The Castrol Toyota Racing Series has confirmed another young Kiwi up-and-comer for the forthcoming season in 17-year-old Billy Frazer.
The Pukekohe local will take on the full three-round series, including the New Zealand Grand Prix on January 22–24 at Hampton Downs Motorsport Park.
Frazer enters the series with a handy resumé, inclusive of a globe-trotting karting career, and most recently a title-winning campaign in the 2020 New Zealand Formula Ford championship.
He also approaches the series following an extensive testing period with Toyota, following runs in both the last-gen Toyota FT-50 racer and the current FT-60 — plus his competing in the Toyota Gazoo Racing TR86 Endurance Championship.
“The testing I have done in the FT50 was designed to make the transition from Formula Ford to the FT60 a little bit easier and it has really helped. It gave me the single seater experience with the downforce we were looking for during that transition,” said Frazer.
“My test drive in the FT60 was great. I really enjoyed it and it almost felt more suited to me and my style of driving than the FT50. Both cars are awesome to drive.
“I am definitely looking forward to TRS. It has been my goal to do the TRS series since I started in karting. It is a clear rung in the career ladder for me and launch pad as I look for international opportunities.”
Frazer is the second driver to have been confirmed for a full season, following the announcement of karting ace Matthew Payne. Shane van Gisbergen and Kenny Smith, meanwhile, have been confirmed for the Grand Prix — with more significant names expected.
“Although this year’s championship will be shorter, at three rounds with nine races, it is still key in terms of my own career progression and the value of it doesn’t really change. Kiwis have always been near or at the front even when the field has been packed with internationals so I am confident that if I go well then it’s representative of where I would be in a normal year,” Frazer added.
“The big names being confirmed now are the icing on the cake for me, it’ll be great to be on the same grid with these guys.”