Wickham looking to build on strong debut

Norwell Factory Racing Team driver Oliver Wickham hopes to continue the momentum after a strong Toyota 86 debut in Townsville.

At just 15, Wickham wowed by recording three podium finishes in the 2025 Toyota Gazoo Racing Australia GR Cup opener.

These results effectively put him into the lead for the title fight with guest driver Declan Fraser the only one ahead.

To build for this weekend’s round at Queensland Raceway, Wickham has completed a test day and is ready to get stuck in.

“I’m excited about this weekend,” he said. 

“The championship is only five rounds long, so each round you must be on the ball straight away, and you can’t afford to have any bad days.

“We tested at Queensland Raceway recently, and the day went well. I struggled with understeer in the middle of the day, but we managed to work through it, and by the end of the day, we found some good speed.

“Like Townsville, qualifying will be important again, but after our results there and last week’s test, I’m pretty confident going into the weekend.”

Kade Davey is standing out in Racing Together colours. Image: Pace Images

Also racing within the Norwell Factory Racing garage are Charlie Parker and West Australian Kade Davey.

Davey has taken the big step of moving from Perth to be part of the Indigenous Racing Together motorsport pathway program.

Despite some nerves, he showed some promise in Townsville to sit eighth in the round.

“I’ll admit it was a bit nerve-wracking heading into Townsville with just one test day in the new generation GR Cup car beforehand, but I am a lot more settled this weekend and looking to build on our results,” he said.

“I didn’t qualify well in Townsville, but we were able to move forward through the races, and we ended up eighth overall for the round, which was pleasing.

“QR is our home track, and we tested there last week; every time I get in the car, I become more comfortable, so I am feeling more confident.

“We might have a bit of weather come into play, but I’ve got a great team behind me in Racing Together and Norwell Factory Racing, and Oliver and Charlie are great to work with, so I think we’ll be up for the challenge.”

Charlie Parker made his Toyota 86 debut at Townsville. Image: Pace Images

Parker has also made the big move from Tasmania to Gold Coast and works at Norwell, but hopes to rebound from a tough opener.

“Townsville was disappointing for me, we were fast in practice, but I just didn’t execute in qualifying, which put us on the back foot for the rest of the event,” he said.

“I’m confident that this weekend will be a lot different, especially after our test last week. Qualifying is just as important, and if we qualify well, I have no doubt we can win.

“With only five rounds, Townsville’s results make it bloody hard, but with the right attitude, we can still do well.

“We have a great group of people with Norwell Factory Racing, and working together with Oliver and Kade is great. We’re all learning off each other and pushing forward together.”

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