Melbourne City Toyota racing driver Jay Robotham wins in New Zealand
Congratulations Jay, from your Melbourne City Toyota family!
Rising star, Jaylyn Robotham has had a successful weekend in New Zealand on his debut of the Best Bars Toyota 86 Championship, adding some silverware to his trophy cabinet. It was his first time competing at the Pukekohe Circuit and the young racer came away with two wins and a second place, putting him in the Championship lead.
Friday’s practice sessions were Robotham’s only chance to familiarise himself with the Pukekohe Circuit, after he arrived fresh from Australia after competing in the Toyota 86 Series, just the weekend prior in Newcastle.
“I literally just finished the season in the Toyota 86 Series last weekend and had a few days at home before I jumped back on the plane to head to NZ,” laughed the 17-year old.
“I’m absolutely wrapped with the results though. Not having been here before, I was a little nervous and I knew the competition was going to be tough. The only real preparation I was able to do for this track was to watch previous V8 Supercar races and obviously use practice to learn the track as quickly as possible.
“A big thanks to the crew for a mega car and of course all my sponsors, especially Paul Manuell and Mike Childs from Eastern Automotive Performance Centre. It’s only early days, but here’s hoping we can continue the success for the rest of the season!”
The category is set to be a tough one for the young Aussie racer, with a field of 17 and strong competition with the likes of Kiwi, Jaden Ransley who took out the race win on the Saturday. Further threats also include Peter Vodanovich and Brock Gilchrist who all gave the newcomer a hard-fought race.
The Championship heads to the South Island, New Zealand where they will take on Highlands Motorsport Park, followed by Invercargill’s Teretonga Park. It then moves to the North Island for the New Zealand Grand Prix meeting at Manfield – Circuit Chris Amon and then onto Hampton Downs, before concluding the season with a non-championship race weekend at the Virgin Australia Supercars event at Pukekohe Park in April.
RESULTS
Friday 29th November
Practice 1 – 10th
Practice 2 – 3rd
Saturday 30th November
Qualifying – 3rd
Race 1 – 2nd
Sunday 1st December
Race 2 – 1st
Race 3 – 1st
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