Two days after dramatically clinching the 2010 Toyota Racing Series title, Mitch Evans was back at the Taupo circuit to check out the next wave of kiwi driving talent.

It was yet another day away from his Year 11 studies for the 15-year-old St Kentigens schoolboy. But the cheerful Champion was pleased to share his recent experiences and offer advice.

Championship runner up Earl Bamber was also back at Taupo on Tuesday – evaluating several development ideas in advance of the 2011 season on behalf of Toyota – and he took time out from testing to chat with the latest prospects.

Also mingling with the young drivers – offering support and encouragement – was former Grand Prix driver and Toyota Ambassador Chris Amon.

The TRS support engineering team were all back in action – in spite of a hectic final race weekend – with six eager young drivers ready for their introduction to slicks, wings and the state-of-the-art TRS single seater.

Each of the drivers – Matt Williams (Christchurch), Ben Dallas (Auckland), Andrew Vincent (Auckland), Nick Cassidy (Auckland), Aaron Hodgson (Auckland) and Hayden Pederson (Rotorua) – was given several runs in one of the two TRS chassis provided for their first evaluation of a wings and slicks car.

On the Thursday before the Taupo race weekend Damon Leitch (Invercargill) and Matt Penrose (Christchurch) participated in a similar introduction session. These two South Islanders also got to run in the passenger seat of the TRS2 on Saturday with double TRS Champion Daniel Gaunt at the wheel.

During their TRS track test each driver was introduced to the cars running in the TRS Lites configuration; and then several of the more experienced drivers experienced some laps with the full TRS Championship power.

“Finding the next generation of TRS drivers began in earnest on Tuesday,” said TRS Manager Barrie Thomlinson. “We are talking to drivers all year round but a track test allows drivers to fully understand what TRS offers.”

“New Zealand manages to produce wave after wave of exciting young racing talent and we are pleased to evaluate the newcomers.”

During the next few months Thomlinson and his TRS Team will work closely with drivers as they pursue sponsorship to compete in the 2011 series.

“It just seems to get better each year. All these drivers are keen to step up into TRS and we are here to advise and guide them and their parents as they develop plans with sponsors and teams.”

“It is very encouraging for the future, particularly as several are already saying they want to begin in TRS Lites – just as Mitch Evans did in 2009 at Manfeild and Hampton Downs”

“Young drivers from karting and the junior single seater classes can now see the importance of planning a pathway for their future”

“The European success of Brendon Hartley – our very first TRS winner – is now being reinforced with recognition that many of our past and present drivers including Mitch Evans are receiving; and it was a real endorsement of TRS to have Earl returning to the series this year.”