Toyota Gives Motorsport Fans More Of What They Love

TOYOTA NEW ZEALAND LIMITED

Palmerston North www.toyota.co.nz

MEDIA RELEASE 18 March 2013

Toyota Gives Motorsport Fans More Of What They Love

Toyota New Zealand is set to increase its commitment to local motorsport, announcing an upgrade of the Toyota Racing Series (TRS) cars, and a brand new one-make race series for the company’s highly acclaimed 86 model.

In addition, motorsport fans wanting a taste of the action will soon be able to get their hands on a fully customisable entry level 86 online, and build their own unique car suitable for road, race or rally.

Toyota CEO Alistair Davis says the company will replace their fleet of TRS cars within the next two to three years. Changes will include the latest technologies in driver safety with both chassis and engine upgrades.

At the same time, the company says there has already been significant interest in a special series designed around the newly developed race car, the TR 86 (Toyota Racing 86). It has been indicated that a field of 15 could be set to start at Highlands Motorsport Park in Cromwell in late 2013, with 15-20 races per year across seven meetings. The events will be sanctioned by Motorsport NZ and supported by Toyota Racing.

Following positive feedback received after the TR 86 concept car was displayed at race tracks this season, competitors will now be able to buy the TR 86 for $70,000 plus GST with a series pack consisting of spare race wheels and a competition data dash adding an extra $8,000 plus GST.

All-in-all, the two developments comprise a significant investment by Toyota in the local motorsport scene. The company says the TRS, which has just completed its ninth season, garners interest from fans across the world as well as providing a springboard for up-andcoming local talent.

In 166 races held since 2005, almost half of the 109 competitors have been locals, several of whom have gone on to high-profile careers in motorsport like Brendon Hartley, now a test driver for Mercedes F1 GP, two time TRS and 2012 GP3 champion Mitch Evans now competing in GP2, and Nick Cassidy the current TRS champion who looks set to compete in Europe in 2013. The TRS is now beamed in to 39 countries across Europe, North and South America and Australasia, with broadcasts in six languages.

ENDS

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