YOUTHFUL DRIVER LINE-UP FOR NEW TOYOTA 86 SQUAD

Youthful driver line-up for new Toyota 86 squad – Images: InSyde Media

New Toyota Gazoo Racing Australia 86 Series squad Tekworkx Motorsport will feature a youthful driver line-up in 2021.

By RHYS VANDERSYDE

The Gold Coast based team has signed 15-year-old South Australian Kai Allen and 18-year-old Northern Territorian Rossi Johnson for its two-car entry in the five-round season.

Allen comes from a distinguished karting background, with two national titles to his credit – the Cadet 12 crown in 2016 and the coveted KA2 Junior 125cc championship in 2018. He has also won 12 state karting championships.

The Mount Gambier teenager has already caught the attention of some of the highest-profile personalities in the sport, and will be mentored by Erebus Racing Supercars driver Brodie Kostecki throughout the season.

Allen will pilot the ex-Tim Brook 2018 title-winning car but due to age restrictions, his T86RS debut will not take place until the second round of the series at Winton Motor Raceway in May. The experienced George Miedecke will fill the seat for the season opener at Bathurst.

The 86 series will also mark Johnson’s first taste of national-level competition, but the Darwin driver has already impressed in tin top competition, winning the North Australian Motorsport Club (NAMSC) HQ Holden Championship and Rookie of the Year honours in 2019. Prior to racing cars, Johnson won multiple motocross titles.

Johnson recently purchased an ex-Jay Robotham 86, which will be prepared alongside Allen’s machine at Tekworkx Motorsport’s Gold Coast base.

“I’m over the moon to be joining the Tekworkx Motorsport Team for 2021 – as people close to me would know racing cars nationally has been a dream of mine ever since I was young and I can’t think of a better place to be making a start in the category than Tekworkx Motorsport,” Johnson said.

Tekworkx Motorsport is also planning to run a third car at selected T86RS rounds, with the driver of that entry to be announced later in the year.

Team owner Rob Woods said his is privileged to provide opportunities to some of the future stars of the sport.

“We’re very pleased to offer the chance for some talented youngsters to demonstrate their abilities on the national stage,” said Woods.

“Both Kai and Rossi have achieved excellent results in other categories and we look forward to providing them with a fun and nurturing environment for their first appearances at some of Australia’s biggest race meetings.

“Unfortunately, the age restrictions have prevented Kai from racing in the opening round at Bathurst, but we’ve secured a suitable replacement in George Miedecke who will do a great job – he’s done laps of the Mountain in pretty much everything.

“With Luke (Youlden) locked in for a Carrera Cup season and Tim Brook on board as driver coach, we have the right mix of youth and experience to bring out the best in everyone’s driving.”

Tekworkx Motorsport will conduct a test day at Queensland Raceway on 9 February, with a total of five cars (Porsches and Toyota 86s) scheduled to turn laps during the day.

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