Top grid for first round of 2012 Toyota Racing Series

A record international entry goes up against top local drivers when the 2012 Toyota Racing Series kicks off at Teretonga near Invercargill this weekend.

Auckland teenager Nick Cassidy will lead the New Zealand contingent against the strongest ever international field when the five-round Toyota Racing Series kicks off at Invercargill’s Teretonga Raceway this weekend.  Cassidy finds himself up against fast local Damon Leitch and no less than 15 overseas drivers.

The series goes out on track for the first time in 2012 this morning (Wednesday), with familiarisation laps of the fast 2.5 km Teretonga circuit. 
“I’m feeling better prepared going into my second season in these cars, particularly after gaining the chance to race in Europe late last year where I gained so much more knowledge on wings and slicks cars which I’m sure is going to be of great benefit this season,” said Cassidy.
Cassidy, 17, raced in Formula Arbath in Italy when he tested for the Ferrari Academy and also had seat time in a Formula Renault Eurocup 2.0 car in Spain – both cars using a similar chassis to the New Zealand based Toyota Racing Cars [TRS].
“With virtually no testing allowed for the New Zealand series I was always on a steep learning curve last year. If I can eliminate the mistakes I made then, I believe it will hold me in good stead for the series this year.”
In his TRS debut season, Cassidy won two races and gained 7 podiums in the 15 races to claim Rookie of the Year and finish 2nd in the New Zealand championship.
“I’m certainly aiming to go one better, but not underestimating the competition,” he added.
With an unprecedented 15 international drivers in New Zealand to contest the series, Cassidy has the strongest local credentials for success with defending champion and teammate Mitch Evans, only contesting two rounds. The other local drivers will be Damon Leitch (Invercargill), and rookies Jono Lester (Auckland) and Chris Vlok (Darfield).
“Normally we have to go off-shore to race against so many internationals but it’s like Europe has come to us this year and that’s given me even more motivation to win the championship,” added Cassidy. “However I have no illusions that it’s going to be an easy task.”