Teens dreaming of championship glory

Three teenage racers – Mac Templeton, Cameron Hill and Zach Blincoe – are among those who will be chasing glory in the upcoming Bridgestone GR86 Championship after getting a taste of the competition last season.

Templeton, 17, stayed within rookie rules after taking part in only two rounds of the previous championship and has the same new car as he eyes a full rookie campaign.

The Christchurch racer, pictured, will join Chris White in the Neale Motorsport team for the six-round competition, which starts at Hampton Downs this month.

Templeton, pictured above, excelled in karting before also finding success driving Mazda vehicles in the North and South Island series. 

His long-term ambition is to race in Australia in the Supercars championship, but for now he is keen to build on his initial experience in the GR86.

“My debut weekend in the GR86 was at round five Hampton Downs, and I learned pretty quickly that no one in the field is here to mess around,” he says.

“Everyone is so similar in pace, so I really needed to work hard in practice to sort out my qualifying because I knew it was not going to be easy. I was very happy to come away with a couple of top 10s on my debut.

“The season ahead is the biggest challenge I’ve faced yet. I’m sure the competition will be at just as high a standard but with the team at Neale Motorsport I am confident and excited to work to the best of my ability this season.

“My objective for the season ahead is definitely aiming to take out the Rookie of the Year title. My new teammate Chris won it last season and a GR86 drive at Bathurst is an amazing prize – I want to claim that this season.”

“It will not be easy with the competition there will be amongst the rookies this year, but I have a lot of the best people in my team to help me build myself and do what it takes.”

Seeking consistency

Cameron Hill, 18, is coming back for a second season and targeting regular podium finishes as he eyes a title challenge.

The Coatesville-based driver, who will race for Right Karts by M2 Competition, was one of the best-performing rookies last season and finished 10th overall after one victory and a number of top-10 placings.

“The win was awesome,” he explains. “I was hoping to carry that momentum throughout the season, instead of into the bank at Teretonga.

“I didn't realise just how hard it is to win repeatedly in this championship and I lacked the consistency I needed to win, something I aim to address this season.”

Hill, pictured below, says his preparation for a second GR86 campaign has been helped by being part of Motorsport New Zealand’s Elite Motorsport Academy programme this year.

“I’m learning a lot in that environment and things like the academy training camp in Dunedin have been massive eye openers,” he adds.

“The academy really is next level and a world-class programme, and I know it will help make me a better athlete and help me make greater progress in my racing career.”

Hill has also been spending more time in the gym working on strength and endurance and getting out testing with the team.

“I believe I can race for podiums this season, why be there if not to win and give 100 per cent?” he says.

“Consistent podiums are what’s needed to win the title and I know I have a team behind me who can win races so it’s up to me to deliver.”

Clear goals

Another rising star in the one-model series is Zach Blincoe, who showed tremendous pace during his first season but a maiden win proved elusive.

“My racing goals this season are to win the championship and get my first race and round win overall,” says the 19-year-old from Bucklands Beach.

“It was a bit frustrating last season to just miss out on a race win after having multiple opportunities slip away from us due to driver and car errors.

“However, now I have a lot more experience coming into this season, I think a race win is definitely on the cards. Overall, though, I am hoping for more.”

Blincoe, pictured above, notes his first GR86 season gave him a great idea of what is needed to succeed in the championship and says consistency is key.

“I learned last season that when everything does not go as planned while racing that I must calm down and keep my head in the game and not get too flustered. This will be important to succeed this season, I’m in no doubt about that.”

Blincoe will be back with Mackenzie Motorsport for the coming season, which will conclude at the Taupo Supercars round in April.