The CareVets Scholarship programme – which boosted the careers of drivers like Callum Hedge, Ryan Yardley and Brock Gilchrist – returns once more to give a flying start for one rising star in New Zealand motorsport.
The 2026 CareVets Scholarship annual shootout will be held at Hampton Downs on April 1st and will put drivers’ skills to the test under the scrutiny of experienced engineers and TOYOTA GAZOO Racing NZ staff.
As in 2025, the final driver selected at the end of the day will win use of a Toyota TR86 for the four rounds of the 2026 Toyota TR86 Trophy Series, and along with that, the services of an experienced mechanic and engineer to make the race weekends as productive as possible for the winner. The driver will be responsible only for entry, running, and any repair costs.
Applications for the 2026 CareVets Scholarship open today – February 16th- and will close on Friday, March 6th. Prospective drivers must provide a photo and a current Curriculum Vitae of their motorsport career to date. All applications will be reviewed during the week of 9-13 March, and the final selection of drivers will be invited to take part in the on-track assessment on the 1st of April.
Drivers must be a NZ passport holder, 25 or younger, and entry will be limited to those who have competed only at the grassroots level in codes of the sport such as karting, stock cars, speedway, hill climbing, club rallies or accredited MSNZ series, which include the Mazda, BMW, Formula Ford and Formula First categories.
This year, judges are also keen to hear from SIM racers keen to switch from virtual racing to the real thing.
Drivers must also hold a current, relevant motorsport licence reflecting their participation in grassroots motorsport, or be of the age to apply for the relevant licence.
“The CareVets Scholarship is synonymous with Toyota 86 racing in NZ, and we are delighted to be able to offer this opportunity, with thanks to Keith Houston,” said Category Manager Amanda Tollemache.
“The scholarship offers a real pathway for those coming up through the sport, with not just the Trophy Series but also then the next step into the GR86 Championship. We’re looking forward to seeing the next exciting batch of names come through, all looking to become NZ’s next world champion.”
Submit your Entries to https://www.toyota.co.nz/toyota-racing/gr86-championship/carevets-scholarship-application/
2026 Toyota 86 Trophy Series Calendar:
- Round 1: 16 and 17 May at Hampton Downs
- Round 2: 20 and 21 June at Taupo Motorsport Park
- Round 3: 4 and 5 July at Manfeild – Circuit Chris Amon
- Round 4: 1 and 2 August at Manfeild – Circuit Chris Amon
Header Image: Bruce Jenkins
