Australian single-seater racer Tommy Smith will compete in the first three rounds of the forthcoming Castrol Toyota Formula Regional Oceania Championship in New Zealand.
Smith competed in the Castrol Toyota Racing Series in 2019 in NZ and has since raced in the Asian Formula 3 Championship, in the Australian S5000, in the European Formula Regional Championship and two seasons in GB3 in the United Kingdom.
In 2023 he competed in the FIA Formula 3 Championship with Van Amersfoort Racing and will do so again in 2024. The three rounds of Castrol Toyota FR Oceania with mtec Motorsport will serve him well as he prepares for his second season in the F3 Championship.
“‘I’m super happy to be able to compete in the first few rounds of the CTFROC as preparation for my 2024 FIA F3 Season,” said Smith. “It will benefit the beginning of my season immensely by competing in a racing format and not just testing.
“I’ve known Bruin (Beasley) for a while now, and he has a great team that has proven to be competitive.”
Team Principal Beasley is confident, too, adding: “Having known Tommy for a while and watched his career progress both nationally and internationally, it’s fantastic to work with him and be part of his ongoing growth. He’s fast, talented and his experience will stand him in good stead.”
Although in only its second year as an FIA Formula Regional Championship, the championship has a long history as the Castrol Toyota Racing Series. Twenty-three graduates have taken the wheel of F1 cars in official tests, GP practice sessions or races in its 18-year history.
The championship boasts more than 3,000 km of testing, practice, qualifying and racing mileage with all drivers competing in identical Tatuus-based Toyota FT60 cars.
The five-round Kiwi series will also be the first FIA Formula Regional championship to genuinely use 100% fossil-free fuel.
Smith will get his campaign underway at the Taupo International Motorsport Park over the weekend of January 19-21 and will also race the following two rounds at Manfeild Circuit Chris Amon and Hampton Downs Motorsport Park.
