As the 2026 Castrol Toyota Formula Regional Oceania Trophy (CTFROT) grid begins to take shape, American racing sensation Cooper Shipman has officially been confirmed to compete in the four-round championship. The seventeen-year-old, who dominated the 2025 Formula 4 United States Championship with nine wins, has chosen to begin 2026 by staying with the team that helped him secure the US F4 title – Kiwi Motorsport. Consequently, Shipman’s decision to make the leap to the renowned New Zealand series marks an exciting new chapter in his career.
A strong season in the United States
Shipman’s 2025 season in the Formula 4 United States Championship was nothing short of impressive. With nine wins and a string of dominant performances, he firmly established himself as one of the top talents in junior motorsport. His consistent pace and maturity behind the wheel not only earned him the title but also positioned him as one of the most promising young drivers of his generation. Despite his remarkable success in the US, however, Shipman remains focused on pushing himself further and taking his career to the next level.
Rising to the challenge
In light of this, Shipman is determined to challenge himself on a global stage. By stepping into the 2026 CTFROT, he is not only shifting from Formula 4 to Formula Regional but also transitioning to a much tougher competition. The championship has earned a strong reputation for developing future stars, with recent graduates like F1 world champion Lando Norris and 2023 series champion Arvid Lindblad using the series as a springboard to advance their careers. As a result, Shipman knows that the competition will be fierce, but he welcomes the challenge.
“Competing in FR Oceania will be the biggest challenge of my racing career,” Shipman said. “I’m not only moving from F4 to Formula Regional, but also stepping onto a global stage against some of the world’s top emerging talent.”
“I’m grateful to my family and supporters for giving me the opportunity to test myself against the best in the world, as opposed to a US winter testing program,” he explained.
By racing in New Zealand, Shipman will gain valuable experience against international competition, a crucial step for his development as a driver. He trusts Kiwi Motorsport and his own abilities to deliver a competitive effort. “I trust Kiwi Motorsport, Driven DynamiX, and my own abilities to rise to the occasion and put out a competitive effort,” he said confidently.
As Shipman prepares to make his debut in the 2026 Castrol Toyota Formula Regional Oceania Trophy, his goal is clear: to challenge himself, learn from the best, and continue his rise through the ranks of global motorsport. His move to the CTFROT signals his commitment to furthering his career and taking the necessary steps to compete at the highest levels.
