Dion Pitt is the latest driver to join the upcoming Best Bars Toyota 86 series.
The 24-year old is a former karter and has previously competed in the BMW E30 series. Pitt is the 20th driver to announce he will join the series this season.
Pitt returned to motorsport after a five-year break when he joined the BMW series, making continuous improvements, finishing seventh, third, and second, securing podiums, race wins and lap records in his three seasons.
After finishing as the runner up in the last season of the BMW E30 series, Pitt is targeting the rookie honours when he hits the track with Action Motorsport.
“I had always dreamt of giving circuit racing a go and it was great to get back into motorsport after five years away,” Pitt said.
“I have always followed the Toyota 86 Championship quite closely and knew it would be a good opportunity to step up from club racing to a national championship that is quite cost-effective for the exposure involved. What caught my eye is how competitive the championship is and I love close racing.”
Pitt hasn’t had the opportunity to test in the Toyota 86 due to Covid-19 restrictions but is looking forward to the upcoming test day at Hampton Downs Motorsport Park on December 18-19, when he will finally get to head out on track in the car.
“It’s going to be a busy weekend but I’ll be fully focussed on getting the most out of it,” he added.
“I want to come away from the season with the rookie championship and a top three overall placing. It’s going to be challenging as the deal to race came together late on and I’ll have to learn both of the South Island tracks but I’m going to give it my best shot, and it’s going to be a lot of fun.”
The six-round championship will get underway at Highlands Motorsport Park on January 14-16 before moving to Ruapuna on January 21-23. The series will then head back to the North Island for the remaining four rounds.
Picture Matt Smith
