The champion of the 2021 New Zealand Formula Ford series will receive a test in either an FT50 and FT60 Toyota Racing Series car.
Several past champions of TRS have forged their talent in Formula Ford. The category has proved to be the ideal training ground before making the step up to the premier class.
While this year’s TRS grid was more depleted than usual, nearly half of the youngsters had spent some degree of time in Formula Ford.
Billy Frazer made his TRS debut straight from winning the 2019/20 Formula Ford national championship. Kaleb Ngatoa also contested the same season.
Incumbent TRS champion Matthew Payne also had a brief run in the category with outings at Pukekohe and Hampton Downs.
The test on offer from TOYOTA GAZOO Racing New Zealand will assist the winning driver in transitioning to a full-blown ‘wings and slicks’ race car.
“We are pleased to keep offering the winner of the NZ Formula Ford championship a test day in an FT50 or FT60,” TRS category manager Nico Caillol said.
“Formula Ford has proven to be an important step in the development of kiwi drivers. You can see that with the top three this season, Matthew, Kaleb and Billy, having done their time in Formula Ford.
“We will have an eye on this season as there is once again a good group of talented drivers eager to fight for the top position and with no doubt, we will have a few of them on the grid for our 2022 season.”
NZ Formula Ford Championship co-ordinator, Karen Gillard, said the continued support from TOYOTA GAZOO Racing New Zealand will significantly benefit the category.
“Having this prize on offer for our competitors is fantastic,” said Gillard. “All of our young drivers aspire to join the Castrol Toyota Racing Series and test their ability in the proven F1 breeding ground.
“The test day will help them get that much closer to making it a reality.”
This year’s Formula Ford championship kicks off its three-round season this Sunday at Hampton Downs.
The field will head to Pukekohe for round two before wrapping up in Christchurch with the 40th Anniversary of the South Island Formula Ford Club meeting at Ruapuna.
