Toyota Racing Series - R59 - Ruapuna Review

2007 Toyota International Racing Series:

Round One Sets Up Exciting International Series.

Italian Edoardo Piscopo on TRS debut.

The opening round of the 2007 Toyota International Racing Series has more than lived up to predictions that the remainder of the Series is set to be a thriller. Good quality International drivers from Italy, Britain and Bahrain have livened up the racing to the point where many were predicting a possible Round One podium dominated by overseas drivers. However, Lady Wigram Trophy weekend showed just how much talent there is in Kiwi motor racing with Kiwi drivers dominating proceedings when it counted.

Ben Harford’s stunning double victory in the first two races, combined with second in the Lady Wigram feature race, a new lap record and three pole positions demonstrated his obvious racing ablility. Drastically aided by his Automotion Team providing him with a car possessing the perfect racing set up, he was all but unbeatable. That was until the vastly experienced Daniel Gaunt showed just why he is the current double defending champion for both the overall and the International Series.

Having been out qualified by his rookie team mate, Shane Van Gisbergen and having recorded two 4th placings, rumours persisted that the pressure was on the highly regarded Kiwi International. By shrewdly gaining 2nd fastest lap time in the day’s second race, Gaunt set himself up on the front row of the grid for the start of the 25 lap feature race. From there he performed a magnificent start to gain an early lead so, suddenly, the pressure was now on Harford.

The ensuing battle will be hard to beat for excitment and the desperation of Harford’s overtaking attempts kept the crowd on their toes as they rose to their feet to acknowledge both drivers’ efforts as they raced to the chequered flag. Gaunt proved without any doubt he is still “the Boss” and only a fool would doubt he is a top prospect to take out the championships again.

However, all credit must be given to Shane Van Gisbergen who is living up to his reputation as the hottest prospect in New Zealand motor racing. Three top six placings and an overall round placing of 6th in his debut Toyota Series is nothing less than outstanding and to see him dicing and overtaking the likes of Ben Clucas and Hamad Al Fardan (both internationally acclaimed drivers) is utterly mega!!!

Other rookie drivers are also making their mark, including Earl Bamber and Nic Jordan who both display periods of sparkle in their racing although not yet adapting to “wings and slicks” racing as quickly as Van Gisbergen. Christina Orr, now in her second series, is establishing herself as one of the stand out personalities and her aggressiveness on the circuit is paying dividends. Her 7th place in the opening race from 10th grid position is testament to that and the manner in which she attempted to defend her track position against Van Gisbergen before yielding showed a developing maturity which is not going unnoticed.

Considerable interest surrounded hot Italian prospect Edoardo Piscopo who must be impressed with the opposition he has found in the Series. A mixed weekend with his first experience in a Toyota could prove deceiving as he showed flashes of speed and ability. Coupled with the technical abilities of his Mark Petch Motorsport technicians, he will become a front runner as the series progresses and demonstrate the advantage of racing in the aggressive European environment.

For the next round of the Series, to be held at Taupo in a fortnight’s time, another factor will come into play which many may not have identified. The Toyota Racing Series drivers will be appearing in front of some of the world’s top team managers and hordes of international media attending the A1GP series round. The opportunity to impress will be irresistible and coupled with the fact we have seen five different race winners from nine races this season, the prospect is mouth watering to say the least.

Gaunt and Harford were the race winners from the last Taupo appearance but throw Clucas, Al Fardan, Piscopo an Andy Knight into the mix and it will be just too close to call. They may not be top of the bill on the day but what a terrific support act they are going to make and nobody can predict a winner.

ENDS

Visit: www.toyotaracing.co.nz

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