Aucklander Lucas McGill, 17, has emerged victorious in today’s Tony Quinn Foundation Toyota GR86 Shootout at Hampton Downs, earning a $54,000 support package towards his debut campaign in the 2025/26 Bridgestone Toyota GR86 Championship.
McGill was joined by fellow finalists Keiano Weir (Pukekohe), Taylor Mitchell (Hamilton), and Corban Sprague (Timaru) for the fifth edition of the Shootout, which, for the first time in its history, was held in wet conditions.
The wet weather made for a demanding day at Hampton Downs, a challenge McGill was quick to embrace.
“It was a fantastic day — an absolute blast to drive the GR86 in such challenging conditions,” said McGill.
McGill has only been racing karts for four years but has already made a big impression, this year winning the New Zealand National Sprint Championship in Rotax Max Light, among other achievements. The Shootout win now opens the door for his first season in cars.
“I’m honoured to be an ambassador for the Tony Quinn Foundation and can’t thank them enough for such an incredible opportunity,” he added. “I’m really looking forward to the 86 series and can’t wait to get going.”
Tony Quinn Foundation Trustee and Hampton Downs NZ Racing Academy Chief Instructor Daniel Gaunt said all four drivers handled the conditions exceptionally well, with the finalists judged on their speed and adaptability in the Toyota GR86, the quality of their technical feedback, and how they presented themselves commercially off the track.
“Every finalist impressed us today, especially given how tricky the weather made things,” he said.
“Lucas was a standout, topping the qualifying simulation in the rain, while also delivering a first-class presentation off the track. He still has a lot to learn, but he has all the attributes needed to succeed, and we’re excited to see him represent the Foundation as an ambassador.”
Gaunt also said it was encouraging to see how well all the finalists rose to the occasion.
“Keiano, Taylor, and Corban each adapted well to the tricky conditions and showed they have the potential to push further in the sport,” he said.
“They can all be proud of their performances, and we look forward to seeing how their careers unfold.”
Over the past four years, the Shootout has awarded more than $150,000 in scholarships to support young Kiwi drivers in advancing their careers in the sport.
Previous winners include Matthew McCutcheon, William Exton, Jackson Rooney, and, most recently, Chris White Jr, who went on to claim Rookie of the Year honours in last season’s GR86 Championship before progressing to GT4 Australia.
In total, the Tony Quinn Foundation has invested more than $2 million into New Zealand motorsport, backing rising stars across a range of categories both at home and overseas. The GR86 Shootout is a key part of that commitment, and McGill now joins an impressive list of winners to benefit from the programme.
The 2025/26 Bridgestone Toyota GR86 Championship begins at Hampton Downs on October 31 – November 2, where McGill will make his car-racing debut and take the next step in his motorsport journey, along with the help and support of the Tony Quinn Foundation.
Header Image: Dillon Photography
