Latest news with #70thNewZealandGrandPrix
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4 days ago
- Automotive
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Castrol Toyota Formula Regional Oceania Trophy Dates Confirmed
The new look format – with the championship's regular 15 races being run over four weekends instead of five – was signed off by the FIA's World Council of Motorsport recently. The championship trail will begin over the weekend of January 9-11 at Hampton Downs Motorsport Park and a week later heads further south for Round 2 at the Taupo International Motorsport Park January 16-18 as part of the Historic GP weekend at the circuit. The first two rounds in New Zealand's North Island will then be followed by two rounds in the South Island with Round 3 at Teretonga Raceway just outside of Invercargill January 23-25 and the final weekend the 70th New Zealand Grand Prix meeting, to be staged for the third successive year at the Highlands Motorsport Park in Cromwell over the weekend of January 30-February 1st. Formats for each weekend are set to be confirmed but it is likely that the extensive mileage available to drivers taking part in the New Zealand series will remain, and therefore allowing it to retain its global appeal as the best winter training ground for serious northern hemisphere single seater prospects. 2025 championship winner Arvid Lindblad is already being touted for a seat this season in Formula One. From 2026, the FIA will introduce a Regional Trophy concept for all Formula Regional and Formula 4 categories. These new formats provide organisers and promoters with unprecedented flexibility to choose between a traditional championship format lasting over a longer period or concentrating their competitions – under the 'Trophy' title - within a shorter timeframe with fewer events. This is the framework adopted for New Zealand's premier single seater championship. 2026 Castrol Toyota Formula Regional Oceania Trophy
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5 days ago
- Automotive
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Season Two Dates Locked In For Bridgestone GR86 Championship
Dates for the second season of the Bridgestone GR86 Championship are locked and loaded for 2025 and 2026 and it promises to be another thrilling season for drivers in New Zealand's leading one make, one model championship. The six-round championship – which will once again run as a featured category in the NextGen national championship series, includes two dates at Hampton Downs, a weekend at Toyota NZ's 'home circuit' of Manfeild, the South Island leg of Teretonga followed by the 70th New Zealand Grand Prix meeting at Highlands and will conclude once again with the Supercars round at Taupo Motorsport Park. The season blasts off at the end of October with the first round at Hampton Downs before a break until the 9th – 11th January when its back to the North Waikato circuit, for its second weekend on the 'long' track. The championship heads south two weeks later for the double header at Teretonga (23-25 January) and the Grand Prix meeting at Highlands the following weekend. It's back to the North Island for the final two rounds, with Manfeild February 27th- March 1st and the the big finale at the Taupo Supercars weekend, April 10-12. A full grid was a huge feature of the inaugural year of the championship – won in style by Hugo Allan - and with dates confirmed early, TOYOTA GAZOO Racing New Zealand are again hoping for a full field of 20 plus cars. 'Last season's racing was closer than ever and produced great racing and a huge variety of winners and drivers who scored a podium result,' commented category manager Amanda Tollemache. 'Next season should be equally as exciting and there is a huge amount of interest, which we are certain will result in another big field.' 2025-2026 Bridgestone GR86 Championship Round 1 - 31 October - 2 November 2025, Hampton Downs Motorsport Park Round 2 - 9 - 11 January 2026, Hampton Downs Motorsport Park Round 3 - 23 - 25 January 2026, Teretonga Park, Invercargill (venue TBC) Round 4 - 30 January - 1 February 2026 70th New Zealand GP - Highlands Motorsport Park Round 5 - 27 February - 1 March 2026, Manfeild Circuit Chris Amon
Scoop
17-06-2025
- Automotive
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Repco NextGen NZ Championship Unveils Thrilling 2025/2026 Season
The Repco NextGen NZ Championship, roars back for its second season, delivering an electrifying 2025/2026 calendar packed with world-class racing, new international categories, and the prestigious 70th New Zealand Grand Prix. Following a triumphant debut, the award-winning championship is set to redefine motorsport in Aotearoa, blending innovation, entertainment, and a bold vision for the future. 'We're thrilled to launch our second season with an incredible line-up that celebrates the future of motorsport,' said Josie Spillane, CEO of NextGen NZ Championship. 'From welcoming global giants like SRO Motorsports to celebrating the 70th New Zealand Grand Prix with the Formula Junior world tour, we're building a championship that inspires fans and drivers alike, right here in New Zealand.' The 2025/2026 season welcomes back a powerhouse roster of fan-favourite categories, including the Castrol Toyota Formula Regional Oceania Championship, Bridgestone GR86 Championship, Summerset GT New Zealand Championship, TA2 NZ, Pirelli Porsche, Central Muscle Cars, Formula Ford, Nexen Tyres Mazda Racing Series, and GTRNZ. These series will once again thrill audiences with their mix of high-speed precision and heart-pounding action. NextGen NZ Championship is proud to continue its partnership with Repco New Zealand, whose support remains vital in driving the growth of motorsport across the country. The championship takes a monumental leap forward with the arrival of SRO Motorsports Group, a titan in global GT racing, bringing GT World Challenge Australia to New Zealand for their final round. SRO's inclusion connects New Zealand's motorsport scene to an international ecosystem, along with TOYOTA GAZOO Racing New Zealand (TGRNZ), offering local and global drivers a unique platform to compete on the world stage. Adding to the excitement, Formula Junior joins the championship at the 70th New Zealand Grand Prix, a symbolic moment as the international Formula Junior community gears up for its 70th Anniversary Jubilee World Tour in 2026. Originally a launchpad for legends, Formula Junior's presence bridges the gap between motorsport's storied past and NextGen's future-focused vision. The TA2 NZ Muscle Car Series, with its thunderous V8-powered machines, earns official championship status from MotorSport New Zealand, cementing its place as a standalone national series within NextGen. A contingent of Australian drivers will join the grid, igniting a fierce Trans-Tasman rivalry that promises to captivate fans. The Castrol Toyota Formula Regional Oceania Championship (CTFROC) marks its 21st season as New Zealand's premier single-seater series and a proven pathway to Formula 1. Attracting top international talent vying for FIA Super Licence points, CTFROC continues to shine. Last season's star, Red Bull Junior Arvid Lindblad, earned an F1 Super Licence at just 17, underscoring the championship's role in nurturing world-class talent. None of this would be possible without the unwavering support of TOYOTA GAZOO Racing NZ, a cornerstone of the NextGen NZ Championship. As a significant stakeholder in the series and New Zealand motorsport, and as the official broadcast partner, TGRNZ has been instrumental in bringing the championship's vision to life, ensuring fans locally and worldwide can experience the thrill of NextGen racing through live, free and globally accessible world-class coverage. Returning for the 2025/2026 season is the dedicated team behind the scenes who helped bring the inaugural season to life. Led by Josie Spillane (Chief Executive Officer), Paul Fallon (General Manager - Operations), Paula Buchanan (Events Manager), David Tunnicliffe (Head of Broadcast), Gary Lathrope (Sporting Manager) and Rachel Lister-Chubb (Marketing Manager) - are part of a wider collective working passionately to grow the championship and elevate New Zealand motorsport. With its bold mix of returning favourites, new international categories, and a commitment to developing the next generation of racing talent, the Repco NextGen NZ Championship is cementing its reputation as a global force in motorsport. Fans can expect a season of unforgettable moments, fierce competition, and the raw thrill of racing - all in the pursuit of greatness, on and off the track. For the full 2025/2026 calendar, ticket information, and updates, visit NextGen NZ Championship Website. 2025/2026 Repco NextGen NZ Championship Calendar Round 1 - Hampton Downs Motorsport Park | 31 October - 2 November 2025 Round 2 - Hampton Downs Motorsport Park | 9 - 11 January 2026 Taupo Historic GP - Taupo International Motorsport Park | 16 - 18 January 2026 Round 4 - Teretonga Park, Invercargill (TBC) | 23 - 25 January 2026 70th New Zealand Grand Prix - Highlands Motorsport Park | 30 January - 1 February 2026 Round 6 - Manfeild Circuit Chris Amon | 27 February - 1 March 2026
