NZ 86 CHAMPION TO TEST TRIPLE EIGHT SUPERCAR

The winner of New Zealand’s Toyota 86 Championship will win a Supercar test with Triple Eight Race Engineering.

The prize, which has been made available by the Tony Quinn Foundation, which has been developed to help aspirational Kiwi drivers who want to race overseas.

Tony Quinn himself is now a major stakeholder in Triple Eight has got the deal over the line.

Drivers now have the incentive of a shot at Supercars in their pursuits of a Toyota 86 Championship crown. Toyota New Zealand General Manager of Marketing Andrew Davis believes this prize will up the stakes significantly.

“We have always been focused on providing opportunities to find our next world champion and believe that the Toyota 86 category is an essential part of that pathway in New Zealand,” said Davis.

“The Triple Eight Supercars test reflects a common philosophy to help our best young drivers. It is exciting times and great to have this support from the TQ Foundation.

“We are confident of both big numbers and significant names and adding this amazing opportunity for the next champion to the prize pool will only add to the appeal and interest.”

Tony Quinn’s foundation has quickly established a network of racing initiatives in NZ, with the backing of Indy 500 winning team owner Steve Horne and four-time Bathurst winner Greg Murphy.

The new prize will complement a current driver development programme at Hampton Downs Motorsport Park.

The founder himself was excited for the eventual winner of the opportunity.

“It’s going to be an awesome experience for the winner,” said Quinn.

“They will see how a top team works from the engineering and technical side to the driving side of things and of course they will have a golden opportunity to catch the eye of those in the team and learn from the best.”

Reigning NZ Toyota 86 champion Rowan Shepherd was confident in the talent produced by the competition, suggesting the winner would be equipped to perform well in testing.

“There are many quality New Zealand drivers out there,” said Shepherd.

“Winning in the Toyota 86 Championship isn’t just challenging, it’s incredibly hard. All the past champions would agree with that, I am sure.

“The best young drivers have to contend not only with each other, but in recent times with some very experienced racers and proven champions.”

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