The coordinators of the new Formula Racing New Zealand (FRNZ) race series are pleased to confirm that the same FT40s, FT50s and Formula Atlantic/Pacific cars that have raced so successfully over previous seasons, will once again be on the track this coming season in an exciting new series format that includes both open wheelers and sports cars eligible to run in the New Zealand Sports Racing Car (NZSCR) series, a MotorSport New Zealand Accredited Race Series.
The three categories of FRNZ cars will remain as they have been in previous seasons and will compete for series and class trophies.
- a Formula Atlantic/Pacific class
- a FT50 class
- a FT40 (including Formula Renault cars) class
Toyota Gazoo remain committed to the series and has generously agreed to provide TRS winners with a test drive in a 2026 Castrol Toyota Formula Regional Oceania car, as before.
The names on the class trophies and the range of other opportunities being offered for emerging talent and class winners will be released shortly.
The series coordinators note that the series has the twofold objectives of:
- Developing and nurturing emerging New Zealand talent, in an internationally relevant FIA entry-level car, based on a carbon chassis, with similar aerodynamics and electronic packages.
- Providing the opportunity for drivers of all ages and talent to race some of New Zealand’s past premier open wheel cars (Pacific and TRS cars) on a competitive but affordable basis.
As noted previously, FRNZ cars will run in conjunction with NZSCR eligible cars as a Motorsports New Zealand Accredited series with an approved set of articles and technical specifications.
With grid positions determined on lap times and some extremely quick sports cars in the field, the series coordinators expect close and exciting racing and healthy open wheeler/sports car rivalry up and down the field.
Richard Kelly, Chairperson of NZ Sports Car Racing Inc, says that the Club is looking forward to welcoming the single-seater racers to the series and looks forward to having a great field of wings and slicks racecars. The merging of these two fields is essential to providing us all a place to race an exciting variety of cars and something amazing to watch for spectators.
The format change acknowledges that the “game” has changed materially since last season. Firstly, it is a simple fact that grid costs have increased significantly from last season. (up to $12,000 per grid in some cases) Secondly, due to uncertain economic times and higher grid fees, fewer cars are likely to be on the grid.
As a result, promoters who were once prepared to charge on a per-car basis now need to protect their interests by charging on a per-grid basis. Higher grid costs and fewer entries mean higher costs per competitor. It was this very simple equation that brought the FRNZ and NZSCR cars together.
The exceptional reliability of the TRS cars (offering up to 4 seasons of racing between engine overhauls), together with their relatively low purchase price (around $50,000 in the case of an FT40), plus the added bonus of lower grid fees, makes this class one of the most affordable forms of top level, open wheel racing available in New Zealand today.
With technology on almost the same level as that of any comparable entry-level FIA car in the world and with performance on par with the current Formula Regional Oceana race cars, the class offers exceptional value for money.
On the other hand, for those who simply want to experience the pleasures of driving one of New Zealand’s past premier open wheel class cars, then the Formula Atlantic/Pacific car class offers good competitive racing.
As quick as the ex-TRS cars, and quicker on some of the circuits, the Formula Atlantics/Pacific cars, neck-and-neck racing both within the class and with the ex-TRS cars, is expected to continue into the future.
The new format offers a “magic” class of racing, according to veteran Kenny Smith, who is a definite 25/26 season starter in the same 1989 DB4 Swift that he won the New Zealand Grand Prix and Gold Star title in 1991.
“The FT40 and FT50 cars are a ‘hell of a race car for the money’, offering the “same level of technology and speed as any current overseas equivalent car”
What’s more, their carbon tub makes them a safe car for any young driver wanting to try their hand in a wings and slicks car before furthering their career overseas.
Kenny goes on to say that “the class is a must for any Formula Ford driver wanting to advance their career overseas”, or for that matter “any Formula Ford driver wanting to improve their skills in that class” and he notes the preference given by the Australian supercar team owners to drivers who have succeeded in an open wheel, wings and slicks class.
Formula Racing NZ kicks off its 6-round series at the Chris Amon circuit in Manfield on 15 November.
Other rounds include:
- Round 2: 5th-7th December 2025 – Circuit Chris Amon, Manfield Manawatu Car Club
- Round 3: 20th-22nd February 2026 – Circuit Chris Amon, Manfield Manawatu Car Club
- Round 4: 14th March 2026 – Hampton Downs Motorsport Park – NZIGP
- Round 5: 25th-26th April 2026 – Taupo Motorsport Park – NZIGP
- Round 6: 16th-17th May 2026 – Hampton Downs Motorsport Park – NZIGP
For more information on the series, visit www.sportscarracing.co.nz and www.formularacing.nz
Great format. Looking forward to going racing at the first round at Manfield.