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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NZ Autocar
3 days ago
- NZ Autocar
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Otago Daily Times
3 days ago
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Big tick for the big new Prado
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Underneath that there's a wireless charge pad, three USB-C plug points, a conventional gearshift lever (with a manual mode but no paddle shifts), and the selection knob for the various on-road and off-road drive modes. Further buttons and switches access the hill descent system, high and low transmission ratio, centre-differential lock, traction control, and idle-up and towing modes. Other features up front include ample storage and a conventional set of steering wheel-mounted controls for audio and phone function and cruise control. The VX-Limited's panorama sunroof allows light to flood into the second and third seating rows, and in combination with the test car's light upholstery, black inserts and brush-metal highlighting, provides an ambience that is both airy and classy. Also roomy, the second seating row is provided with a separate climate control panel, further UBC-C plug and 12v points, and a fold-down centre armrest. These second-row seats fold and tumble for third-row access, but getting in is a little awkward for adults, and limited head and knee room points to children as the most suitable third-row occupants. Additional USB-C ports, cupholders, and roof-mounted air vents are provided in the back, and with these seats positioned higher than those ahead, visibility is decent. Proceed with all three rows deployed, and luggage capacity behind is 182-litres; that's better than on the previous generation 7-seat Prado, but still meagre. Folding the rear seats down boosts boot space to 906 litres, but it's an odd space as the positioning of the 48v hybrid battery under the boot floor makes no allowance for the third-row seats to fold flat. This leaves the choice of an awkwardly stepped boot floor, or a high flat floor, created by fitting a rather flimsy storage bin behind the folded seats. What's it like to drive? 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The multi-terrain select (MTS) system makes this kind of adventuring easy, with dirt, sand, mud or deep snow modes available at the push of a button and twist of a knob. Each mode activates a different combination of engine output and brake response appropriate to the conditions. Toyota's claim that MTS means "even novice drivers can take on challenging off-road scenarios with confidence" seems unwise to me, as there is always room for the inexperienced to get into trouble. That said, MTS minimises fuss and bother when traversing mud and ruts. Though not strictly necessary in the conditions, low-ratio four-wheel drive was engaged on test, along with the centre diff lock and — on one stretch — the hill descent system. Smart technology, a decent 215mm of ground clearance, reasonable approach and departure angles, and a rated slow-speed wading depth of 700mm was also appreciated offroad. Relatively road-focused tyres were a limiting consideration, though the Prado has a full-sized spare available, albeit it somewhat awkward to lower from beneath the boot floor. The hybrid set-up is there to optimise economy, with an 8.7l/100km standard cycle consumption figure. That figure was matched on test during a return city-to-airport run, but overall consumption over some 400km on test was 10.2l/100km. Verdict Utterly different from its predecessor, and all the better for being so, this latest Prado is exactly what Toyota needs to stay competitive in a market segment it has dominated for years. AT A GLANCE TOYOTA LAND CRUISER PRADO VX Overall rating: ★★★★ Design and styling: ★★★★ Interior: ★★★★ Performance: ★★★★ Ride and handling: ★★★★ Safety: ★★★★★ Environmental: ★★★ SPECIFICATIONS Price: $93,990. Engine: 2755cc four-cylinder turbodiesel engine (with 48 volt assist). Maximum combined power 150kW, maximum combined torque 500Nm. Transmission: eight-speed automatic, all-wheel drive. Safety rating: Five star ANCAP. Wheels and tyres: alloy wheels, 265/60 R20 tyres. Fuel and economy: diesel, 8.7l/100km, tank capacity 110 litres. Emissions: 230 grams per kilometre. Dimensions: length, 4990mm; width, 1980mm; height, 1992mm. By David Thomson
NZ Autocar
4 days ago
- NZ Autocar
Toyota Aqua Used Review
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