Wanted: Everyday people to put their Toyotas on track

Wanted: Everyday people to put their Toyotas on track

Toyota Festival at Hampton Downs Motorsport Park
Saturday 31st May 2014

Ever wondered how your 1980 Toyota Corolla would fare on one of New Zealand’s top race tracks? Maybe you’ve got a Hilux that you’d love to put to the test? The Toyota Festival is your chance.

For anyone who has ever fantasised about putting their pedal to the metal, the 2014 Toyota Festival at Hampton Downs sees the famous track open to all Toyota enthusiasts on Saturday 31 May.

Enthusiasts can experience the thrills of the race track, learn from New Zealand’s top drivers and come together with other automotive aficionados from around the country.

This year the event has expanded to include professional driver coaching, skid pan, show & shine competition, an open Toyota Racing garage showcasing the TR86, the chance to test your single seater skills in the ETEC Toyota Racing Series simulator, as well as a range of giveaways including 20 hot laps with a professional driver. The Richards Motorsport Toyota V8 Camry will also be running hot laps, with two winners drawn from the first 200 people to register invited to enjoy track time.

Kiwi Formula 1 great Chris Amon is looking forward to the event, which he says highlights New Zealanders’ love of the drive.

“New Zealanders are not only passionate motorsport fans, we love our cars and we love driving. The Festival is all about celebrating that passion with a group of likeminded Kiwis in a fun and friendly setting.”

The Toyota Festival was conceived in 2013 by a group of Toyota 86 owners and originally established as a track event for Toyota 86 owners and clubs.

However, in 2014 the doors will be open to fans of all Toyota models, something Toyota Assistant General Manager Marketing Andrew Davis says offers a unique opportunity to all Toyota drivers.

“While last year was about giving our die-hard 86 owners a chance to get a genuine track experience in their car, this year we’ve opened the gates and encourage all Toyota owners to come down and enjoy some track time,” he says.

Mr Davis says the Festival is an exciting opportunity for Toyota drivers of any and all models.

“Toyota has a long history of creating cars that resonate strongly with automotive enthusiasts – vehicles such as the 86, MR2 and Altezza which all have a huge following here in New Zealand,” says Mr Davis.

“The Toyota Festival is our way of giving back to those drivers.”

Gates open for registration from 8am Saturday, 31st May at Hampton Downs with full event packages available for $135 for track time, $40 for skid pad driving only and free for those who just want to attend. For more information or to buy tickets go to www.toyotaracing.co.nz or phone track organisers Playday on Track on (07) 378 7777.

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