Yet another Kiwi has been confirmed to compete in the newly-reclassified Toyota Formula Regional Oceania Championship, James Penrose finally getting his chance to shine.
It’s a well-deserved role for the Kiwi, and one he earned in November 2021 in a competition organised by Castrol.
Penrose was the driver selected out of 65 entrants to represent the brand in 2022’s New Zealand Grand Prix, recognised for “excelling in all areas, but it was his conviction and passion to progress his racing career which caught the judging panel’s attention and that hasn’t been forgotten”.
At that time he was the reigning National and South Island Formula Ford champion and a multiple title holder in karts.
Unfortunately Covid interrupted the New Zealand Grand Prix this year, meaning the 26-year-old has had to wait until now for his shot in the Toyota FT60.
At that, Penrose has made the most of the gap year, competing in the iconic BRSCC Formula Ford Festival where he made the grand final.
He then went to Silverstone several weeks later to compete in the prestigious Walter Hayes Trophy where he also made the final.
Throw in the South Island Endurance Series, which included a round win at Teretonga, then you’ve got a pretty good year of development.
The reclassification of the event also adds extra benefit with international media coverage and an increase of Super License points for winners. Penrose is relishing this opportunity.
“I’m immensely excited to compete in the 2023 Castrol Toyota Formula Regional Oceania Championship,” he said. “The series has been world-renowned for years and I expect this season to be incredibly competitive as the field of drivers is very talented.
“Castrol is an iconic brand and synonymous with Motorsport, so I feel privileged to be partnered with them and Kiwi Motorsport for the season. Additionally, an enormous thank you goes to my personal sponsors for helping me make the grid for the season. My main focus will be to learn the car and extract speed out of myself and I hope to find my pace strong enough to compete with the front runners”.
Castrol Brand & Product Manager, Jan Willink, says the company is delighted to be supporting James for the full season, adding: “Castrol are thrilled to have James representing the brand on-track at the 2023 Castrol Toyota Formula Regional Oceania Championship.
“James has demonstrated he has the talent to compete among the best drivers in the world, and we’re confident that behind the wheel of the Castrol-branded Toyota FT-60 he’ll have the opportunity to showcase just that.”
Castrol Toyota Formula Regional Oceania Championship racing begins at Highlands on 13-15 January.
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 |
