Marco Giltrap returns to the Toyota 86 championship next year, only a handful of months since his bone-breaking crash in Taupo.
Since the June accident in a McLaren GT4, Giltrap has returned to full health but has missed out on some valuable testing mileage.
“I’m back in training and can’t wait to race again,” he said.
“I’ve been good to go for a while now, but the lockdown has prevented any track time in the car.
“With everything getting underway again though, I’m aiming to get as many miles in as I can before the season begins.”
Giltrap, 17, won Rookie of the Year honours in this year’s 86 season.
He had only done two races in tin-tops before diving headfirst into the competitive one-make championship.
He picked up nine top-five finishes over the season and was sixth overall in the drivers’ standings.
Giltrap’s teammate was former NZ touring car champion Simon Evans.
Evans finished runners-up in the 2021 series and was Giltrap’s mentor for everything on and off the race track.
The pair reunite this coming season in another two-car Giltrap Group Motorsport team.
“Simon is a great teammate and teacher. I will continue to absorb as much of his knowledge and experience as I can.”
As for results, Giltrap wants to see his name added to the winner’s list.
“Improvement is the focus for sure, but it would be awesome to get my first win, especially as this is going to be a very competitive year.”
Giltrap isn’t kidding about the competitiveness of next season either. He is the 21st driver already confirmed to be on the grid, and more could well be on the way.
The six-round Toyota 86 season kicks off at Highlands Motorsport Park in mid-January.
Main Image: Bruce Jenkins