Australian driver Tom McLennan is switching teams for his attack on the 2023 Toyota Formula Regional Oceania Championship New Zealand after sole Australian team, mtec Motorsport, were forced to withdraw.
The 18-year-old Brisbane racer will now drive for internationally-acclaimed squad Kiwi Motorsport.
McLennan will join a five-car Kiwi Motorsport line-up, joining British racer Josh Mason, Brazilian Lucas Fecury, Kiwi driver James Penrose and one more yet to be announced driver.
Whilst disappointed not to race for mtec, McLennan is grateful for the opportunity Kiwi Motorsport have presented.
“I’m really looking forward to linking up with Kiwi Motorsport for my first run in the category,” said McLennan.
“While it is a shame that the original plan of racing with Bruin (Beasley)’s mtec Motorsport team fell through, joining a big squad like Kiwi Motorsport is the best Plan B for me and I can’t wait to get over there.
“Kiwi Motorsport knows single seater racing cars. That is their business and they have an incredible record all around the world.
“I’ve got some really fast team-mates too, which is going to help drive me forward in what is sure to be a very competitive championship.”
The team have a rich history in open wheel racing, currently competing in multiple single seater championships in America, including the Formula 4 US Championship, USF Junior and Formula Regional Americas.
It’s a good squad for the Queenslander who has built a solid foundation in the early phases of his career.
Team Owner Garry Orton is glad to have the Australian on board.
“Kiwi Motorsport is proud to have Tommy and Bruin from Mtec trust us to run Tommy on behalf of mtec for the 2023 Toyota Racing Series,” he said.
“Bruin found it too difficult to come to New Zealand with some late withdrawals, but I am excited to have Tommy run with us.
“The Tatuus FT-60 will be very different to what Tommy has experienced before but I’m confident with his skill and help from our driver coaches he will adapt quickly and run at the sharp end.”
Coming from a strong karting background, McLennan stepped up to Australian Formula Ford and Porsche Sprint Challenge in 2022.
The 2023 Toyota Formula Regional Oceania Championship, however, will be his first attempt at high-performance open-wheel racing.
McLennan is one of just two Australians to be competing in the title, joining Ryder Quinn in the lineup. The pair will take on drivers from the UK, Brazil, America and New Zealand.
The five round championship kicks off at Highlands Motorsport Park on January 13-15.
2023 Castrol Toyota Formula Regional Oceania Championship Calendar
| Date: | Track: |
| 13-15 January | Highlands Motorsport Park |
| 20-22 January | Teretonga Park Raceway |
| 27-29 January | Manfield – Circuit Chris Amon |
| 3-5 February | Hampton Downs International Motorsport Park |
| 10-12 February | Taupo International Motorsport Park |
