young drivers by sponsoring the CareVets scholarship for the series and then have the winner of the trophy series progress onto the full GR86, so a driver has an opportunity for a two-year sponsorship deal if they perform well.”
Round one of the Toyota 86 Trophy Series is at Hampton Downs from May 9-10.
