Toyota racing series

about the series

Moving into another season as New Zealand's premier category, the Toyota Racing Series is as exciting, fast and closely fought as ever.
The only class in New Zealand motorsport that offers aspiring racers vital experience with wings, slicks and composite technologies, The Toyota Racing Series is Toyota's commitment to nurturing our next generation of top level racing talent.

No other manufacturer has made the same long term commitment to motorsport as Toyota. Drivers in the National Championship series compete for every major title and trophy in the sport. The series attracts Premier Gold Star status along with the New Zealand Grand Prix title, one of only two FIA-sanctioned Grand Prix race events outside of Formula One.
As one of only two FIA sanctioned Grand Prix race events outside of Formula One the Toyota Racing series attracts Premier Gold Star status, making it a truly world class motorsport event.
Attracting rising stars from the northern hemisphere, overseas drivers value the chance to compete during the northern winter and make a name for themselves while their rivals wait out the winter chill.
Rising starts from around the globe seize the valuable chance to gain a competitive edge over their rivals waiting out the winter chill in the northern hemisphere.
Toyota's support for the only manufacturer-based single seater class in New Zealand extends to the most advanced trackside pit and hospitality facilities in the country. It's a paddock presence that supports both race teams and their sponsors. The travelling F1-style set-up features a paddock area and marquee bay so each competitor works in a self-contained, professional environment alongside other race teams.

tracks

• 1. Ruapuna Park, ChristchurchLength : 3.33km
  Direction: Anti-clockwise
  Surface: Hot mix bitmen
  Lap Record: Scolt pye 1.19.429sec - 30 November 2011
  Set on a flat, river stone base, the series of turns that comprise the 3.3km multi-configuration circuit make it a very technical track. Rewarding for the precise and patient driver, it has many passing opportunities and great viewing for spectator
  
• 2. Teretonga Park, InvercargillLength : 2.57km
  Direction: Anti-clockwise only
  Surface: Bitumen
  Lap Record: Lucas Auer 54.28 sec - Race 1, Saturday 12 January 2013
  Extremely fast when mastered, this circuit flows smoothly from turns 1 through to 5. An amazingly long straight leads into a daunting high speed multiple apexes sweeper requiring maximum commitment from all drivers. The circuit is exposed to a strong sea breeze and often forces gearbox and setup changes
  
• 3. Hampton Downs Motorsport Park, Hampton DownsLength : 2.63km
  Direction: clockwise
  Surface: Layers of chip seal, asphalt, polymers and additives
  Lap Record:
  Hampton Downs is the circuit that takes New Zealand motorsport into the 21st century and has been designed to meet the very latest FIA circuit safety standards. The contoured circuit with its banked corners introduces an entirely different dimension and offers spectacular viewing opportunities
  
• 4. TaupoLength : Club Circuit: 1.3km, National Circuit: 2.3km, International Circuit: 3.32km
  Direction: Anti-clockwise only
  Surface: Asphaltic concrete
  Lap Record: Ash Blewett 1:42.258 - 27 September 2014
  This 3.5km international circuit has proven a challenge for the TRS and A1GP when they ran there. The 830 metre downhill main straight will be one of the fastest in the Toyota Racing Series but the Turn 9/10 complex will be tight and slow. With elevation changes of 4-5 metres, the fast infield sections can be expected to be a challenge. The main straight is 17 metres wide before the final complex, which means there should be plenty of side by side action at maximum speed
  
• 5. Manfeild Park, FeildingLength : 3.03km
  Direction: Configurations using both directions
  Surface: Hot mix/Bitumen
  Lap Record: 1.03.820
  With three long straights on the circuit, corner exit speed is paramount to securing a fast lap time - this track will be sure to impress. Manfeild offers many passing opportunities and is a favourite amongst many drivers and spectators. Manfeild should prove to be one of the highlights of the series.
  

the team

​Founded in 2010 by Mark Pilcher and Jonathan Moury M2 COMPETITION is a racing team competing in junior formulae. With experience in DTM, Champ Car, GP2, WRC, A1GP, Le Mans Series and 24h, GP3, and of course Toyota Racing Series, their aim is to provide the best package for young drivers progressing through the motor sport ladder.
Because of M2 COMPETITION's strong links with New Zealand, the Toyota Racing Series was a logical first step for the team, especially since the core of the staff has won the New Zealand Grand Prix three times.
Having an office in the United Kingdom as well as in New Zealand, they provide the best opportunity for drivers to stay race ready and accumulate race mileage during the off season in Europe, while drivers graduating from Karting or entry level categories can get a perfect training for the coming summer season in Europe.
Once the season is over in the southern hemisphere they can follow and guide the drivers in order to get the best season possible thanks to our advisors and partners in Europe.
Their partners include a sports marketing agency, an engineering research and development company, as well as racing teams from Le Mans 24h, GP3, GP2, and Formula 3 championships.

results