Liam Lawson to attend NextGen NZ Championship round at Hampton Downs this weekend
Words: Kyle Cassidy
Hampton Downs Motorsport Park will be the centre of New Zealand motorsport action this weekend as the Castrol Toyota Formula Regional Oceania Trophy kicks off.
Formerly known as the Toyota Racing Series, the Formula Regional Oceania Trophy begins with a busy on-track schedule all weekend. Nineteen drivers will take part in three practice sessions on Friday (Jan 9) setting the scene for a packed race weekend.
Saturday’s action starts early, with qualifying at 9:30am followed by Race 1 at 12:24pm. Race 2 will close out the day at 3:22pm. The intensity ramps up again on Sunday, with a second qualifying session at 9:30am, ahead of Race 3 at 12:19pm and the final race of the weekend at 3:56pm.
A strong line-up of support categories will also be in action at Hampton Downs, including the Bridgestone GR86 Championship, GTRNZ and the NZ Porsche Racing Championship.
The Bridgestone GR86 Championship returns for its second round after a nine-week break since the opening event at Hampton Downs in November. Mackenzie Motorsport’s Zach Blincoe leads the standings after a strong start to the season. The one-make Toyota Gazoo Racing New Zealand category will again contest three races this weekend.
GTRNZ is set to deliver some of the biggest grids of the event, with the third round of the championship attracting a bumper field. Around 35 cars are expected in the GT1 and GT2 classes while a further 40 cars are set to compete across the GT3 and GT4 classes.
The NZ Porsche Racing Championship also returns to Hampton Downs with a 21-car field for its third round. The grid will feature everything from modern GT3 Cup and GT4 cars through to Cayman, Boxster and classic Porsche 944 entries.
Full weekend schedule for the ALLIED PETROLEUM HAMPTON DOWNS INTERNATIONAL
Adding to the weekend’s appeal, Formula One driver and Racing Bulls competitor Liam Lawson will be an off-track highlight. The Kiwi star and Tony Quinn Foundation ambassador is scheduled to attend autograph sessions, giving fans the chance to meet one of New Zealand’s leading motorsport talents while supporting the foundation’s ongoing work.
For those unable to attend in person, live coverage will be broadcast on Sky Sport from midday on Saturday and from 11:15am on Sunday, ensuring fans won’t miss a moment of the action from Hampton Downs.
