After finishing runner-up earlier this year, Simon Evans hopes to go one place better in this summer’s Toyota 86 season.
Evans’ challenged eventual champion Rowan Shepherd all the way to the final race last season.
Shepherd has already confirmed his place on the grid next year, and Evans’ inclusion sets up a potential repeat of last season’s memorable back-and-forward battle.
“The racing last year was brilliant, and it looks like it is going to be even better this season with another bunch of talented young guys and girls added to the mix, a bigger field and the reigning champion as the benchmark for everyone,” Evans said.
“There are at least ten drivers I’ve put a circle around so far who should be fighting for wins on a regular basis, so it’s going to be close.”
Evans is a mentor for young Marco Giltrap, who also competed in the 86 series this year.
Giltrap has been out of racing since a heavy crash in an endurance race at Taupo, which shattered his vertebrae and broke his leg.
“Marco is on the mend from his Taupo crash, and I am hoping we will see an announcement very soon about his 2022 racing plans,” Evans said.
“He made great progress last season and will be a bigger threat this time if he runs.”
A new-look car for Evans will be revealed next month ahead of the opening round at Highlands Motorsport Park in January.