Experienced Toyota 86 racer Ajay Giddy is all in for a shot at the Bridgestone GR86 Championship title this coming season, but he knows it’ll be tough.
Giddy will still be one of the youngest in the championship at 15 and, over two full seasons in the Championship, has taken podium finishes and come close to race wins. He’s won races in the grassroots Toyota 86 Trophy Series and is currently one of the most promising young drivers in the NZ racing scene.
That experience, along with strong performances in other series, suggests he will be a major title challenger this coming season. But can he do it?
“I think consistency is going to be the biggest factor,” he said.
“Last season taught me a lot, and heading into this season, the goal is to take everything I’ve learned and put it all together.
“Being competitive at every round, making fewer mistakes, and consistently scoring strong points will be key to me putting together a championship challenge. The toughest part is definitely how competitive and close the field is. The cars are so evenly matched that the smallest mistakes can cost you multiple positions.
“Qualifying is extremely important, and being able to race consistently while managing the pressure of such a competitive field is what makes this championship so challenging.
He’s been putting in the hard yards off-track too.
“Yes, that’s been a big part of the build-up this time around. A major focus has been on improving my physical fitness. I’ve also been spending heaps of time sim racing to keep sharp and continue developing my racecraft.”
Title challenge aside, he really enjoys racing the GR86.
“I’m really looking forward to getting back out on track and seeing how much I’ve progressed since last season,” he added.
“Having another year of experience behind me gives me a lot more confidence heading into this championship. I’m excited to get racing again, to fight at the front and hopefully challenge for some wins.”
With backing this coming season from Anytime Fitness Constellation and Silverdale, Opie Contractors, JWL Investments, JG Civil and Hynds, Giddy is aiming for 2026-2027 to be a key season in his career path.
“My ultimate goal is to become a full-time V8 Supercars driver. By 2030, I’d love to be competing in Supercars, racing against some of the best drivers in such a highly competitive championship and hopefully making a name for myself at that level.
“Winning this Championship will be a big step in that direction.”
The Bridgestone GR86 Championship, which once again runs with the premier-level NextGen NZ Motorsport Championship series, gets underway next month at the Taupo International Motorsport Park for the PTS Logistics season opener.
Header Image: Bruce Jenkins
