Race series slims down for 2021
The Castrol Toyota Racing Series (TRS) will go ahead this summer in a reduced three-round format as it seeks to find New Zealand’s next world champion.
Toyota Gazoo Racing New Zealand and the race promoters have decided to hold three rounds in the North Island only, instead of five rounds across both islands, because of the current border restrictions and the impact of Covid-19.
The 2021 series will offer the opportunity for young drivers to break through and show their talents to a local and international audience.
While there will be fewer rounds, the races themselves will be longer with the distances increased from 50km and 70km to 70km and 80km respectively.
Andrew Davis, general manager of Toyota Gazoo Racing NZ (TGRNZ), says they chose a reduced format to keep entry costs as low as possible and to encourage as many Kiwi entrants as feasible.
“The fundamental purpose of the Castrol Toyota Racing Series is to develop our homegrown racing talent,” he explains. “This format gives us the ability to continue to promote and support local talent and bring top class motorsport to the New Zealand public.”
Organisers hope they will be able to extend the series to include South Island tracks again in 2022.
The first and third rounds of the competition will be part of the MotorSport New Zealand Summer Series at Hampton Downs and Manfeild. The second round, to be raced at Hampton Downs, will be integrated into the 2021 Toyota Gazoo Racing NZ Festival along with the Best Bars Toyota 86 Championship.
The New Zealand Grand Prix (NZGP) will still be part of the TRS, but which round is yet to be determined.
Elton Goonan, acting chief executive officer of MotorSport NZ, says: “It’s great to be able to pull the final pieces of the MotorSport New Zealand Summer Series together in announcing the TRS dates.
“TRS has been a key step in the motorsport ladder for many young drivers since its inception so with such an unusual year, we’re happy to be able to finally confirm the dates. With the focus on local drivers in 2021, we’re going to see some of NZ’s best young drivers take to the track hoping to follow in the footsteps of some of New Zealand’s superstar drivers.”
Davis says there are plans to expand the NZGP to make it a New Zealand All Stars event with former TRS champions and New Zealand racing champions competing against our up and coming stars.
He adds that TGRNZ is hopeful of getting overseas drivers into the 2021 event and was working with MotorSport New Zealand, Sport NZ, the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment and New Zealand Immigration on permits and logistics.
“We have been advised that the government’s decision on international drivers will take place before the end of November as we have considerable interest in the series this season,” he explains.
“The economic contribution of visiting drivers, teams and support members is important to the viability of TRS and the New Zealand motorsport and wider economy so we will continue to work to enable international participation where possible.”
Castrol Toyota Racing Series
Round one: Hampton Downs, January 22-24
Round two: Hampton Downs, January 28-30
Round three: Manfeild, February 12-14
