Rookie eager to go again

Lee Zeltwanger is preparing to take a step up in his motorsport career after being crowned the inaugural Toyota 86 Trophy Series champion.

The Massey racer, pictured, secured the title after finishing first and third in the final races of the season at Taupo International Motorsport Park on July 27.

Zeltwanger took the lead in the championship from the first race and did not relinquish it throughout the four-round winter series for rookie racers.

The 23-year-old, who drives for Skunkworks Motorsport, can now look forward to a full season in Toyota Gazoo Racing NZ’s “main game”, the 2025/26 Bridgestone GR86 Championship.

His success secures a free lease of a GR86 and free support from a race and championship-winning engineer and mechanic, supported by CareVets.

“I can’t wait until the next season begins,” says Zeltwanger. 

“I have to thank my team Skunkworks for the excellent job they have done over the winter. 

“It’s been great getting the racing miles in and learning more about driving and it’s going to be awesome putting that to work in the next stage of my career.”

The last race of the competition was won by Harry Townshend, who led from lights to flag, with Ajay Giddy second and Zeltwanger completing the podium.

Townshend and Giddy finished second and third respectively in the overall standings.