Fifty-four-year-old Noel Simpson competed in the Toyota 86 Championship in 2023, which Noel describes as a “trial by fire”. The season was represented by strong starts and good levels of race craft, but by his own admission, Noel never really adapted to the car to get the race pace that needed to be at the front.
Before that, Noel was a regular competitor in the Porsche series between 2021 and 2022, winning the Boxster trophy in both years and the Porsche Cup in the final year.
“The Toyota championship in 2023 was a real eye-opener for me,” he said, confirming his entry into the four-round winter series, which begins next month.
“There was lots of talent and fierce competition and a lot to learn as a result of that, but I enjoy the Toyota 86 and am looking forward to getting out there again in the Trophy Series.
“It’s a car you have to be very precise with and consistent with, especially given how close all of the fields are. And that is the challenge, as there is always something to learn.”
Having taken time out to support his children in international alpine skiing with eight back-to-back winters away, travelling around the globe to support them in competition, Noel is looking forward to being able to focus on his racing over the next few months.
“I’ve been revisiting a lot of the data from 2023 and have run a few test days, so hopefully, I’m going to be able to hit the ground running and be competitive from the word go.”
Simpson will be backed by Lexel Systems when the series gets underway at Hampton Downs on May 9th.
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: Bruce Jenkins
