Simpson Back For Toyota 86 Trophy Series
Fifty four year old Simpson competed in the Toyota 86 Championship in 2023, which Noel describes as a 'trial by fire'. The season was represented by strong starts and good levels of race craft, but by his own admission Noel never really adapted to the car to get the race pace needed to be at the front.
Before that Noel was a regular competitor in the Porsche series between 2021 and 2022 and won the Boxster trophy in both years and the Porsche Cup in the final year.
'The Toyota championship in 2023 was a real eye opener for me,' he said on confirmation of his entry into the four round winter series which begins next month.
'There was lots of talent and fierce competition and a lot to learn as a result of that, but I enjoy the Toyota 86 and am looking forward to getting out there again in the Trophy Series.
'It's a car you have to be very precise with and consistent with especially given how close all of the fields are. And that is the challenge, as there is always something to learn.'
Having taken time out to support his children in international alpine skiing with eight back-to-back winters away travelling around the globe to support them in competition, Noel is looking forward to being able to focus on his racing over the next few months.
'I've been revisiting a lot of the data from 2023 and have run a few test days so hopefully I'm going to be able to hit the ground running and be competitive from the word go.'
Simpson will be backed by Lexel Systems when the series gets underway at Hampton Downs on May 9th.
2025 Toyota 86 Trophy Series
Rd1 9-10 May 2025 Hampton Downs - NZIGP Finale
Rd2 21-22 June 2025 Taupo Int. Motorsport Park - Taupo Winter Series
Rd3 5-6 July 2025 Manfeild – Circuit Chris Amon - Manfeild Winter Series
Rd4 26-27 July 2025 Taupo Int. Motorsport Park - Taupo Winter Series
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Lexus LBX Morizo RR $89,900 / 9.5L/100km / 215g/km 0-100 km/h 5.43s 80-120 km/h 3.33s (94.22m) 100-0 km/h 34.89m Speedo error 97 at an indicated 100km/h Ambient cabin noise 78.3dB@100km/h Engine 1618cc / IL3 / T / DI Max power 206kW@6500rpm Max torque 390Nm@3250-4600rpm Drivetrain 8-speed auto / AWD Front suspension Mac strut / swaybar Rear suspension Wishbones / swaybar Turning circle 10.8m (2.3 turns) Front brakes Ventilated discs (356mm) Rear brakes Discs (281mm) Stability systems ABS, ESP, TV Safety AEB, ACC, BSM, LDW, RCTA, ALK, AHB Tyre size f/r-235/45R19 Wheelbase 2580mm L/W/H 4190 / 1840 / 1535mm Track f-1580mm r-1585mm Fuel capacity 50L Luggage capacity 317L Tow rating Not rated to tow Service intervals 12 months / 15,000km Scheduled servicing 4yrs / unlimited km Warranty 4yrs / unlimited km ANCAP rating Not yet rated Weight (claimed) 1485kg
