2012 Toyota Racing Series Calendar

New Zealand will open the International Automobile Federation (FIA) International racing calendar in 2012 with arguably the most concentrated single seater championship in the world.

In a significant calendar change for the Toyota Racing Series, the annual FIA International rounds will be run back-to-back over five consecutive weekends.

The tight schedule means just four weeks cover the opening round at Teretonga in Invercargill between January 12-15 and the finale, the New Zealand Grand Prix at Manfeild near Palmerston North, between February 9-12.

Round 1: Teretonga 12-15 Jan 2012
Round 2: Timaru 19-22 Jan 2012
Round 3: Taupo 26-29 Jan 2012
Round 4: Hampton Downs 2-5 Feb 2012
Round 5: Manfeild 9-12 Feb 2012

The TRS Championship consists of 15 races contested over 5 rounds.

TRS race weekends feature test sessions Thursday and Friday, qualifying Saturday morning, race one Saturday afternoon and Races two and three (one of these a longer feature race) on Sunday.

The Toyota New Zealand Grand Prix is 35laps ‐100kms race distance.  One of only two FIA Grand Prix outside of Formula One.

The Toyota Racing Series

Above – poster promoting the first Toyota Racing Series in 2004.

Now in it’s eighth season as New Zealand’s premier category, Toyota Racing Series is as exciting, fast and closely fought as ever.

The only class in New Zealand motorsport that offers aspiring racers vital experience with wings, slicks and composite technologies, TRS is Toyota’s commitment to nurturing our next generation of top level racing talent.

No other manufacturer has made the same long term commitment to motorsport as Toyota. The TRS is a National Championship and drivers in the series compete for every major title and trophy in the sport. The series attracts Premier Gold Star status along with the New Zealand Grand Prix title, one of only two FIA-sanctioned Grand Prix race events outside of Formula One.

TRS not only gives a huge boost to single-seater racing in New Zealand, it attracts rising stars from the northern hemisphere to gain valuable off-season experience in internationally-relevant race cars. The overseas drivers value the chance to compete during the northern winter and to perhaps make a name for themselves while their rivals wait out the winter chill.

Not only is the series New Zealand’s premier open-wheeler category and the focus of the New Zealand Grand Prix, it has now come of age as the final step for local drivers heading offshore to prove themselves internationally. With the success of TRS graduates the career path is proven.

High performance on and off the track

The cars are state of the art. A purpose-built monocoque carbon fibre chassis and sealed 1.8-litre in-line four-cylinder engines; full aerodynamic effect from an advanced package of wings and sidepods; identical wheels, tyres and suspension parts. The control of these elements makes for the closest possible racing and puts the emphasis on true driving ability under all conditions. TRS is the only category that offers aspiring drivers the chance to gain invaluable experience in open-wheel driving, aerodynamics and slick tyres right here in New Zealand without having to go overseas prematurely or needing a big budget.

A fantastic stepping stone to all international single-seater classes

These cars lap New Zealand circuits more than six seconds faster than Formula Ford and faster than an NZV8. But that’s not enough to make the category a success. Backing the cars is a series that is very professionally run and supported by New Zealand’s leading car brand, Toyota. A level of investment unmatched by any other manufacturer demonstrates Toyota’s commitment to finding the next generation of racers and giving them the best possible stepping stone to the next level of their careers.

The works

Toyota’s support for the only manufacturer-based single seater class in New Zealand extends to the most advanced trackside pit and hospitality facilities in the country. It’s a paddock presence that supports both race teams and their sponsors. The travelling F1-style set-up features a paddock area and marquee bay so each competitor works in a self-contained, professional environment alongside other race teams.