Glen Chappel’s hard-fought victory in the GT4 Class of the GT New Zealand Championship proved to be an historic moment for both him and his RaceLab team.
But it wasn’t just a significant title for the team and its popular Tauranga driver; it was the first Southern Hemisphere Championship victory for the GR Supra GT4 EVO2 car.
The car has been super successful in the Northern Hemisphere, winning more than 10 national and international titles across Europe and North America. Its ‘coming of age’ in the Southern Hemisphere – and in particular in New Zealand – is a testament to car, driver and team, as RaceLab owner Shane Helms explained.
“This is a hugely significant milestone for RaceLab,” he said.
“To secure a national championship – especially the first for TOYOTA GAZOO Racing in the Southern Hemisphere – validates the hard work, technical capability, and commitment across the entire team. It’s not just a result, it’s a statement about where RaceLab sits competitively and what we’re capable of delivering at the highest level.”
Chappel secured the title at the season finale over the Supercars weekend at the Ruapuna Raceway after a tight battle in the class throughout the season between Glen, Grant Aitken and another GR Supra GT4 EVO2, Allan Sargeant. The GT4 champion was quick to praise the success as a team effort.
“Well, to be honest, when you have a team like RaceLab, a team mate like Allan Sargeant, co-drivers like Tom Bewley, Shaun Varney and Lachlan Evennett, not a lot seems hard at all,” he said.
“I love this sport, and any minute I get in a car is paradise. I lost my father suddenly just before this final round, so emotionally this has been my most challenging weekend. He got a lot of enjoyment out of watching me race, and for him, not seeing me win the Championship was the hardest.
“Having said that, I’ve enjoyed every second in this GR Supra GT4 EVO 2. Being part of a team like RaceLab makes it hard not to enjoy it. The car was faultless in every race. I’ve always loved front-engined, Rear Wheel Drive cars, so this car suits me just fine.
“TOYOTA GAZOO Racing is now a huge brand in motorsport, and I hope I have done them proud. I really appreciate the support that we have had from them at every race meeting. It’s been world-class.”
The GR Supra GT4 EVO2 cars racing in both New Zealand and Australia in series like Monochrome GT4 are all supported with a parts service from TOYOTA GAZOO Racing New Zealand, and Motorsport Manager Nicolas Caillol says the car has delivered on every level in its various Oceania campaigns.
“The GR Supra GT4 EVO2 has demonstrated impressive competitiveness in the hands of drivers like Glen and Allan, establishing itself as an ideal stepping stone for young racers transitioning from the GR86 Championships in New Zealand and Australia into GT racing.
“A prime example of this pathway is Chris White, who, after winning the 2025-26 Bridgestone GR86 Championship, is set to take the next step in his motorsport career by contesting the next three rounds of the GT4 Australian Series with GWR Racing as part of his championship prize.
“His progression highlights how the GR Supra GT4 EVO2 has become an important platform for emerging talent to develop and showcase their skills at a higher level.”
“The championship win in New Zealand is particularly significant, especially as it follows the car’s strong debut in the 2026 Monochrome GT4 Australia Series, where it claimed its first-ever overall pole position in Australia at the opening round. Teams and drivers like RaceLab will continue to unlock the car’s performance at challenging tracks, but right now, we are very proud of this milestone achievement for Glen and RaceLab.
“We are now excited to see whether the five GR Supra GT4 EVO2 cars competing in the 2026 Monochrome GT4 Australia Series can replicate the remarkable success achieved by the two cars here in New Zealand. We, at TGRNZ, are certainly looking forward to the results.”
Header Image: Shots By TayB/Tayler Burke
