Toyota GAZOO Racing has outlined its intentions to commit to “developing and nurturing” New Zealand’s aspiring motorsport talent.
In an open letter, Toyota New Zealand CEO Alistair Davis acknowledged the importance Toyota has in building a strong platform for the next generation of kiwi drivers.
Davis also added his praise to the role sim-racing and E-sports has had amid the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Toyota has a rich history in Motorsport that dates back more than 60 years; we are always looking to the future seeking new ways to innovate and forge new technologies,” said Davis.
“In New Zealand, motorsport is intrinsic in who we are as a company. We believe in continuous improvement, and TOYOTA GAZOO Racing New Zealand is committed to developing and nurturing the next generation of world-class kiwi drivers.
“We do that with the latest innovations in motorsport engineering, technology and safety features and by creating race series that provide great developmental opportunities and fierce competition for the best young drivers that New Zealand and the World have to offer. Such is the calibre of competition that many of our previous Toyota Racing Series competitors have gone on to compete all over the world, including sixteen that went on to Formula One.
“That is what we are about – finding New Zealand’s next world champion. With an enthusiastic fan base, motorsport will remain in New Zealand for a long time, and we will continue to support it through our two championships.
“The E-Sport phenomenon was already growing but the COVID-19 pandemic has thrust it into the limelight and attracted a host of big names eager to keep their hand in. TOYOTA GAZOO Racing released its second round of the GR Supra GT Cup, which allows anyone over the age of 18 with a Playstation 4, and the Gran Turismo Sport game to race against other players around the world. With over 30,000 people competing in last year’s competition, this opportunity is sure to excite all true motorsport fans, young and old.
“We look forward to the upcoming seasons of both the Toyota Racing Series and the Toyota 86 Championship as they enter their 17th and 7th season respectively.”
The 2020 Toyota Racing Series was staged earlier in the year and concluded its season before the Covid-19 pandemic forced local New Zealand motorsport into an unforeseen hiatus.
A 2021 TRS calendar has yet to be finalised with racing expected to begin in its usual slot of early to mid-January.
Ultimately the rescheduling of the New Zealand round of the Virgin Australia Supercars Championship to the start of 2021 may influence the start of the new season.
