One lucky rising star from New Zealand's GR86 Championship will have the chance to win a fully funded part-time drive in Monochrome GT4 Australia in 2026, courtesy of TOYOTA GAZOO Racing New Zealand.
Serving as the top prize for this year’s GR86 Championship in New Zealand, the winner of the popular series will earn a seat alongside Daniel Frougas in the GWR Australia GT Supra GT4 EVO2 for upcoming rounds at The Bend, Queensland and Darwin.
With the final round to be decided at this weekend’s Taupo Super 440, there are nine drivers who have a mathematical chance of securing the special prize, including Chris White and Hugo Allan, who have previously debuted in the Monochrome GT4 Australia Series alongside Tony Quinn as a part of the Tony Quinn Foundation program supporting young Kiwi racing talent.
In joining GWR Australia for the next three rounds of the 2026 season, the winner will undoubtedly add value to the team, building on a strong foundation that helped guide Frougas to a pole position and third-place finish at Phillip Island last month, with team boss Garth Walden thrilled to welcome a new driver.
“We’re excited to bring a Kiwi young gun into the GWR stable,” Walden said.
“There’s some seriously impressive talent coming through the GR86 field, so whoever wins it is going to be ready to step up. Pairing them with Daniel gives us a really competitive package.”
TOYOTA GAZOO Racing New Zealand Motorsport Manager Nicolas Caillol believes the prize adds to a solid pathway that serves as a very important structure for up-and-coming talent in New Zealand.
“It’s a clearly defined and unique pathway within New Zealand, beginning with our grassroots Toyota 86 Trophy Series, followed by the ‘main game’ Bridgestone GR86 Championship,” Caillol said.
“After that, single seater or GT opportunities are available and beyond that, opportunities around the world within the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing family.
“We have plenty of involvement with Monochrome GT4 Australia as suppliers of parts in Oceania for the GR Supra GT4 EVO2 and we really believe this is a fantastic opportunity.”
The winner of the series will make their first of three appearances with GWR Australia at next month’s LIQUI MOLY GT Festival The Bend at Shell V-Power Motorsport Park on 8-10 May.