Valuable Lessons from Our Bridgestone GR86 Championship Round | Taupō and Manfield

Stepping into the Bridgestone GR86 Championship this season for two rounds was always about gaining experience and understanding the level of competition we’re working toward. Competing at both Manfeild: Circuit Chris Amon and the ITM Taupō Super 440 gave us exactly that, a real insight into the pace, the racing, and what it takes to compete in the championship.

Our final round took place at Taupō International Motorsport Park, and while the results didn’t quite fall our way, the weekend delivered plenty of learning.

Practice sessions felt promising from the outset. P1 and P2 felt solid and we managed a P8 in Practice 2, which gave us confidence heading into qualifying.

Qualifying, however, turned into a bit of a scramble. The greens went on but the car just wouldn’t settle the way we needed it to, leaving us lining up P16 for Race 1.

After qualifying, the team at Mackenzie Motorsport got stuck into the car and made a few adjustments ahead of the race.

Race 1 started strong and we were able to climb a few spots early and stay in the fight. Unfortunately, we took a heavy knock to the right side during the race which knocked the steering out of balance. From that point on the car struggled to turn left, making the rest of the race a challenge. Despite that, we managed to bring it home P15.

Race 2 ended up being our final race of the weekend after Sunday’s racing was cancelled as Cyclone Vaianu approached New Zealand.

With a reshuffle in the grid we started P14, and after some close racing and a few battle scars along the way we managed to hold position and cross the line P14.

Competing in two rounds of the Bridgestone GR86 Championship this season proved to be hugely beneficial. Running in this field gave us valuable insight into the level of competition, the race pace required, and what it takes to consistently run at the front.

Being able to line up against drivers who are already established in the series gave us a clear picture of where we sit and, just as importantly, what we need to focus on as we continue developing both the car and driver.

These two rounds were an important step for us. They provided a solid benchmark and helped confirm the direction we’re heading as we work toward a full campaign in the 2026/27 Bridgestone GR86 Championship.

A huge thank you to Mackenzie Motorsport for their work and support throughout the weekend. It’s been great racing alongside the drivers in the team and we really appreciate the tips and guidance along the way.

To our partners, none of this happens without your backing. J.A. Russell Ltd, Ambius Lighting, Marley New Zealand, NuGreen, IMPAC, Valiant Electrical, Stang Media NZ Ltd, Energy Corse NZ, Gus Lam Performance and Shutter Media Group NZ.

And of course, to my family, your support behind the scenes means everything.

Next up we shift focus to the Toyota 86 Trophy Series, where I’ll be running under the winter series category, along with another campaign in the New Zealand Endurance Championship.

The learning continues, and we’re looking forward to what’s ahead.