It has been
brewing since the inaugural Toyota Racing Series (TRS) began in January
2005 and now may come to fruition this winter. It has been speculated
that the TRS will compete this winter in Australia, alongside the
current Australian F3 series. Now it is important that both sides of
the Tasman work together to make this a success for the future benefit
of single-seater racing down under.
With a small field (six cars) competing at the first round of
the F3 series at Wakefield Park last weekend, organizers are now
looking for options to increase the number of single-seater drivers
competing at a higher level in Australia.
The option of the TRS competing in the Australian winter
would pay dividends for all involved. With both classes competing in the
same race with the slower TRS starting behind the F3 cars.
The flow on effect would mean a greater attraction for
potential drivers, larger fields, more spectators and greater
competition for Australasian drivers.
While the older Australian F3 cars offer the driver a faster
car with greater aerodynamics the TRS offers a modern race car similar
to the various global Formula Renault series which have become an
important stepping stone for careers in single seater racing.
Ever since the TRS got underway five years ago the option of a
Trans-Tasman series has been a most sensible opportunity for the
development of single-seater racing in the South Pacific.
TRS has established itself as a strong brand and an option
for international or northern hemisphere drivers to compete in over
their winter to be race ready for the various competitions in Europe
that get underway in the NZ autumn.
High on the compliment list from overseas drivers has been
the professionalism in the way the series is conducted. With a high
level of corporate dinning, self contained pits, fully accessible parts
at the track and technical support. It is a series that could easily
slip into the Australian racing scene.
The option of a Trans-Tasman Series has huge potential. It
would naturally occur that the competition over the New Zealand summer
be followed by a racing in the Australian winter.
Options could then include a separate NZ champion, Australian
champion and overall Australasian winner.
The potential for any budding driver is fantastic – greater
seat time, exposure to many circuits, competition experience and
international coverage which has to be beneficial for their curriculum
vitae.
Already the TRS has had a multitude of drivers carry on to
international success. Most notable is current Red Bull F1 reserve
driver Brendon Hartley. Other drivers include Chris van der Drift (2008
Formula Masters champion), Wade Cunningham (2005 Indy Pro champ)
current V8 Supercar drivers Shane van Gisbergen, Daniel Gaulnt. It also
has been used by many international drivers such as Jay Howard (IndyCar
Series), Stefan Moller, Hamid Al Fadan, Ben Clucas, Leanne Tander,
Edwardo Piscopo (Red Bull F3), Nathan Antunes, Scott Pye, Will Stevens,
Will Buller, Sten Pentus and Lucas Foresti.
While many young drivers from this area have their hearts set
on a V8 Supercar drive, this is very much a closed shop. While it
truly is the major draw card of motorsport spectators there are a
limited number of seats available for inspiring drivers.
Single seater racing has a history of giving drivers many
more options on the international stage whereas the V8 scene in
Australia and New Zealand has not produced a spring board for drivers to
further their careers overseas with the exception of Marcus Ambrose who
competes in NASCAR (USA).
Whether we see TRS in Australia this winter or not, it is
vital that both sides gather the ANZAC spirit and work towards a common
goal of a truly Trans-Tasman competition in single-seater racing. The
benefits for all our drivers are both huge and exciting.
