Toyota's 86 goes racing

Toyota’s acclaimed 86 sports coupe will make its debut on New Zealand’s race tracks next summer using a locally developed Toyota Racing version called TR 86.
Confirming plans for the series and the specification of the race car, Toyota has released provisional details of the calendar which will see the 86 racing series debut on the new circuit at Highlands Motorsport Park, Cromwell, in early November.
The new series builds on the success of New Zealand’s premier motor racing championship, the Toyota Racing Series.  Now heading into its tenth season, the five-week TRS brings together the best young New Zealand drivers and the rising stars of international motorsport to compete in modern single-seater race cars with Toyota engines. It is the biggest commitment to driver development ever seen in New Zealand motorsport.
The 86 racing series will share billing at some rounds of TRS including the New Zealand Grand Prix weekend at Manfeild in February 2014.
The inaugural 86 racing series will cover up to seven rounds over seven months, and the cars are being built with other motorsport opportunities in mind including targa events, endurance racing and hillclimbs.
There are 20 cars available in the inaugural build, and only those 20 are eligible to race in the series. Already, 12 cars are under construction, with two confirmed sold and strong interest in the rest. The final specification of the cars and the race calendar will be confirmed at the official launch of the TR 86 at the annual CRC Speedshow, July 20-21 in Auckland. Series sponsors will also be announced, and the television coverage for the series will be outlined. 
Initial reaction to the announcement of the series has been overwhelmingly positive. The prototype TR 86 was displayed at this year’s five-round TRS international race series, where organisers say it attracted strong interest from VIP guests and race-goers. This also provided the opportunity to run the car at some of the circuits the series will visit, providing valuable
feedback to fine tune the car for competition.
The TR 86 interior features include a 6 point FIA-approved roll cage, integrated Motec dash, Sparco Touring-car race seat and race steering wheel. Cars also feature specially-tuned adjustable suspension, and a racing brake package and will run on 18-inch Speedline motorsport wheels fitted with slick tyres. Each car is built to a low volume vehicle certification which means they can be driven on public roads provided the owner holds a Motorsport NZ competition licence.
The purchase price of $78,000 plus GST includes the Motec data dash and an additional set of 18-inch alloy wheels. A deposit of $10,000 will secure the purchase of a TR 86. Series testing is scheduled to take place in early October prior to the first race. For those who require it, finance to purchase the cars is available through Toyota Finance subject to standard credit criteria.