A winter campaign focusing on getting more seat time for next season will see Harry Townshend starting as one of the favourites for race wins and the Winter Series class in the forthcoming Toyota 86 Trophy Series.
The Toyota regular, who scored his first podium finish in last season’s GR86 Championship, will run all four rounds of the Trophy Series in his older TR86 car in which he competed for two seasons in Toyota’s main championship before it switched to the GR86 model.
Having competed in the GR86 Championship, he is ineligible for the Trophy Series title but can win races, score podiums, and win the Winter Series class for more experienced racers.
Circuit knowledge, car knowledge, and most importantly, knowledge of the new Bridgestone tyre guarantees that Harry will have a strong set of cards heading into round one at Hampton Downs this weekend.
“I’m definitely looking for podium finishes even though the main reason for racing is that we have a great time as a team,” he explained.
“It’s always good to keep developing your driving skills, which, for me, have come a long way in the past couple of seasons.
“Last season was a breakthrough one for myself and the team, getting a podium result and being consistently fast in the races.
“I can improve further in qualifying, and that will be something I will focus on at these race weekends, particularly in regard to learning how to get the most out of the strong Bridgestone tyre at exactly the right moment.
2025 Toyota 86 Trophy Series:
- Round 1: 9-10 May 2025 – Hampton Downs – NZIGP Finale
- Round 2: 1-22 June 2025 – Taupo Int. Motorsport Park – Taupo Winter Series
- Round 3: 5-6 July 2025 – Manfeild – Circuit Chris Amon – Manfeild Winter Series
- Round 4: 6-27 July 2025 – Taupo Int. Motorsport Park – Taupo Winter Series
Header Image: Bruce Jenkins
