Meritus Formula Toyota Team

Toyota Racing Series: New Zealand’s premier single-seater category

After a hugely successful debut season the racing proved to be exciting, fast and very even when this competitive new single-seater class lined up in January 2005 for the first of 18 races over six rounds which made up the 2005 Toyota Racing Series.

Toyota has made a long-term commitment to support this major series which in its second season now attracts National Championship and Premier Gold Star status, including the New Zealand Grand Prix title. The TRS class gives a huge boost to single-seater racing in New Zealand. It is not only a competitive and financially accessible class for local teams but is also proving to be of real interest to overseas teams who see the series as a chance to compete in their Northern Hemisphere winter.

Toyota gets the formula right

With a state-of-the-art, purpose-built monocoque carbon fibre chassis and controlled 1.8-litre in-line four-cylinder engine and identical tyres and parts, it's a performance formula that well and truly focuses on driving talent. TRS also gives young drivers the chance to gain invaluable experience in open-wheel driving right here in New Zealand without having to go overseas prematurely or needing a big budget.

A fantastic stepping stone to all international single-seater classes

With cars that get around circuits more than 6 seconds faster than Formula Ford, and a series that is very professionally run and supported, Toyota believes this exciting, evenly matched 'wings and slicks' series is the ideal launching pad for current and future talent to follow the likes of Scott Dixon, Matt Halliday, Jonny Reid and other top performing drivers who cut their teeth in open-wheel racing.

The works

Toyota's support for the only manufacturer-based class in New Zealand extends to trackside pit and hospitality facilities for teams and sponsors. The travelling F1 style paddock features a paddock area and marquee bay so each competitor can work in a self-contained, professional environment. To assist teams with racing logistics there is an even spread of racing in both the North and South Islands. The series takes in several high profile events including the New Zealand Grand Prix, the Lady Wigram Trophy and the Dan Higgins Trophy rounds leading up to the final round set to coincide once again with the V8 Supercars.