Dayle ITM Racing’s Matt Day will fly the family flag with pride when he makes his Toyota racing debut in the forthcoming Toyota 86 Trophy Series.
Fifteen-year-old Matt is the racing son of long-time New Zealand motorsport supporters Deborah – the current MSNZ President – and Martin Day. He is well known amongst the rank and file who make the sport happen over countless weekends during the year.
“Most people in the sport will be aware I’ve been in motorsport since before I could crawl, primarily volunteering for The MotorSport Club as a marshall and more recently venturing into competing, where I have really enjoyed the time in the BMW I have raced,” he explained.
Having cut his teeth in a Mazda MX5 as his first circuit car three years ago, Day performed well in the BMW series last season, winning its Scholarship competition. He finished in the top five overall and runner-up in the rookie points for 2024-2025.
He’s also an accomplished sim racer, having started – like many of the current young talents in New Zealand – during the Covid pandemic.
The Western Springs College Year 11 student is firmly focused on improving over the forthcoming four-round series.
“At this point in my racing career, seat time is the priority, so learning and improving during the four rounds will be the goal.
“Even before the prize pool came out offering the chance to race in the GR86 Championship next season, the Trophy Series was appealing because there will be lots of young drivers in it like me who are all looking to establish themselves and improve, and that’s a great environment to learn in.
“I’m lucky as I have done plenty of test days in the car, although not on the tyre we will be racing on. It’s an amazing car for a young driver and does everything you ask of it.”
Matt will race the ex-Christina Orr-West Toyota TR86, which will, of course, run in the now iconic yellow of Dayle ITM and under the wing of the Dayle ITM Racing team.
2025 Toyota 86 Trophy Series:
- Round 1 – 9-10 May 2025 – Hampton Downs – NZIGP Finale
- Round 2 – 21-22 June 2025 – Taupo Int. Motorsport Park – Taupo Winter Series
- Round 3 – 5-6 July 2025 – Manfeild – Circuit Chris Amon – Manfeild Winter Series
- Round 4 – 26-27 July 2025 – Taupo Int. Motorsport Park – Taupo Winter Series
Header Image: Supplied
