Vodanovich declared series champion

Organisers of the Toyota 86 series make final round a non-championship one as Covid-19 denies the top two drivers a chance to battle it out on the track.

Posted on 26 August, 2020

Peter Vodanovich has been confirmed as the Best Bars Toyota 86 champion following a decision by Toyota Gazoo Racing New Zealand (TGRNZ) to declare the 2019-2020 championship.

TGRNZ made the move following confirmation title contender Jaylyn Robotham is unable to compete in the season finale due to ongoing border restrictions and logistical issues caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.

The final round – scheduled to take place at Hampton Downs over the first weekend of September – now becomes a non-championship round.

Vodanovich wins the title by two points from Robotham, with Jaden Ransley taking third place and Connor Adam and Campbell Stewart rounding out the top five.

“I’m very excited to be declared the winner of the Best Bars Toyota 86 Championship,” says Vodanovich. “After starting from behind due to mechanical issues in the first round, the team and I worked hard and finally took the lead after some great racing with Jaylyn and Jaden at Manfeild.

“It’s a shame the championship has had to be declared. Unfortunately, all of us have had career issues with this pandemic. It has been an awesome series and an instrumental steppingstone for my career.

“The team worked tirelessly to achieve this goal, and I’m extremely grateful for the support base of my team, sponsors and family for making this possible ... Finally, big thanks to Paul Morris and Norwell for all their assistance.”

Geoff Short, category manager of the championship, says in the circumstances awarding the title now was the fairest thing to do.

“It’s disappointing that the championship itself has ended early,” he explains. “But we all felt it was the right call to declare the championship as the points currently stand and make the next race weekend one which will be a great opportunity for people to try the class out ahead of next year’s championship.”

Best Bars Toyota 86 Championship final standings

1. Peter Vodanovich, Peter Vodanovich Motorsport, 819pts
2. Jaylyn Robotham, Jay Robotham Racing, 817
3. Jaden Ransley, Jaden Ransley Motorsport, 747
4. Connor Adam, Post Haste, 602
5. Campbell Stewart, M2 Competition, 567
6. Brock Gilchrist, Brock Gilchrist Motorsport, 489
7. Justin Allen, Allen Racing Team, 474
8. Richard Peasey, Adrenaline Industries Racing, 427
9. James Wilkins, Kaizen Racing, 420
10. Ryan Wood, Ryan Wood Motorsport, 404