Drivers excelling in GR Supra GT4 EVO2s next season in New Zealand and Australia could be selected to take part in GR Customer Racing’s future GT3 activities.
GR Customer Racing’s existing global efforts to promote young drivers will be expanded and integrated into broader GT activities through its newly launched Young Driver Academy (YDA).
The new initiative will provide a pathway to identify and promote promising young drivers in New Zealand and Australia, placing them on a seamless development ladder that will take them from GT4 cars such as the GR Supra GT4 EVO2 all the way to the top of GT3 competition.
The Australasian effort will be overseen by TOYOTA GAZOO Racing New Zealand, and the first two drivers to benefit will be part of the first evaluation for the Oceania Region between June and July, with simulator sessions for both at TOYOTA RACING headquarters in Europe.
Selection for the first Academy is already complete, and the successful candidates will compete in simulator sessions hosted at TOYOTA RACING’s Cologne facility, where performance will be evaluated based on lap time, consistency, and technical feedback.
Drivers who excel in this phase will be invited to Motorland Aragón in the summer for an on‑track test in a GT3 car to showcase their speed, adaptability, teamwork, and capacity to improve through coaching. Those who succeed at this stage may ultimately be recommended for GR Customer Racing’s future GT3 efforts.
All drivers already confirmed to race with a GR Supra GT4 EVO2 car in 2026 were automatically entered into an initial evaluation process. For the next Academy intake, high-performing racers aged between 17 and 27 can also apply, provided they meet FIA GT3 license, categorisation, and eligibility requirements.
Applicants currently racing a GR Supra GT4 received priority access to the development pathway, and this philosophy will continue. By competing in GT4 championships, candidates race under the scrutiny of GR Customer Racing experts, increasing their opportunities.
“We think this international programme will definitely appeal to the increasing number of drivers racing in GR Supra GT4 cars in Oceania,” said TGRNZ Motorsport Manager Nicolas Caillol.
“It will be more relevant to drivers targeting future international GT3 activities. The evaluation process will be fully data-driven at every stage.
“GR Customer Racing will define clear performance targets, use advanced simulation methods, and structured on-track analytics to ensure progression is transparent and based on measured criteria.”
GR Customer Racing’s long‑standing commitment to nurturing new talent ensures that Academy participants will develop their technical knowledge, physical condition and professional skills, as well as their on‑track performance. This philosophy will enable drivers to progress sustainably through every level of GT competition.
The Young Driver Academy emphasises GAZOO Racing’s commitment to contributing to the future of global GT competition.
It is designed to evolve further in the coming years, providing a structured pathway for aspiring drivers to progress towards a professional racing career with GR Customer Racing. Further information regarding the Young Driver Academy is available via [email protected]
Header Image: TGR
