Tyre brand backs championship
Toyota Gazoo Racing New Zealand (TGRNZ) has confirmed Bridgestone will be the title sponsor and tyre supplier for its new GR86 Championship.
The Bridgestone GR86 Championship and the forthcoming Toyota 86 Trophy series will both run on the company’s Potenza RE-71RS semi-slick tyre.
Bridgestone’s return to premier motorsport in New Zealand complements its global motorsport portfolio, which includes the Toyota Gazoo Racing GR86/BRZ Cup in Japan, Super GT Series, and the NTT IndyCar Series in America.
The deal for the New Zealand championship coincides with the launch of a new generation car.
Bridgestone was selected by TGRNZ as the tyre supplier following a competitive tender process, with extensive testing of the Potenza RE-71RS at Hampton Downs and Taupo International Motorsport Park.
Nicolas Caillol, TGRNZ motorsport manager, says: “The RE-71RS has performed exceptionally well during the testing programme for the new GR86 and will bring out the best in the car, which is quicker and more focused on track performance than the old car.
“The Toyota 86 Championship had a rich history of producing great racing and great talent and this will continue with the Bridgestone GR86 Championship.
“Having a common tyre in the GR86 Championship and the Toyota 86 Trophy Series will also provide valuable continuity for developing drivers looking to step from the TR86 to the new GR86.”
Heath Barclay, Bridgestone Australia managing director, says the company’s return to local motorsport demonstrates its passion to race, win, embrace challenges, and accelerate innovation.
“Last year we celebrated the 60 years of Bridgestone motorsport activities by showcasing our global initiatives, and I am thrilled to once again be involved in motorsport in the local market,” he adds.
“The addition of the Bridgestone GR86 Championship in New Zealand is a fantastic addition to Bridgestone’s motorsport activity, and a perfect alignment for us in New Zealand.”
John Staples, Bridgestone director of New Zealand business, notes the competition is the ideal platform to promote the company’s range of tyres to a “highly engaged fanbase”.
The 2024/25 Bridgestone GR86 Championship takes place over six rounds, starting at Taupo International Motorsport Park from November 22-24.
GR86 Championship
Round 1: November 22-24, 2024, Taupo International Motorsport Park
Round 2: January 17-19, 2025, Hampton Downs Motorsport Park (international layout)
Round 3: January 31-February 2, 2025, Teretonga Park, Invercargill
Round 4: February 7-9, 2025, Highlands Motorsport Park, 69th New Zealand Grand Prix
Round 5: March 21-23, 2025, Hampton Downs Motorsport Park (national layout)
Round 6: April 11-13, 2025, Taupo International Motorsport Park – Supercars
