Castrol offers NZGP drive for aspiring young Kiwi racer

Opportunity knocks for those who chase it, and a seat on the grid in the 2022 New Zealand Grand Prix in a Castrol-backed Toyota FT-60 is up for grabs for one up and coming Kiwi racer.

For over a century Castrol has accelerated the progress and careers of some of the biggest names in motorsport and has been the title sponsor of the Toyota Racing Series since 2017. Now it is looking for a young gun to carry its colours in the country’s biggest single-seater race at Hampton Downs over the weekend of February 11-13.

“Competing in the Castrol Toyota Racing Series is a well-established rite of passage for the next generation of motorsport superstars,” said Castrol Brand & Product Manager Jan Willink.

“For half a decade, Castrol has proudly partnered with Toyota to help grow this platform and we’re thrilled to be able to provide this fantastic opportunity for a young New Zealand driver to take the next step in their motorsport journey.”

Any driver with NZ residency or citizenship can apply, but candidates must demonstrate a track record of success in their previous racing endeavours. The successful driver must be 25 or under and may come from a saloon, single-seater or even karting background. Applications close 11:59pm on November 26 with five finalists to be shortlisted. A judging panel will then select the lucky driver who will become the ‘works’ Castrol driver for the Grand Prix weekend.

“Castrol is one of motorsport’s identifiable brand names and has been involved in all forms of motorsport sponsorship over the years and decades, including here in New Zealand,” explained TOYOTA GAZOO Racing New Zealand Motorsport Manager Nicolas Caillol.

“We have seen the support of Castrol act as a springboard for the careers of many drivers, most recently with previous TRS graduate and champion Thomas Randle. This initiative will hopefully accelerate the progress of young Kiwi drivers in a similar way. We have so many talented young drivers here in New Zealand and many have that extra edge needed to go all the way.

“It is one of these drivers who will be in the seat of an FT-60 for the Grand Prix and who will get a once in a lifetime chance to put their name on an iconic global motorsport trophy along with some of the sport’s biggest names.”

Randle was the star of the 2017 Castrol Toyota Racing Series, winning the title with an all or nothing drive in the Grand Prix to secure enough points to grab the title. He followed that up with success in Supercar’s Super 2 series, finishing third in 2019 and winning in 2020. He has enjoyed support from Castrol throughout and currently drives the Castrol-supported Tickford Racing Mustang. He says the support of the brand will be a big boost for the GP drive winner in New Zealand.

“It’s meant the world to me to have the backing of Castrol through some of the biggest moments in my career,” said Randle. “The chance for one aspiring driver to be backed by such a global iconic brand in Castrol for the New Zealand Grand Prix is genuinely a once in a lifetime opportunity. My success in the Castrol Toyota Racing Series in 2017 certainly helped lay a foundation in my pathway to a full-time Supercars drive. It’s exciting to think what doors this opportunity may open for New Zealand’s next generation of motorsport talent!”

As well as being used in the Toyota Racing Series, Castrol oils also have such an unrivalled track record in Formula One, the FIA World Rally Championship, the FIA World Endurance Championship, MotoGP and many others. It’s also an official partner of the Alpine F1 Team.

If you think you’ve got what it takes to compete against some of the best in New Zealand motorsport on a global stage, complete the application using the online form on the TGRNZ web site: https://www.toyota.co.nz/toyota-racing/castrol-toyota-racing-series/castrol-nzgp/