Near capacity fields are expected in the 2017 Toyota 86 Racing Series, following on from last year’s hugely successful inaugural one-make series for the iconic low-cost Toyota 86 sports car.

 

The series was established by Toyota to provide a cost-effective entry point and training ground for up-and-coming drivers, using a race track-tuned version of the 86.

 

In launching the second season of a three-year commitment to the series, Toyota Australia executive director sales and marketing Tony Cramb said the Toyota 86 Racing Series provided an attainable platform for emerging drivers aiming for a professional career in the sport.

 

“The Toyota 86 is the perfect platform to help develop driving and engineering skills,” he said. “It is a professionally run competition with the hallmarks and demands of a marquee category.

 

“The series maintains the lowest entry fee for any national motorsport competition. The specification of the cars is designed to develop drivers and teams in a professional environment, while delivering the speed and door-to-door action viewers demand.

 

“The cost of cars and racing are comparatively low and attract a range of drivers, from those still at school with a national series in their sights to experienced businessmen and even a surgeon out there to have fun on the grid.”
 

Sydney driver Tim Brook, who placed fourth in last year's series, is one of the favourites in the 2017 Toyota 86 Racing Series.

 

Inaugural series winner Will Brown has this year stepped up to the Dunlop Super2 Series, the feeder series to the Supercars Championship, and is currently sixth in the points standings after an impressive opening round debut at the Clipsal 500 in Adelaide.

 

Uniquely, Toyota fielded several of its own 86 race-prepared cars in the inaugural series driven by older star drivers. Their role chiefly was to mentor the young drivers out on the track. This practice will continue in 2017, but with an additional off-track driver mentor.

 

The cars are essentially mildly modified versions of the road-going 86 model, incorporating a bigger AP Racing brakes package, specially-developed Dunlop Direzza tyres, a control specification engine management system and exhaust, and suspension.

 

In 2017 the Toyota 86 Racing Series will run over five events coinciding with the Virgin Australia Supercars Championship: Phillip Island (Apr 21–23), Townsville (July 7–9), Sydney Motorsport Park (Aug 18–20), Mount Panorama (Oct 5–8) and Newcastle (Nov 24–26).