Michelin partners with Toyota Racing Series

Michelin is kicking off its 2012 motorsport season with the Toyota Racing Series (TRS) in New Zealand. Chosen as the control tyre for the category, Michelin will play an important role in the intense five round season.

The tight schedule means just over four weeks cover the opening round at Teretonga in Invercargill between January 12-15 and the finale, the New Zealand Grand Prix at Manfeild near Palmerston North, between February 9-12.

The cars are state of the art, lapping the New Zealand circuits more than six seconds faster than Formula Ford and faster than an NZV8. They make use of a purpose-built monocoque carbon fibre chassis and sealed 1.8-litre in-line four-cylinder engines; full aerodynamic effect from an advanced package of wings and sidepods; identical wheels, MICHELIN tyres and suspension parts.

The control of these elements makes for the closest possible racing and puts the emphasis on true driving ability under all conditions.

TRS not only gives a huge boost to single-seater racing in New Zealand, it attracts rising stars from the northern hemisphere to gain valuable off-season experience in internationally-relevant race cars. The overseas drivers value the chance to compete during the northern winter and to perhaps make a name for themselves while their rivals wait out the winter chill.

Running in the blue and green of TYREPLUS, ETEC Motorsport are confident of their strongest Toyota Racing Series performance to date with a strong 5-car line up. Returning British driver Josh Hill, local Porsche GT3 racer Jono Lester; and three rookie hopefuls in Victor Sendin (France), Melvin Moh (Malaysia) and Shahaan Engineer (India) give ETEC it’s most diverse flavour yet in New Zealand’s premier single seater racing category.

Round 1: Teretonga 12-15 Jan 2012
Round 2: Timaru 19-22 Jan 2012
Round 3: Taupo 26-29 Jan 2012
Round 4: Hampton Downs 2-5 Feb 2012
Round 5: Manfeild 9-12 Feb 2012