Toyota’s grassroots racing event, Toyota 86 Racing Series, has been given the green light to feature at Australian racetracks for another two years.
The extension of the popular support category at select Supercars race weekends around the country demonstrates a strong corporate commitment to developing new motorsport talent, especially young drivers with limited budgets and opportunities.
Toyota’s Chief Marketing Officer, Wayne Gabriel said the announcement will be welcomed by anyone with the talent and desire to compete in a national circuit series.
“Our decision to extend the Toyota 86 Racing Series gives certainty to competitors and potential entrants who need to know that their investment in the car and racing package will enable them to compete for several years.
The comparatively low cost of cars and racing attract a range of drivers, from those still at school right through to businessmen wanting some fun.
Competitors and fans can look forward to at least three more seasons of full grids, intense action, and continued development of Australia’s future motorsport talent.”
With the appointment of Bathurst 1000 winner Jason Bargwanna as the designated mentor for the program moving forward, entrants are given a unique opportunity to fast track their motorsport career.
This year’s series will involve Jonathan Webb, Leanne Tander, Warren Luff, Steve Owen, reigning Bathurst 1000 champion Luke Youlden, rising star Harry Bates, one of Australia’s best internationally recognised drivers Jason Bright and multi-championship winner Chris Pither.
The series continues to grow in popularity with track attendances up 20 percent last year, and there are now even more chances to spectate with three new races, an extra track and a new state added to the program compared with the 2017 line up.
The great news keeps coming for competitors too! In addition to first, second and third placings taking home the cash, those finishing the year in fourth to eighth place will now share in the prize money.
It all kicks off this year on Phillip Island from April 20-22, followed by Townsville in July and South Australia’s new Bend Motorsport Park at Tailem Bend in August.
