Young kiwis complete Toyota Racing Series test

Toyota GAZOO Racing NZ has completed a successful test outing at Hampton Downs, with a group of young kiwis getting to grips with the demands of the series’ machinery.

South Island Formula Ford champion Jack Noble-Adams in the FT50. (Image: Supplied/Bruce Jenkins)

Experienced junior Tayler Cockerton ran the current FT60, with Toyota looking to fine tune the model ahead of the 2021 championship.

Kaleb Ngatoa, Flynn Mullany, Conrad Clark, 2019-20 ITM NZ Formula Ford Champion Billy Frazer, Mauro Iglesias, Peter Vodanovich, Josh Bethune, Callum Crawley and New Zealand's South Island Formula Ford Champion Jack Noble-Adams all tested the FT50, used in the Toyota Racing Series prior to this year.

Frazer also got some time in the FT60 as part of the NZ Formula Ford championship spoils.

Taylor Cockerton in the 2020 Toyota FT60. (Image: Supplied/Bruce Jenkins)

Noble-Adams enjoyed his time on track.

“The goal was to get myself comfortable in a high speed professionally set up wings and slicks car and get myself up to speed," he said.

“I am looking to do another test day in the FT50 or the FT60 and if that goes well start a sponsorship campaign and try and get myself onto the grid for the 2021 championship."

The tests was Ngatoa’s second in the FT50, as part of his effort to join the grid in 2021.

“I have been working a lot on my own skill set over the COVID break and the test is really about putting all that into practice. Braking, getting the maximum out of the car and a few other areas," he said.

“I am hoping that I will get enough out of the test in the car today to move our plans for TRS forward. We have some supporters who may back us in TRS but I want to be up at the front and not messing about at the back.”

“Once I think we’ve done enough laps and everyone is happy that I am ready, then I think we will be on the grid in 2021."

Castrol Toyota Racing Series category manager Nico Caillol said he was impressed with the cohort.

"There was a lot of interest in the test which is of course good news for the sport in New Zealand.”

“We extended it from one day to two and were very impressed with all of the drivers. It's likely we will at least be looking at further test days if the level of interest continues."