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	<title>Toyota Racing Series</title>
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		<title>Evans leads GP3 Series after opener at Circuit de Catalunya</title>
		<link>http://www.toyotaracing.co.nz/evans-leads-gp3-series-after-opener-at-circuit-de-catalunya</link>
		<comments>http://www.toyotaracing.co.nz/evans-leads-gp3-series-after-opener-at-circuit-de-catalunya#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 13 May 2012 22:46:37 +0000</pubDate>
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				<category><![CDATA[TRS Graduates]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.toyotaracing.co.nz/?p=6212</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Kiwi Mitch Evans (MW Arden) has claimed the first victory of the 2012 GP3 Series at the Circuit de Catalunya, Spain in the opening race of the season. In what could be a crucial season for Evans, this has been a dominant win and a great way to start the series which is part of [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Kiwi Mitch Evans (MW Arden) has claimed the first victory of the 2012 GP3 Series at the Circuit de Catalunya, Spain in the opening race of the season.<span id="more-6212"></span> In what could be a crucial season for Evans, this has been a dominant win and a great way to start the series which is part of the support classes at the Spanish F1 Grand Prix weekend.  In the second race a punture dropped Evans well down the finishing order (20th) but he leads the series on 25 points, two ahead of race two winner Conor Daly (Lotus GP)**.  </p>
<p>&#8220;I’m absolutely stoked,&#8221; an excited Evans commented.  &#8220;You can’t get much better than that to start the season on the top step of the podium.&#8221;</p>
<p>The opening race was run in glorious weather as the temperatures rocketed up to 28 degrees as the green lights appeared to signify the 2012 year has begun! The start of the race was eventful, with Daniel Abt making a lightning getaway from P7 on the grid to take the lead before turn one ahead of pole man Antonio Felix Da Costa. However, stewards deemed that Abt, Felix Da Costa and Antonio Spavone all made jump starts, and therefore they all received drive through penalties.</p>
<p>Evans and Stockinger made good starts to move into third and fourth on the first lap.  Abt had a half second lead over the Portuguese pole sitter, while the Lotus GP duo of Conor Daly and Aaro Vainio dropped back from the front to P5 and P6.</p>
<p>&#8220;I was quite disappointed after Free Practice and Qualifying (P4) so it was good to come back with a win,&#8221; said Evans.  &#8220;I was fortunate with Daniel and Antonio’s jump starts and their misfortune but I am not going to complain about that. I made a great start, the car was brilliant from the first lap, it was fantastic. Once the two in front went into the pitlane, I tried to pull a gap at the front and then of course we had the restart but I maintained my advantage. My goal before the weekend had been the victory so I am very happy we delivered.&#8221;</p>
<p>Evans took over the lead of the race, with Stockinger promoted to second and Vainio in third. Midway through the race, the safety car was deployed after Kevin Ceccon stopped on the circuit in what was deemed a dangerous place.</p>
<p>It was MW Arden’s third win in the GP3 Series, with Evans making the best possible start to the racing year pocketing 25 points, finishing just over 2 and half seconds clear of the opposition. Stockinger (Status Grand Prix) in P2 achieved his first ever points in the GP3 Series as well as his first appearance on the podium. Vainio made his second visit onto a GP3 rostrum (his previous time was also here in Spain). Niederhauser in fourth set the fastest laptime of the race with 1:41.440 which earned him two extra points. Matias Laine in P5 also got his first ever points in his GP3 career, ahead of Daly, Ellinas, Robert Visoiu, Fumanelli and Brundle.</p>
<p>&#8220;We have worked really hard in Winter testing to maximise the performance of the car. We know we have found a good race set-up and we are confident we will be strong again in the race tomorrow. Hopefully I’ll make a clean getaway in race 2 and we will see what happens. We can’t plan these things so I don’t have any expectations,&#8221; said Evans. </p>
<p><strong>Race 2</strong></p>
<p>American Conor Daly proudly celebrated with the stars and stripes flag aloft after claiming his first win in the GP3 Series with a faultless display in Race 2 at the Circuit de Catalunya. It was the first podium finish of his GP3 career and he was joined by Robert Visoiu (Jenzer Motorsport) and Matias Laine (MW Arden).</p>
<p>&#8220;I got hit on lap 1 and received a left rear puncture,&#8221; commented Evans after race 2. &#8220;After I pitted for a spare I was lapping a second quicker than the front guys every lap.&#8221;  The second round will take place in two weeks time at the Monaco F1 GRand Prix weekend.</p>
<p><strong>Points Table after round 1 (Top 10)</strong></p>
<p>Pos     DRIVER     Pts<br />
1     M. Evans     25<br />
2     C. Daly     23<br />
3     A. Vainio     23<br />
4     M. Laine     20<br />
5     P. Niederhauser     20<br />
6     M. Stöckinger     18<br />
7     R. Visoiu     16<br />
8     A. Félix Da Costa     8<br />
9     T. Ellinas     6<br />
10     D. Abt     2</p>
<p><strong>About GP3 Series</strong></p>
<p>The GP3 Series is a one-make championship consisting of  identical cars. The Chassis is designed and built by Dallara Automobili. The engines are a 2 litre single turbo, producing 280 BHP developed by Renault. The GP3 Series uses Pirelli PZero tyres in three specifications (hard, medium and soft). Each driver has three sets of dry-weather tyres and two sets of wet-weather tyres available at each event. </p>
<p><strong>The Points System</strong></p>
<p>**The top ten drivers score points in Race 1 (25, 18, 15, 12, 10, 8, 6, 4,  2, 1) with two points being awarded to the driver who set the fastest lap of the race.</p>
<p>In a change of regulations in 2012, in Race 2 the top eight finishers score points (15, 12, 10, 8, 6, 4, 2, 1) and the driver who sets the fastest lap scores two points.</p>
<p>The point for fastest lap in both Race 1 and Race 2 will only be awarded to a driver who finishes in the top 10, and who has started the race from the grid.</p>
<p>Media: NZ Motor Racing/GP3 13th May 12</p>
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		<title>Cunningham to become fourth Kiwi to race at Indy</title>
		<link>http://www.toyotaracing.co.nz/cunningham-to-become-fourth-kiwi-to-race-at-indy</link>
		<comments>http://www.toyotaracing.co.nz/cunningham-to-become-fourth-kiwi-to-race-at-indy#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 13 May 2012 22:41:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[TRS Graduates]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.toyotaracing.co.nz/?p=6209</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[If Wade Cunningham qualifies for this years Indianapolis 500, he will become only the fourth New Zealander to drive in this prestigious race and the first time we have had two Kiwis in the 500. Cunningham has already raced on this famed two and a half mile rectangular oval in Indiana, having won the Indy [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>If Wade Cunningham qualifies for this years Indianapolis 500, he will become only the fourth New Zealander to drive in this prestigious race and the first time we have had two Kiwis in the 500. <span id="more-6209"></span></p>
<p>Cunningham has already raced on this famed two and a half mile rectangular oval in Indiana, having won the Indy Lights Freedom 100 three times over the past few years but this was only the lead-up race to the main event. </p>
<p>Finally he gets his chance at the wheel of the No. 41 A.J.Foyt Racing Dallara Honda teamed with British driver Mike Conway who will be in the No.14 car. Team owner A.J.Foyt has won this race four times between 1961 and 1977 and started at Indy 35 times between 1958 and 1992.</p>
<p>Denny Hulme, the 1967 F.1 World Champion was the first NZ’er to race at Indy where he made four starts between 1967 and 1971 with a best finish of fourth in both 1967 and 1968. </p>
<p>Bruce McLaren and Chris Amon were both going to race at Indy but neither did. In 1971 Peter Revson put the works McLaren M16A on pole but finished second to Al Unser Sr. while Denny Hulme was 17th. The following year McLaren had four cars at Indy, the race was won by the Penske Racing Sunoco M16B driven by Mark Donohue who had started third. He beat Al Unser who had won the two previous years!</p>
<p>Then for 1973 McLaren had six cars at Indy.  American drivers Johnny Rutherford and Peter Revson were in the factory cars but only finished 9th and 31st. Graham McRae made his only Indy 500 start for Andy Granatelli and STP starting13th and finishing 16th. </p>
<p>Team McLaren won the 1974 Indy 500 with J.R. driving, having started from 25th on the 33 car grid then Rutherford was runner-up in ‘75 behind Bobby Unser in Gurneys  Jorgensen Eagle with Foyt third. </p>
<p>McLaren won again in 1976 with J.R. in the Hi Gain McLaren M16E starting from the pole but the race was red flagged at lap 102 because of rain. Foyt was second but won the following year &#8211; his last win.</p>
<p>Scott Dixon was the third Kiwi to race at Indy, making his first appearance in 2003 for Target Ganassi Racing and has raced there ever since and this will be his tenth start. He won this race in 2008 and was runner-up in 2007 to Dario Franchitti.  </p>
<p>They have a great chance again this year but I think they will have to beat the Chevy powered cars of Penske Racing, who have won this race 15 times over the past 40 years. </p>
<p>Many Kiwi mechanics have also been involved in this race.  The most notable were Steve Horne who won with Bobby Rahal &#038; Truesports in 1986, Paul ‘Ziggy’ Harcus won with Al Unser Jr. in a Galmer Chevy in 1992 while Alan McCall was there many years. </p>
<p>His first year was 1966 with Jim Clark &#038; Team Lotus where they ran 2nd to Graham Hill then he went back in 1970 with McLaren Cars when Carl Williams drove his car to 9th. Last time I saw him at Indy was 1984 with Ziggy &#038; Tom Gloy! </p>
<p>The race will be on NZ TV in the early hours of Monday, May 28th.</p>
<p>Media: Murray McLaren in Ch-Ch. May 2012. </p>
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		<title>Nick Cassidy &#8211; Motorland Blog</title>
		<link>http://www.toyotaracing.co.nz/nick-cassidy-motorland-blog</link>
		<comments>http://www.toyotaracing.co.nz/nick-cassidy-motorland-blog#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 10 May 2012 22:04:32 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[TRS Graduates]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.toyotaracing.co.nz/?p=6207</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[After a long build up of preparation and pre-season testing, the season opener in Spain had finally arrived. Fridays Official testing got off to a good start, with our team selecting to only run a single set of rubber for the duration of the session. We ended P12, but with other cars putting on &#8216;green&#8217; [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>After a long build up of preparation and pre-season testing, the season opener in Spain had finally arrived.<span id="more-6207"></span></p>
<p>Fridays Official testing got off to a good start, with our team selecting to only run a single set of rubber for the duration of the session. We ended P12, but with other cars putting on &#8216;green&#8217; tires, it was just about focusing on where we could improve ourselves. The second session did not go all that smoothly however, with rain just before the start. We had a planned new tire run for late in the session, but when preparing for my first flying lap I was hit by a spinning car into the hairpin. As it turns out, I was p10 for the session so all was not bad.</p>
<p>The opening Qualifying session for the season was tough, and I was placed in a group with 7 cars who were quicker than me on the Friday. I ended 5th quickest in my group, 6th overall, but that put me 9th on the grid for the opening race, and in front of my three team mates.  This was the positive side of Saturday, as for the rest of it was a day to forget. Having made a good start, I simply braked later than those in front and collided with the car in front of me. There was no excuse for it, a very bad mistake. I wasn&#8217;t happy with myself at all, as it took me out of the race and put me behind on the points table. I needed to look forward to Qualifying the next day and make sure I could do my best job possible. </p>
<p>The Sunday&#8217;s Qualifying was my most competitive session of the year so far, and after a few overnight changes I was starting to feel more comfortable in<br />
 the car. I put together a nice lap at the end of the session to miss pole by only 0.01, and ended P2 for the session. It was not a perfect job, but I was a lot happier to be starting P4 in a 38 car field. The worrying factor was that my team mates would be starting, 15, 27 and 29. It was a much better place to be starting, but points would be important after my mistake from the previous day.</p>
<p>After a strong start, I was P4 after the first couple of corners, right on the back of current Karting World Champion Nyck de Vries in P3. I had a good run through the middle sector, and made the pass, which put me in 3rd heading down the long back straight for the first time. After defending into the hairpin, I had to move wide as a car had come from 5th out of control, running straight past the corner. In this move, 4th got the cut back on me, and we were side by side running through the fast right heading towards the finish. I was on the inside and squeezed onto the kerb, which unfortunately hit in the wrong place and launched me into the air. I went back to 6th due to this, but the problem was that I considerable damaged the car. From here it was damage limitation, and luckily I ended 6 with a car that was lucky to make it to the finish.</p>
<p>It was a disappointing weekend to only walk away with a handful of points and a lot of damage, but on the positive side there were many championship rivals who scored less than myself. I am very encouraged by the pace we showed on the Sunday, which holds us in good stead for the rest of the championship. </p>
<p>There is now a 3 week break before our next round at Spa &#8211; Francorchamps, a circuit which I will only get to see for the first time in Friday testing.</p>
<p>Nick Cassidy</p>
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		<title>3rd place finish for Murphy Prototypes in Spa</title>
		<link>http://www.toyotaracing.co.nz/3rd-place-finish-for-murphy-prototypes-in-spa</link>
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		<pubDate>Sun, 06 May 2012 23:24:27 +0000</pubDate>
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				<category><![CDATA[TRS Graduates]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.toyotaracing.co.nz/?p=6195</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The Murphy Prototype Racing’s trio of Jody Firth, Warren Hughes and Brendon Hartley finished third in yesterday’s FIA Endurance Championship race at SPA-Francorchamps in Beligum. The 6 hours of Spa-Francorchamps serves as the final event, as well as a rehearsal for, the 24 Hours of Les Mans, the biggest race on the endurance racing calendar [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The Murphy Prototype Racing’s trio of Jody Firth, Warren Hughes and Brendon Hartley finished third in yesterday’s FIA Endurance Championship race at SPA-Francorchamps in Beligum.<span id="more-6195"></span></p>
<p>The 6 hours of Spa-Francorchamps serves as the final event, as well as a rehearsal for, the 24 Hours of Les Mans, the biggest race on the endurance racing calendar and Murphy Prototype Racing can go into the event with renewed confidence after this excellent podium finish at Spa. After qualifying in 11th place, the team fought back through the ranks to take a very encouraging third place.  The team&#8217;s focus now turns to the 24 Hours of Le Mans held on the 16th of June.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.toyotaracing.co.nz/wp-content/themes/TRS/uploads/2012/05/Brendon_Hartley_Spa-03-WEB.jpg"><img src="http://www.toyotaracing.co.nz/wp-content/themes/TRS/uploads/2012/05/Brendon_Hartley_Spa-03-WEB-300x200.jpg" alt="" title="Brendon_Hartley_Spa-03 WEB" width="300" height="200" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-6202" /></a></p>
<p>The 24 Hours of Le Mans is organised by the Automobile Club de l&#8217;Ouest (ACO) and runs on the Circuit de la Sarthe, a circuit containing a mix of closed public roads and specialist motor racing circuit. The race is designed to test both car and drivers&#8217; ability to be quick as well as being able to maintain the performance over a 24 hour period.</p>
<p>Commenting, team owner Greg Murphy said: “As this race is the final event before the 24 Hours of Le Mans, to go into that event after a third place finish yesterday is a great achievement. The team worked very hard ahead of this weekend’s racing and we’ve spent a lot of time making sure that the car was just right.  Their efforts have certainly paid off. We can go into next month’s 24 Hours of Le Mans in a confident mood.”</p>
<p>The debuting Brendon Hartley said: “After a disappointing qualifying session, I was delighted to mark my racing debut with Murphy Prototype Racing with such an impressive result. To make our way through the field like we did shows how impressive the team and the drivers at Murphy Prototype are and that bodes well for this season and beyond.”</p>
<p><a href="http://www.toyotaracing.co.nz/wp-content/themes/TRS/uploads/2012/05/Brendon_Hartley_Spa-01-WEB.jpg"><img src="http://www.toyotaracing.co.nz/wp-content/themes/TRS/uploads/2012/05/Brendon_Hartley_Spa-01-WEB-300x200.jpg" alt="" title="Brendon_Hartley_Spa-01 WEB" width="300" height="200" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-6203" /></a></p>
<p>Jody Firth said: “It’s great to get back to racing after a bit of a break and our final position shows how hard we worked on getting the car ready for this weekend’s race. We all fought and raced really hard yesterday and we deserved our third place finish.”</p>
<p>Warren Hughes said: “It was tough going but once we were out there we made quick progress through the field and I’m delighted with our finish in third place.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.toyotaracing.co.nz/wp-content/themes/TRS/uploads/2012/05/Brendon_Hartley_Spa-02-WEB.jpg"><img src="http://www.toyotaracing.co.nz/wp-content/themes/TRS/uploads/2012/05/Brendon_Hartley_Spa-02-WEB-300x200.jpg" alt="" title="Brendon_Hartley_Spa-02 WEB" width="300" height="200" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-6204" /></a></p>
<p>ENDS</p>
<p>Follow Murphy Prototype Racing on Twitter: MailScanner has detected a possible fraud attempt from &#8220;murphyprototyperacing.createsend2.com&#8221; claiming to be https://twitter.com/#!/murphyprototype<br />
Like Murphy Prototype Racing on Facebook: MailScanner has detected a possible fraud attempt from &#8220;murphyprototyperacing.createsend2.com&#8221; claiming to be http://www.facebook.com/MurphyPrototypes</p>
<p>For further information please contact Craig Wilson at The Inside Line.<br />
E: craig@the-inside-line.co.uk<br />
M: +44 (0)7795 388473</p>
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		<title>Brendon Hartley to Compete in 6 hours of Spa-Francorchamps with Murphy Prototypes</title>
		<link>http://www.toyotaracing.co.nz/brendon-hartley-to-compete-in-6-hours-of-spa-francorchamps-with-murphy-prototypes</link>
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		<pubDate>Tue, 01 May 2012 20:12:51 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[TRS Graduates]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.toyotaracing.co.nz/?p=6192</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Murphy Prototypes is pleased to confirm that Brendon Hartley will join the team for the second round of the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) at Spa-Francorchamps this weekend alongside Jody Firth and Warren Hughes. New Zealand born Brendon has contested a variety of single seater championships, but the opportunity to race with Murphy Prototypes affords [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Murphy Prototypes is pleased to confirm that Brendon Hartley will join the team for the second round of the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) at Spa-Francorchamps this weekend alongside Jody Firth and Warren Hughes.<span id="more-6192"></span></p>
<p>New Zealand born Brendon has contested a variety of single seater championships, but the opportunity to race with Murphy Prototypes affords him his first endurance race in an Oreca 03-Nissan LMP2 car. </p>
<p>In 2008 Brendon competed in the British Formula Three Championship for Carlin Motorsport, winning five times and finishing the championship in third position. Last year he finished 7th overall in the Formula Renault 3.5 series with Gravity-Charouz Racing whilst also competing in the GP2 Series from round eight with Ocean Racing Technology, with who he remains for 2012.</p>
<p>Brendon was only 18 years old when he first tasted Formula 1 with Red Bull Racing at a show run in 2008. In 2009 and 2010 he was the official reserve driver for both RBR and Toro Rosso F1 teams. </p>
<p>In March 2012 he took part in a short test at HTTT Paul Ricard, France, behind the wheel of a Nissan-powered Oreca 03s where he showed good pace and consistency. He will now be joining the field of the fastest closed-wheel racing cars in circuit racing at the iconic circuit in Spa, Belgium, with Murphy Prototypes this weekend, 5th May 2012.</p>
<p>Greg Murphy, Murphy Prototype Racing Founder<br />
“Murphy Prototypes Le Mans Team hopes that with Brendon in the car, alongside Jody and Warren, we will be able to fight for honours at the highest level at the next World Endurance Championship round in Spa. He has good all round motor racing experience and following his few test laps in an LMP2 car in March, we are confident that he will feel right at home when he joins us for his first endurance race this weekend.”</p>
<p>Brendon Hartley<br />
“I am very excited to have my first taste of endurance racing! Together with Jody and Warren I think we should have a chance of a good result. Big thanks to Murphy Prototypes for the great opportunity.”</p>
<p>END</p>
<p>Follow Murphy Prototype Racing on Twitter: https://twitter.com/murphyprototype<br />
Like Murphy Prototype Racing on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MurphyPrototypes </p>
<p>Note about Murphy Prototypes:<br />
Murphy Prototypes Le Mans Team, founded by Dublin-based green energy entrepreneur, Greg Murphy, will race a Nissan powered Oreca 03 LMP2 car in 2012. Murphy Prototypes will use their experience in Renewables, Aerospace and Automotive during the European Le Mans Series campaign. This, combined with their resources in biofuels, hydro energy, energy efficiency, hybrid and alternative vehicle applications, will uniquely position the team for marketing and technical partnerships using the platform of Endurance Racing. The team will receive engineering support from Team RLR M-Sport.</p>
<p>For further media information contact:<br />
Emma Buxton    emma@emmabuxton.com    +44 (0)7525 150 625</p>
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		<title>Serralles makes it two from three for Fortec</title>
		<link>http://www.toyotaracing.co.nz/serralles-makes-it-two-from-three-for-fortec</link>
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		<pubDate>Tue, 10 Apr 2012 22:43:16 +0000</pubDate>
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				<category><![CDATA[TRS Graduates]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.toyotaracing.co.nz/?p=6188</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Felix Serralles made a stunning start to this afternoon&#8217;s feature race to take a commanding victory, making it two wins from three for Fortec at Oulton Park. Serralles started from second on the grid for the third and final Cooper Tires British Formula Three International Series race which got underway at 1700 at a dry [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Felix Serralles made a stunning start to this afternoon&#8217;s feature race to take a commanding victory, making it two wins from three for Fortec at Oulton Park. <span id="more-6188"></span></p>
<p>Serralles started from second on the grid for the third and final Cooper Tires British Formula Three International Series race which got underway at 1700 at a dry but chilly Oulton Park. The Puerto Rican, in only his third British F3 race passed Harvey out of the first corner and began to pull away from race one winner Jack Harvey. Serralles was however unable to extend a lead over the Carlin man as Pipo Derani &#8211; the winner of today&#8217;s second race &#8211; failed to get away at the start, warranting the deployment of the safety car for the second race in a row.</p>
<p>Once Derani&#8217;s car was cleared, the race re-started and Serralles led without challenge from Harvey in second. Further down the field, Alex Lynn began to close down Jazeman Jaafar for fifth, while Hannes van Asseldonk was hot on the heels of Pietro Fantin until an incident at Druids on lap six cut short the Dutchman&#8217;s race. </p>
<p>At the fore, Serralles looked utterly at ease as the Fortec man didn&#8217;t put a wheel wrong. A string of quick laps, including the fastest lap of the race &#8211; a 1:28.902 &#8211; saw him stretch out a lead of over 2.5 seconds from Harvey, who had no answer to Serralles&#8217;s pace and Felix drove his Mercedes-powered Fortec home to make it two wins from three for the Fortec squad.</p>
<p>Despite closing in on Jaafar early on, Alex Lynn was unable to bring a challenge to the Malaysian in the closing stages of the feature race and the Essex-based star was forced to settle for sixth. </p>
<p>Serralles was overjoyed to take victory this afternoon: &#8220;I&#8217;m really so so happy -the whole team has worked so hard, I drove really well and I&#8217;m just thrilled to get my first F3 victory under my belt in only my third race. I put in a great qualifying lap yesterday to secure second on the grid and I knew I could make a good start and it was just perfect for me.&#8221; </p>
<p>Today&#8217;s results see Felix move up to fifth in the drivers&#8217; standings, with Pipo Derani in sixth, Alex Lynn in eighth, and Hannes van Asseldonk rounding out the top ten.</p>
<p>The Cooper Tires British Formula Three International Series travels to Europe and Monza for the next three rounds of the Championship. </p>
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		<title>LESTER SECURES INTERNATIONAL GT SEAT</title>
		<link>http://www.toyotaracing.co.nz/lester-secures-international-gt-seat</link>
		<comments>http://www.toyotaracing.co.nz/lester-secures-international-gt-seat#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 13 Mar 2012 23:39:41 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[TRS Graduates]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.toyotaracing.co.nz/?p=6179</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Jono Lester has secured an international GT endurance seat for the 2012 season, signing with the PETRONAS Syntium Team for the Super Taikyu Series, a Japanese endurance race series. The PETRONAS Syntium Team are four-time defending champions in Super Taikyu, and have introduced 22-year old Lester into the team as they aim to continue their [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Jono Lester has secured an international GT endurance seat for the 2012 season, signing with the PETRONAS Syntium Team for the Super Taikyu Series, a Japanese endurance race series.<span id="more-6179"></span></p>
<p>The PETRONAS Syntium Team are four-time defending champions in Super Taikyu, and have introduced 22-year old Lester into the team as they aim to continue their winning streak this season with a two-car Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3 line-up.</p>
<p>“This is a terrific opportunity for me in a form of racing that I am really passionate about. Endurance racing is my dream and to begin this pathway with a championship-winning outfit like PETRONAS Syntium Team puts me in the best possible position to have a successful year in Japan.”</p>
<p>“Since I was a kid, I have been watching the respective Malaysian drivers that David Wong, owner and founder of PETRONAS Syntium Team, has sent to my father for training and development for more than a decade.</p>
<p>&#8220;I have been following David’s success stories – most notably how he has groomed Malaysian drivers into international successes and helped to develop the Japanese drivers into big-time champions.&#8221;</p>
<p><a href="http://www.toyotaracing.co.nz/wp-content/themes/TRS/uploads/2012/03/6831044074_2388c9e344_m.jpg"><img src="http://www.toyotaracing.co.nz/wp-content/themes/TRS/uploads/2012/03/6831044074_2388c9e344_m.jpg" alt="" title="6831044074_2388c9e344_m" width="160" height="240" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-6182" /></a><br />
The team boasts Japanese racing stars such as Masataka Yanagida (2010 Super GT300 champion and 2011 Super GT500 champion) and Nobuteru Taniguchi (2011 Super GT300 champion).</p>
<p>Lester will be at the helm of one of the two FIA GT3-spec Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG cars – commonly known as the ‘Gullwing’ – alongside Yanagida and another Japanese leading racer Tatsuya Kataoka.</p>
<p>The Super Taikyu Series is a six-round championship, made up of three- and four-hour endurance races.</p>
<p>“The team is committed to making this their fifth consecutive championship year. I want to make a quick transition into their working environment to help them achieve that goal.</p>
<p>&#8220;The SLS will be a different beast to what I’m most recently used to in the Toyota Racing Series. I watched the team win the Malaysian Millennium Endurance 12-hour Race at Sepang last year with the same car and was impressed with the performance. It’s a terrific car, and they have the expertise and know-how to translate that into results.”</p>
<p>Lester had his first drive of the SLS AMG at the Fuji Speedway last weekend, in preparation for the first round of the championship at the same venue on March 24.</p>
<p>The series also travels to Autopolis, Motegi, Okayama, Sugo and supports the World Touring Car Championship at their Japanese round at Suzuka in October.</p>
<p>To be selected by Wong to drive in Super Taikyu is Lester’s ultimate dream, knowing that Wong never has any excess baggage in his team.</p>
<p>“Jono is the driver of the future. I believe he has the talent and I am confident that he has the potential to become a very special racing driver. I have seen him grow up and I have followed and supported his progress over the years. It is a big challenge for Jono to race in Japan for the first time, at racing tracks and a car unfamiliar to him. However, our senior drivers and the rest of the team will be there to help Jono adapt and learn as quickly as possible to become competitive,” Wong comments.</p>
<p>Lester is supported in the 2012 Super Taikyu Endurance Series by PETRONAS Syntium,Opti-Flex, R Redpath Limited, Trinity Media Group, Mako Networks, Vortex Racewear and ThrillCapital.</p>
<p>ENDS</p>
<p>Photo Captions:<br />
[1] Jono Lester tested the PETRONAS Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG at Fuji Speedway last weekend<br />
[2] Jono Lester<br />
[3] Jono Lester familiarising himself with the PETRONAS Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG </p>
<p>Photo Credits to PETRONAS Syntium Team</p>
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		<title>Van der Drift secures superb second</title>
		<link>http://www.toyotaracing.co.nz/van-der-drift-secures-superb-second</link>
		<comments>http://www.toyotaracing.co.nz/van-der-drift-secures-superb-second#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 13 Mar 2012 22:44:26 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[TRS Graduates]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.toyotaracing.co.nz/?p=6185</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Monza &#8211; It was the best birthday present ever. Chris van der Drift was supposed to attend the Auto GP World Series in Monza as a driver coach for Manor MP Motorsport driver Daniel de Jong. But after a call last Thursday, the team told him to bring his race gear as well. Despite the [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Monza &#8211; It was the best birthday present ever. Chris van der Drift was supposed to attend the Auto GP World Series in Monza as a driver coach for Manor MP Motorsport driver Daniel de Jong.<span id="more-6185"></span></p>
<p>But after a call last Thursday, the team told him to bring his race gear as well. Despite the last minute offer, the 25 year old from New Zealand was ready for a challenge and drove the black-yellow car to a superb podium finish on Sunday.</p>
<p>On top of that, Van der Drift is ranked third in the championship.</p>
<p>&#8220;I&#8217;m so happy to get back on the podium and to deliver good results for the team. I thank them for the faith they have in me and giving me this opportunity&#8221;, says Van der Drift.</p>
<p>Chris&#8217; last race was in July 2011 during the final Superleague Formula event that year. But after a few laps in Friday practice, he knew that the speed was still there. After fine-tuning the car and learning about the tires in just twenty minutes, qualifying was his next challenge. He was pleased with securing fifth place.</p>
<p>Surviving a puncture</p>
<p>Without practising starts, Van der Drift got well off the line with the 550 hp strong single seater when the lights got out for the first race and he moved into fourth position. Only a slow puncture spoilt his race and dropped to eleventh. &#8220;I was battling with the &#8216;extra&#8217; oversteer for a few laps and then pitted. After the stop I could get back to business and start to take chunks off my lap times and made it all the way back up to sixth on track and then got promoted to fifth after one team received a penalty&#8221;, explains Van der Drift.</p>
<p>Into second</p>
<p>By this stage the fast Kiwi learned how the Kumho tires worked and how the car went over a race distance. He knew what to expect and the confidence was growing. Started from fourth during race two, he managed to get into third until the pitstop window opened. He pitted immediately, but unfortunately the left rear wheel didn&#8217;t go on and he lost a few seconds. Van der Drift was ranked seventh when everyone completed their pitstop. And this was just the beginning of his race to move up to second.</p>
<p>&#8220;That&#8217;s when it got excited and I quickly got past as many cars as possible&#8221;, says Van der Drift.</p>
<p>&#8220;I passed two by this stage and then the next lap into the first corner from 308kph I managed to out brake three cars while they all shot off the track. I went around the chicane and came out in front, from there it was two laps to go and all I could say was: &#8216;wow, did that really just happen&#8217;? I was just so happy knowing that I would be back on the podium and so happy for the team that they had faith in me and I delivered with results, many thanks to Manor MP Motorsport for making this happen for me.&#8221;</p>
<p>A desire to continue</p>
<p>&#8220;After this weekend I hope people see that I&#8217;m not here to be part of the field, but I&#8217;m here to be the best, and after having no testing and not driving for such a long time. I&#8217;ve still got it, just a message to everyone once I&#8217;m up and running: try to stop me! A big thanks to the team, especially my engineer and mechanics&#8221;, says Van der Drift.</p>
<p>The next race in is Valencia during the first weekend of April. Chris van der Drift is looking for budget needed for the running costs in order to pursuit first position in the championship. &#8220;So I&#8217;ll be busy trying to secure some support to make that happen!&#8221;</p>
<p>Chris is proudly supported by: P1 Racewear, Stockholm Fashion, Vision Racer, Titan Meats, MIS Race Insurance and REAL.</p>
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		<title>Van Asseldonk switches to British Formula 3 with Fortec</title>
		<link>http://www.toyotaracing.co.nz/van-asseldonk-switches-to-british-formula-3-with-fortec</link>
		<comments>http://www.toyotaracing.co.nz/van-asseldonk-switches-to-british-formula-3-with-fortec#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 05 Mar 2012 01:07:50 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[TRS Graduates]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.toyotaracing.co.nz/?p=6171</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Hannes van Asseldonk has joined Fortec Motorsport for the 2012 British Formula 3 campaign. The 20-year old from Boekel, the Netherlands, finished runner-up in this year&#8217;s New Zealand Toyota Racing Series, securing a trio of race wins in the process. Van Asseldonk raced in German F3 for Van Amersfoort Racing last year &#8220;I am very [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Hannes van Asseldonk has joined Fortec Motorsport for the 2012 British Formula 3 campaign. The 20-year old from Boekel, the Netherlands, finished runner-up in this year&#8217;s New Zealand Toyota Racing Series, securing a trio of race wins in the process.<span id="more-6171"></span></p>
<p>Van Asseldonk raced in German F3 for Van Amersfoort Racing last year &#8220;I am very glad that we were able to conclude a deal with Fortec Motorsports,&#8221; said Hannes, who finished fifth on his Macau Grand Prix debut late last year. &#8220;After my second place finish in the Toyota Racing Series, there were many teams interested in me, but I opted for Fortec Motorsport because it is a highly professional and motivated team. British Formula 3 is also a great championship. In recent years we have seen different names from this class stepping up to Formula 1, which is of course my ultimate goal.&#8221;</p>
<p>&#8220;The decision to drive in the Toyota Racing Series at the beginning of the year was right on the money. During the one and a half months in New Zealand, I&#8217;ve learned as much as you usually would over the course of a whole season in a European series.&#8221;</p>
<p>Hannes will enjoy his first ever test with Fortec at Snetterton next Tuesday and Wednesday, with the Dutchman already feeling comfortable inside the team.</p>
<p>&#8220;I had my seat fit in the team&#8217;s factory in Daventry, I feel totally at home,&#8221; continued Hannes, who achieved podium finishes in German F3, European Formula BMW and the Italian Formula Abarth Championship throughout the past two seasons. &#8220;It&#8217;s been a few years since a driver with a Mercedes engine has become a Champion in British Formula 3, but I&#8217;m sure with Fortec we can have a shot at the title.&#8221;</p>
<p>The 2012 British Formula 3 season kicks off at Oulton Park on the weekend of 6-7 April, before travelling to a further nine circuits, including three current F1 venues.</p>
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		<title>TOYOTA RACING SERIES CHAMPION CASSIDY HEADS FOR EUROPE</title>
		<link>http://www.toyotaracing.co.nz/toyota-racing-series-champion-cassidy-heads-for-europe</link>
		<comments>http://www.toyotaracing.co.nz/toyota-racing-series-champion-cassidy-heads-for-europe#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 21 Feb 2012 08:00:13 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[2012 Season]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.toyotaracing.co.nz/?p=6164</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Toyota Racing Series champion Nick Cassidy has secured a contract to race in Europe with leading British team Fortec Motorsport in the 2012 Formula Renault Eurocup series. Seventeen year old Aucklander Cassidy won the 2012 Toyota Racing Series, the 2012 New Zealand Grand Prix and the NZ Motor Cup. He led the five-round championship from [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Toyota Racing Series champion Nick Cassidy has secured a contract to race in Europe with leading British team Fortec Motorsport in the 2012 Formula Renault Eurocup series.<span id="more-6164"></span></p>
<p>Seventeen year old Aucklander Cassidy won the 2012 Toyota Racing Series, the 2012 New Zealand Grand Prix and the NZ Motor Cup.  He led the five-round championship from the second round onward, amassing a total of 914 points.  He won five races out of the 15 in the championship, standing on the podium a total of ten times.</p>
<p>Cassidy tested with Fortec in October last year at Barcelona&#8217;s challenging Circuit de Catalunya in a Formula Renault 2.0 litre car.  The drive was awarded to him by Renault Sport and TRS for winning the Rookie of the Year title in TRS 2011.  TRS Category Manager Barrie Thomlinson says he made a strong impression at the test, recording second fastest time of the morning on old tyres. </p>
<p>A mechanical problem meant he did not get to run new tyres in the afternoon, but his morning performance was enough to convince Fortec boss Richard Dutton of his potential.  </p>
<p>&#8220;As soon as Nick started working with us we had a good feeling and his morning performance in Barcelona left us in no doubt as to his potential. His outstanding performances in winning the TRS this year confirmed our initial impression during the test and I&#8217;m pleased that a budget has come together that will allow Nick to race in Europe this year. The Eurocup is a tough series, but I have no doubt Nick will quickly establish himself,&#8221; Dutton says.</p>
<p>One of Cassidy’s team mates will be the highly rated British driver Oliver Rowland, winner of the 2011 McLaren Autosport Young Driver Award, who will provide excellent reference and comparison for the young Kiwi.</p>
<p>Cassidy says the drive is a dream come true.</p>
<p>&#8220;I&#8217;ve been working towards racing in Europe from the moment I started karting, so to have this opportunity to race with Fortec is still hard to believe. Racing in the Eurocup is the first step in pursuing my ultimate objective.  I’m under no illusions as to how hard it will be and how much work has to be done, but I&#8217;m determined to make the most of this great chance,” he said.</p>
<p>“I believe that if I adopt the same mature and measured approach I can be successful in this European championship.”  </p>
<p>“It&#8217;s one step at a time, six months ago the challenge was to find the budget for the Toyota Series and to win it, so in a similar way I don&#8217;t want to get ahead of myself by thinking too far ahead, I just want to focus on making the most of this chance to race in Europe.&#8221;</p>
<p>The Toyota Racing Series provides a uniquely competitive single seat category in the southern hemisphere in partnership with Motorsport NZ, with the objective of developing young talent who aspire to compete on the global motorsport stage.</p>
<p>In 2012, 15 international and six New Zealand drivers contested the championship, with racers coming to the five week, five round series from a total of 12 countries.</p>
<p>Cassidy is the fourth New Zealand driver to step up from TRS into significant European race drives.  </p>
<p>The category’s first race winner, Brendon Hartley, went from TRS to racing with Red Bull.  In 2007 he won the Formula Renault Eurocup title – the same series Nick Cassidy will now contest – and continues his motorsport career in Europe.  Richie Stanaway has stepped up from TRS, now starting his third season in Europe he is contracted to drive for the Gravity Management Team.  Mitch Evans, the 2010 and 2011 TRS champion, will compete in his second season of GP3 in Europe this year with MW Arden under the experienced eye of F1 driver Mark Webber.</p>
<p>Toyota’s ten year commitment to the series and to New Zealand motorsport is now in its eighth year and Toyota General Manager Finance John Fowke says the series is meeting its objective as never before.</p>
<p>“A decade ago, Toyota saw a need to provide this crucial step for young racers – out of junior categories and up to full-on ‘wings and slicks’ current technology race cars.  From the beginning this series has delivered drivers into overseas opportunities race fit and ready for the next challenge in their careers.  It is fantastic to see another New Zealand driver benefit from the single-seat development platform the TRS offers.”</p>
<p>Mr Fowke says Nick Cassidy&#8217;s victory in this year’s Toyota Racing Series augers well for his competitiveness in Europe.</p>
<p>“We wish Nick every success as he continues on his motor racing career.”</p>
<p>-End-<br />
21 February, 2012<br />
For further information please contact:<br />
Barrie Thomlinson<br />
Telephone:	(09) 270 2759<br />
Mobile:		021 984 639</p>
<p>Mark Baker<br />
Telephone:	(09) 296 8636<br />
Mobile:		021 212 0607</p>
<p>Website:		www.toyotaracing.co.nz<br />
FaceBook:		ToyotaRacingSeries<br />
Twitter:			ToyotaRacingNZ</p>
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