Matthew McCutcheon is shifting from Formula Ford to Toyota 86 racing this summer as the 18-year-old Aucklander confirms his spot on the 2021/22 grid.
McCutcheon has raced and won in an array of motorsport disciplines over his young career.
He began his journey racing speedway midgets, becoming the youngest feature race winner at Western Springs when he was 15.
Last year, he switched to Formula Ford, winning the 2020/21 North Island Series and coming runner-up in the national championship.
He was armed with the support of Shane and Robert van Gisbergen, who taught the teenager how to race successfully on and off the race track.
The Toyota 86 series is McCutcheon’s latest challenge. Like everything else he has driven, he’s targeting a seamless transition into the new environment.
“Coming from racing open wheelers, I am really excited to get out there and have some fierce competition with close margins that will help push me,” he said.
“It would be great to be out there racing for wins, and that’s the goal, but I know how tough this series is, and my priority will be to get up to speed and be competitive in the rookie standings.
“Anything beyond that will be a great bonus.”
McCutcheon is the fourth rookie confirmed for the upcoming season, joining Chelsea Herbert, Zac Stichbury and Rianna O’Meara-Hunt as debutants announced.
Hampton Downs is listed as the first of six rounds and is on November 12-14.
Main Image: Callum Crawley