AC Delco colours for kiwi bound Buckley

Alice Buckley will race on both sides of the Tasman in 2024 with the bright blue colours of AC Delco on her Toyota 86.

As earlier announced Buckley will take on the New Zealand based Toyota 86 Series this summer having competed in both the main and Scholarship Series in Australia this year.

The 16-year-old’s Kiwi campaign kicks off this weekend at Taupo International Motorsport Park where the season opener will be held.

It is the beginning of a busy period for Buckley, who after completing the six-round season across the Tasman, will have another crack at the Australian series.

Alice Buckley in the Toyota 86 Scholarship series. Image: Jack Martin Photography

When Buckley returns to the top tier of Toyota racing, she will steer a brand new GR86 car with AC Delco backing.

Buckley burst onto the scene by sweeping the Toyota Scholarship Series round at Queensland Raceway where she received the ‘Toyota Way’ award.

She also took another win at the “Paperclip” with Nash Morris, where they overcame some Supercars drivers in the Queensland Racing Drivers Hyundai Championship Endurance event.

Alice Buckley with her new look Toyota for the New Zealand series starting this weekend. Image: Supplied

AC Delco General Manager Marketing Chris Payne is looking forward to backing Buckley in the Toyota 86 Series having already supported a number of drivers including 2023 frontrunner Jarrod Hughes.

“ACDelco has been a supporter of emerging driver talent in the Toyota 86 series for the last two years with Jarrod Hughes,” he said. 

“Alice is another highly competitive young racer, and has already achieved so much in her short racing career.

16-Year-old Alice Buckley makes her T86NZdebut at Taupo.

“The Toyota 86 one make series is ultra-competitive, and the ideal environment for us to communicate the continued growth of ACDelco. Reinforcing our position in the market for all makes auto parts and vehicle servicing.

“As part of our partnership, Alice will gain an immersion into our business and help communicate the ACDelco message to an entirely new customer segment.”

2024 Toyota 86 Championship New Zealand calendar

Round 1 – November 17-19 – Taupo International Motorsport Park

Round 2 – January 26-28 – Manfeild – Circuit Chris Amon

Round 3 – February 9-11 – Euromarque Motorsport Park

Round 4 – February 16-18 – Highlands Motorsport Park – NZ Grand Prix

Round 5 – March 15-17 – Hampton Downs Motorsport Park

Round 6 – TBC

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