Peter Vodanovich will switch to single-seaters this summer with confirmation that the 19-year-old will contest the full 2021 Castrol Toyota Racing Series.
The reigning Toyota 86 champion only got his first taste of TRS last year when he tested both the FT50 and FT60 models.
Unlike most of his peers, Vodanovich does not have a background in karting. Instead, he developed his skillset virtually and has been an avid sim-racer from a young age.
He has since spent seasons in 2K Cup, the BMW Race Series and the SsangYong Racing Utes.
Vodanovich then secured the 2019-2020 Toyota 86 title at the delayed final round, beating out season-long rival Jaylyn Robotham by a mere two-points.
His on-track success led to Vodanovich becoming a member of the Erebus Motorsport junior programme and being taken under the wing of Supercars stalwart Paul ‘The Dude’ Morris.
Slated to contest the opening round of the Super3 championship in Australia, Vodanovich had his international plans stalled due to the global pandemic. Despite the unusual circumstances, he’s relishing the opportunity to race on home soil.
“It’s pretty surreal to think my first race weekend in a single-seater will be the Grand Prix but I am looking forward to the challenge and the experience of racing against New Zealand’s best talent,” Vodanovich said.
“I am very grateful to my sponsors and the Kiwi Driver Fund for their help getting me on the grid. I’ve been training hard in the gym and on the simulator, and I have gained confidence from this preparation off the track.
“Despite my lack of experience in single-seaters, I’m fully focused on being as competitive as possible.
“I have had a great relationship with Toyota starting off only a few years ago in a 2K Cup Toyota MR2 before moving onto the 86 series, going on to win the 2019/20 Championship. It’s awesome to now be progressing to their premier category.”
Vodanovich’s first official outing in TRS will be this Friday at Hampton Downs Motorsport Park.
The first round of this year’s championship also acts as the New Zealand Grand Prix and will see the series use the Waikato circuit’s full ten-corner International layout for the first time.
Round two will be on the shorter Hampton Downs National track before the season concludes at Manfeild, Circuit Chris Amon.