Wanaka’s Marcel Bartley is the latest driver to sign up for the forthcoming Toyota 86 Trophy Series as he aims to begin his motorsport career in New Zealand in the best possible way.
Twenty-two-year-old Marcel– who will carry the colours of New World Three Parks Wanaka, Liquorland Three Parks Wanaka and Joel Corry Building when he takes to the track for the first round in a couple of weeks – is almost brand new to motorsport.
He opened his racing account, debuting in the third round of the Jackson Orchard series at Highlands Motorsport Park in a Toyota GR86, starting in 12th place and working his way through the field to fifth before a mechanical issue forced his retirement.
A round later, he went even better, securing four second-place finishes over the course of the weekend, which was enough to win the round. He’s now hungry for more success and is excited about the prospect of competing in TOYOTA GAZOO Racing New Zealand’s grassroots series.
“I like the pathway the 86 series offers; it’s a good platform to start my career,” he said.
“I’m looking to first make a statement in the winter series, then do the same at the GR86 Championship later in the year.”
Off-track preparation includes a gruelling gym regime, and he has also managed a couple of days of testing in the car.
“I am hoping the series helps me to develop new skills and gain knowledge on track to improve as a driver,” he added. “As well as the off-track aspects like media, preparation and learning the engineering side of the race weekend.”
In the longer term, Marcel is hoping to progress successfully through the various levels of the sport.
“I’d love one day to race Supercars or GT cars; that would be the goal. For now, I want to focus on doing well in this series and then making the step up and impressing and doing well in the Bridgestone GR86 Championship.”
The four-round Trophy Series begins at Hampton Downs over the weekend of May 16th and 17th before moving further south to Taupo Motorsport Park on June 20 and 21. Manfeild is the destination for the third round, two weeks later, on July 4th and 5th, before the series concludes at the same circuit on August 1 and 2.
Header Image: Supplied
