Billy Frazer says he is out to win next year’s New Zealand Grand Prix despite being a rookie among field of seasoned champions.
Frazer will be competing for M2 Competition in the 2021 Castrol Toyota Racing Series, which kicks off with the Grand Prix at Hampton Downs in January.
The seventeen-year-old has only experienced two days of testing with his new team. Still, he already is feeling comfortable with his environment.
“I completed over 145 laps in my second day in the car alone, and I loved every minute of it,” Frazer told Velocity News.
“The car is really enjoyable to drive and is a great evolution from the FT50, which I have driven a few times before.
“The FT60 is incredibly smooth and crisp through the corners and is just an awesome car to drive.”
While most of the racing world was hamstrung by the Covid-19 pandemic, Frazer has been surprisingly active.
This year witnessed him clinch the NZ Formula Ford Championship. He also competed in the historical Formula Ford series, made an appearance in the Formula Open Championship, and experienced tin-top racing in the Toyota 86 endurance series.
But Frazer insists that all his jumping in-and-out of various cars and categories has enriched his ability to adapt to new challenges quickly. He says that skill has made his transition to TRS a more manageable step.
“As you know I have been pretty busy this year,” said Frazer.
“All the jumping around into different cars has given me a unique perspective on how to get into a new car and get comfortable and on the pace quickly.
“So, I hope that pays off come the first Friday practice session next year when everyone finds out where they sit. I hope I’m towards the front, especially of all the rookie drivers.”
The headline event of next year’s championship will once again be the Grand Prix. For 2021, the race features an all-star line-up of former race winners and Kiwi motor racing icons.
So far, Greg Murphy, Daniel Gaunt, Shane van Gisbergen, Chris van der Drift and Ken Smith are all confirmed to contest the Grand Prix.
Yet, despite the imposing driver roster, Frazer says he is not out to make friends once the lights go out.
“A Grand Prix would be an absolute dream. I’ll be up against one of the toughest GP grids ever.
“When I was starting in karts, guys like Shane and Chris were my idols. So, to be able to race against them is super exciting.
“But I am a racing driver, and I am out to win. Winning is always the intention for me when it comes to racing, and the Grand Prix is no different.
“I will still take the opportunity to learn from those guys, but I will be giving it my all for the win.”
Images: Billy Frazer Racing