Australian racing talent Jack Taylor, 17, is set to kick off an exciting 2026 motorsport season by joining the Castrol Toyota Formula Regional Oceania Trophy in New Zealand. After a standout season in the 2025 GB4 Championship in the UK, Taylor is eager to race closer to home with Giles Motorsport, marking his debut in New Zealand’s premier single-seater championship.
A strong season in 2025
Taylor’s 2025 campaign in the GB4 Championship was nothing short of impressive. The young Australian scored two wins, two pole positions, four podiums, and three fastest laps, showcasing his potential as a future star in motorsport. His strong performances in one of the UK’s most competitive junior categories earned him recognition and set the stage for his next step in 2026.
“The 2025 season was great for me, but I’m excited to take on a new challenge in New Zealand,” said Taylor. “After two years racing in the UK, this will be my first time in New Zealand and my closest campaign to home yet, so I’m obviously really looking forward to it.”
A new challenge in New Zealand
Taylor will compete in the four-round 2026 Castrol Toyota FR Oceania Trophy, a prestigious championship that serves as an ideal platform for junior drivers looking to develop their skills in a competitive environment. The series has experienced a surge in interest after organisers reduced its season to four rounds to avoid clashes with northern hemisphere testing. This change has made the championship even more appealing to up-and-coming drivers, including Taylor.
“CTFROT has a strong reputation, and it was a much better option for me than doing winter testing in Europe,” Taylor explained. “I’m looking forward to the challenge and seeing what I can do with Giles Motorsport. I also have to thank my sponsors—particularly Megapoxy and European Stone Masons—for making this possible.”
Taylor’s debut New Zealand season will feature the 70th New Zealand Grand Prix, the highest-profile single-seater race in the country. The event holds special significance, being one of only two non-F1 races worldwide to carry official FIA ‘Grand Prix’ recognition, alongside the prestigious Macau Grand Prix. Racing in this iconic event adds even more prestige to an already exciting season ahead for the young Australian.
