Toyota Racing Series reveals 2018 schedule

The series will kick off in January with the Lady Wigram Trophy at Ruapuna, before consecutive rounds at Teretonga Park, Hampton Downs, and Taupo leading into the season-ending New Zealand Grand Prix at Manfeild.

According to Toyota New Zealand’s Motorsport Manager Steve Boyce, the series is on track to continue attracting talent from around the world looking for some off-season laps.

“Once again, the world's leading young race drivers are developing their plans for staying race-fit at the end of the northern hemisphere race season, and they are looking south to New Zealand,” said Boyce.

“Enquiry is coming in now from Europe, the UK, America and Asia.

"Together with the teams active in the championship we are working hard to once more deliver world-class motor racing in January and February."

With long-time series managers Barrie and Louise Thomlinson stepping down at the end of last season, Toyota Racing New Zealand has recruited Supercars Commission chairman Steve Horne as a consultant.

The series has also shifted its base to a new facility at the Hampton Downs circuit.

“TRS is widely respected by motor racing managers, talent spotters and young race drivers around the world. Now we are building on the solid foundation established over the past 13 years and taking the operation to a new level with some very exciting initiatives,” added Boyce.

“Our establishment category management team, Barrie and Louise Thomlinson, created the championship from scratch and did a great job bringing it through the decade-long FT 40 era of the original car and the launch of the new FT 50 chassis.

“In that time, they have helped take TRS to a very strong position globally. They are now moving on to new challenges and leave the category well prepared for the future.

“As we bed-in the new TRNZ facility, we have taken the opportunity to evolve how we deliver the championship and review key roles within the organisation.

“It’s a very exciting time for Toyota Racing New Zealand, and having the benefit of Steve’s international motor racing wisdom is incredibly valuable.”

2018 TRS schedule