Top female racer ready to tackle Toyota 86 champs
One of New Zealand’s best female racers will make her Best Bars Toyota 86 Championship debut at the season finale at Hampton Downs, ahead of a full campaign in the category next season.
Christina Orr-West will race the ex-Jordan Baldwin machine for Dayle ITM Racing in the conclusion of the championship from September 4-6 and be part of the team's 2020/2021 domestic motorsport campaign.
Orr-West, who has run in Indy Lights and came within a whisker of being the only woman to win a TRS race, tested an 86 during Toyota's two-day test at Hampton Downs recently.
The experience was enough to persuade her and Dayle ITM to commit to the championship.
“It has been great to do two days of testing first of all, and to really start to understand how the technique required in the car differs from what I have been used to recently, which is it either extreme in the shape of utes and GT cars, but once you start to get the feel of what makes it go quickly, it's a lot of fun,” says Orr-West, pictured.
“The times came down and we were all pretty happy with everything so it was great to be able to secure an entry for the final round with the view of competing in the whole championship next season.
“I have to thank Dayle ITM of course. They are loyal supporters of myself and motorsport and this is only happening because of their backing during what is a very challenging time for everyone in motorsport, no matter where they are. It should be a lot of fun and I am looking forward to getting to the sharp end and mixing it with some of our top up and coming racers.”
The car will run in the yellow colours of Dayle ITM and will be one of the main elements in the team’s 2020/2021 plans.
Long-time Dayle ITM-backed racer and former TRS winner Brendon Leitch also tested at Hampton Downs and is expected to be part of the team set up over the coming year.
Unprecedented interest
Orr-West’s addition to the campaign comes as Toyota Gazoo Racing New Zealand says it is seeing unprecedented interest in its 2020/2021 Best Bars Championship from a range of motorsports.
The Toyota 86 series is considered the leading domestic saloon car category for drivers to test themselves against top up-and-coming drivers. More Kiwi competitors are eyeing the challenge of Toyota 86 racing as Covid-19 limits their chances to race overseas and prevents international drivers from coming here to compete.
Several top Kiwi motorsport names have been testing and assessing vehicles, a few more cars have been sold for next season and more drivers have confirmed their entry for the Hampton Downs finale where organisers hope for a field of 18 cars.
Among those who will be joining Orr-West on the track is Cambridge motocross rider Seton Head, a works Kawasaki performer.
“I’ve been riding dirt bikes since I was four years old and it has only really been in the last six months that I’ve become very interested in cars,” he says. “My dad races Toyotas and I’ve wanted to race him for some time. This is a great way to do that and a great stepping stone to get into circuit racing. I am hoping it will go well at Hampton Downs and I’m definitely excited to be on the grid.”
Another notable name out testing was Pukekohe’s Matthew Payne, 18, who has had success on the European karting scene in recent seasons and is back in New Zealand looking for something to drive.
Geoff Short, category manager, says he is delighted with the extra interest for the championship.
“With domestic motorsport and what it has to offer very much on the radar of a wide variety of drivers at various stages of their careers, it’s very heartening they are looking at the Best Bars Toyota 86 Championship, which offers the best platform for any race driver to come and test their skills against the best young talent coming through New Zealand motorsport,” he adds.
“Toyota New Zealand has invested significantly to create the best touring car competition in New Zealand with outstanding TV and media coverage providing a professional environment for drivers to attract sponsors.”
