Asian Motor Sports

Anybody claiming they can predict the winner of the 2007 Toyota Racing Series will have to take another look at the entry list because the country’s most experienced observers and enthusiasts won’t even hazard a guess!

As the series enters its third season, the competition has increased dramatically to the point where no driver is a stand out favourite. In fact, on perusing the field, several possible scenarios become evident as this season will see a mixture of visiting international drivers, returning Kiwi internationals, experienced former front runners and a host of eager debutants. The first round of the eight round Championship will take place at Pukekohe Park Raceway, near Auckland, this coming weekend and features a star-studded line up of drivers.

Obviously most interest surrounds the visiting international drivers including 2006 NZ Grand Prix winner Hamad Al Fardan (Bahrain) who has recently been honing his skills in the ultra competitive Formula Renault V6 Asia series. He will be joined by the winner of the last round of the 2006 series and holder of the New Zealand Motor Cup, Ben Clucas (UK) who comes fresh from winning the Australian Formula Three championship.

International newcomers making their debut at Pukekohe will be Michael Johnson (USA) and Lucas Dumbrell (Australia) who are seeking to gain experience in hi-tech ‘wings and slicks’ racing cars. Hong Kong based driver, Marchy Lee, has also signaled his intention to race following his promising campaign in the Formula Renault V6 Asia Series although his entry has yet to be confirmed.

The reigning Toyota Racing Series Champion, Daniel Gaunt (Auckland) returns from a season racing in the USA and will be determined to quickly re-establish himself as the man to beat while last season’s runner up, Ben Harford (Wellington), will be desperately seeking the early front running. Andy Knight (Christchurch) has also been racing in the USA and Australia so will be determined to claim the top step on the podium having notched up second and third placings over the past two series.

The 2006 Rookie Award winner, Marc Doran (Queenstown), is always a threat and will be looking to challenge for outright wins as will other impressive drivers who are returning for another season including: Christina Orr (Whakatane), Daynom Templeman (Auckland), Ben Crighton (Auckland), Andrew Higgins (Auckland), Mark Munro (Christchurch), Kenny Smith (Auckland) and Jayant Singh (Wellington).

Although the established drivers are favoured to feature regularly on the podium, considerable media interest surrounds two teenage debutants and with very good reason. The current NZ Formula Ford Champion, Shane van Gisbergen (Auckland) created controversy with his spectacular but effective driving style while newly crowned Asian Formula BMW Champion, Earl Bamber (Wanganui) is tipped to be New Zealand’s next international racing sensation. However, they can both expect tough opposition from two other highly rated teenagers, Mark Russ (Auckland) and Will Thomason (Wellington) who experienced a brief taste of Toyota Series racing last season with promising results.

While the scene is set for the start of what will be a sensational championship, the field will become even more competitive in January when more international drivers arrive to contest the three round International Series. At this stage, Italian prospect Edoardo Piscapo and Kiwi star Brendon Hartley (Palmerston North) are confirmed while the current Formula Renault 2.0 Eurocup leader, Chris van der Drift (Hamilton) is also hopeful of competing.

Drivers and teams have their final test runs at Taupo’s Centennial Park circuit on Tuesday before heading to Pukekohe for this weekend’s first round comprising Qualifying and Race One (12 laps) on Saturday with Race Two (12 laps) and Race Three (20 laps) on Sunday. For the 20 lap race, drivers will be racing for the coveted Denny Hulme Memorial Trophy which was won last year by Daniel Gaunt. The award holds special significance for drivers as the trophy was initially won by Hulme at the Argentinean Grand Prix in the early 1970s and has been represented in honour of his memory.

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Released: Kevin Lancaster HH Media