New Bridgestone GR86 champion Chris White says the three-round, half-season opportunity to race in the Monochrome GT4 Australia series is a perfect prize for him at this stage of his career.
White, who led the championship going into the final weekend at Taupo, secured the title after a fine drive in the second and final race of the weather-shortened weekend.
And the top prize of driving in Rounds 2, 3 and 4 of the Aussie series with Garth Walden’s Sydney-based GWR Australia team in its GR Supra GT4 EVO2 alongside Daniel Frougas fits the bill for Christchurch’s latest motorsport rising star.
“It’s probably one of the best prizes I could ask for as it’s three funded rounds in such a competitive series and I’ve done two of the tracks I’ll be racing at already,” said Chris.
“So I feel it’s a good way to kick-start my career in Australia.”
The half-season prize will be funded by TOYOTA GAZOO Racing New Zealand, as will runner-up Zach Blincoe’s one-round appearance in the same team and series. It’s an opportunity on the career ladder as well as a step in the right direction for White.
“The prize is definitely a good step forward in the direction I want to go – Australian GT4 – and it’s also in a GR Supra GT4 EVO2, which keeps me in the Toyota loop.
“Winning the championship took a day or two for it all to sink in, but even then, it didn’t take as long as I thought, mainly because I worked so hard all season for this, and it was my only goal.
“I’d like to think I wanted to win the GR86 Championship probably the most out of the field because of this specific prize in the Monochrome GT4 series, mainly for the fact that I was lucky enough to do two rounds with Tony Quinn last year.
“I feel I really can show my speed and talent in these upcoming rounds. I know I have a lot to learn too, but I’m ready and raring to go.”
It’s a satisfying moment for TOYOTA GAZOO Racing New Zealand too, as its pathway programme continues to deliver.
“At Toyota New Zealand and TOYOTA GAZOO Racing New Zealand, we are deeply committed to developing young driving talent and, just as importantly, providing meaningful opportunities beyond domestic championships,” said Nicolas Caillol, TOYOTA GAZOO Racing New Zealand Manager.
“This prize is a clear demonstration of the pathway we have built – from the Toyota 86 Trophy Series through the Bridgestone GR86 Championship and into international GT racing.
“Giving Chris this chance to compete in Monochrome GT4 Australia in a GR Supra GT4 EVO2 shows our commitment to rewarding performance and helping our drivers take the next step on the global stage.”
Header Image: SRO Australia
