The 2026 Castrol Toyota Formula Regional Oceania Trophy (CTFROT) season proved to be a thrilling spectacle, packed with intense racing, unpredictable weather, and nail-biting championship battles. From the opening round at Hampton Downs to the dramatic finale at Highlands Motorsport Park, each weekend delivered its fair share of surprises, with drivers showcasing not only their speed but also their ability to adapt under pressure.
Ugo Ugochukwu enjoyed a season of resilience and strategic brilliance, as he fended off fierce competition from Freddie Slater, Louis Sharp, and others, ultimately securing the Drivers’ Championship. Meanwhile, M2 Competition showed consistent strength across the board which led them to a well-earned victory in the Teams’ Championship. Alongside the headline title battles, there were standout performances throughout the season, with drivers like Sharp, Wood, and Scoular also making significant impacts. This season offered a masterclass in racing, highlighting the importance of both talent and consistency in the pursuit of glory.
2026 CTFROT Round 1: Hampton Downs: Ugochukwu claims early momentum as series gets underway
Round 1 of the 2026 CTFROT at Hampton Downs delivered a dramatic and highly competitive season opener, immediately setting the tone for the championship battle ahead. Across two qualifying sessions and four races, fine margins, strategic execution and composure under pressure defined the weekend.
Ugo Ugochukwu emerged as the clear benchmark. After securing pole in a tightly contested Qualifying 1, he narrowly missed victory in Race 1 but rebounded emphatically on Sunday. A dominant Qualifying 2 performance earned him pole for the Dorothy Smith Memorial Cup, and he converted pace into results with commanding victories in Races 3 and 4. His ability to manage restarts, traffic and Safety Car interruptions highlighted both speed and maturity, leaving Hampton Downs with a commanding lead in the Drivers’ Championship.
Louis Sharp also made a strong early statement by converting a brilliant start into a lights-to-flag victory in Race 1, fending off sustained pressure from Ugochukwu. Meanwhile, the reverse-grid Race 2 produced chaos and opportunity, with Zack Scoular capitalising superbly to take victory after a Safety Car–interrupted start.
Behind the race winners, consistency proved just as valuable. Jin Nakamura quietly assembled one of the strongest weekends, finishing on the podium multiple times to sit second in the standings. Kanato Le likewise impressed with regular front-running pace and resilience after setbacks. Freddie Slater, Ryan Wood and others showed flashes of speed but endured mixed fortunes in a weekend shaped by incidents and fine margins.
In the Teams’ Championship, M2 Competition struck first thanks to Ugochukwu’s dominance and solid support from Slater, edging Hitech TGR and mtec Motorsport.
Summary of Results:
- Race 1: Louis Sharp
- Race 2: Zack Scoular
- Race 3: Ugo Ugochukwu
- Dorothy Smith Memorial Cup: Ugo Ugochukwu
Drivers’ Championship:
- Ugo Ugochukwu, M2 Competition – 113 points
- Jin Nakamura, Hitech TGR – 95 points
- Kanato Le, Hitech TGR – 83 points
- Freddie Slater, M2 Competition – 74 points
- Louis Sharp, mtec Motorsport – 70 points
- Zack Scoular, mtec Motorsport – 62 points
Teams’ Championship:
- M2 Competition – 200 points
- Hitech TGR – 189 points
- mtec Motorsport – 161 points
- HMD Motorsports with TJ Speed – 70 points
- Kiwi Motorsport – 67 points
- Giles Motorsport – 63 points
2026 CTFROT Round 2: Taupo: Wood stars as Ugochukwu strengthens title control
Round 2 of the 2026 CTFROT at Taupo delivered one of the most varied and demanding weekends of the season so far, with changing conditions, reversed grids and Safety Car interruptions placing a premium on adaptability and execution.
Ryan Wood starred on raw pace. After snatching pole with a late lap in Qualifying 1, the mtec Motorsport driver controlled Race 1 from the front to claim a measured victory. He added further silverware on Sunday by mastering Race 4 to win the Denny Hulme Memorial Trophy, overcoming a Safety Car restart and late pressure to complete a standout round. Zack Scoular also impressed, converting pole into a dominant Race 3 win on a drying track, while James Wharton capitalised superbly on the reverse grid to secure his first victory of the season in Race 2.
Despite enduring a tougher weekend than at Hampton Downs, Ugo Ugochukwu once again underlined his championship credentials. Recovery drives, damage limitation and key podium finishes allowed the M2 Competition driver to extend his lead at the top of the standings, even after a difficult Race 3. Consistency also proved decisive for Kanato Le and Jin Nakamura, both of whom collected strong points across all four races to remain firmly in the title fight.
Taupo also tightened the Teams’ Championship significantly. M2 Competition retained the lead, but Hitech TGR closed to within five points through consistent double finishes, while mtec Motorsport remained a threat thanks to Wood’s victories and steady support from Louis Sharp.
Ultimately, Taupo reshaped the competitive order. While Wood left as the round’s standout performer, Ugochukwu emerged stronger in the title race, and the championship now heads forward finely balanced, with momentum spread across drivers and teams alike.
Summary of Results:
- Race 1: Ryan Wood
- Race 2: James Wharton
- Race 3: Zack Scoular
- Denny Hulme Memorial Trophy: Ryan Wood
Drivers’ Championship:
- Ugo Ugochukwu, M2 Competition – 194 points
- Kanato Le, Hitech TGR – 161 points
- Louis Sharp, mtec Motorsport – 159 points
- Jin Nakamura, Hitech TGR – 153 points
- Ryan Wood, mtec Motorsport – 150 points
Teams’ Championship:
- M2 Competition – 375 points
- Hitech TGR – 370 points
- mtec Motorsport – 325 points
- HMD Motorsports with TJ Speed – 165 points
- Kiwi Motorsport – 133 points
- Giles Motorsport – 122 points
2026 CTFROT Round 3: Teretonga: Slater shines as Ugochukwu struggles in the wet
Round 3 of the 2026 CTFROT at Teretonga was marked by unpredictable weather, red-flag disruptions, and dramatic on-track incidents. The weekend began with a wet and chaotic Qualifying 1, where Jin Nakamura set the fastest lap but caused the third red flag of the session, resulting in a three-place grid penalty. Despite this, Nakamura had initially claimed pole position, leaving Ernesto Rivera to inherit the front spot for Race 1.
Race 1 saw heavy rain, two Safety Car restarts, and plenty of action. Freddie Slater capitalised on his opportunity, managing to hold off Nakamura and extend his lead to claim his first victory of the season. Rivera, who started on pole, failed to finish, while Slater’s main title rival, Kalle Rovanperä, completed the podium in third.
Sunday’s running saw more rain and chaos, with Race 2 eventually being abandoned after persistent downpours and unsafe track conditions. The title race remained wide open as drivers scrambled to adjust to the conditions.
Qualifying 2 again saw disruption, with Freddie Slater taking pole despite an incident-filled session. In Race 4, a race filled with drama saw Slater secure victory in the Spirit of a Nation Cup after championship leader Ugo Ugochukwu faltered in the wet conditions, dropping out of the points.
Round 3 demonstrated the unpredictable nature of CTFROT, with Slater proving resilient amidst the chaos, while Ugochukwu’s inconsistent weekend highlighted the tight title fight.
Summary of Results:
- Race 1: Freddie Slater
- Race 2: Ugo Ugochukwu
- Race 3: Postponed
- Spirit of a Nation Cup: Freddie Slater
Drivers’ Championship:
- Ugo Ugochukwu, M2 Competition – 237 points
- Freddie Slater, M2 Competition – 215 points
- Jin Nakamura, Hitech TGR – 211 points
- Louis Sharp, mtec Motorsport – 207 points
- Ryan Wood, mtec Motorsport – 202 points
Teams’ Championship:
- M2 Competition – 498 points
- mtec Motorsport – 479 points
- Hitech TGR – 451 points
- Giles Motorsport – 201 points
- HMD Motorsports with TJ Speed – 200 points
- Kiwi Motorsport – 195 points
2026 CTFROT Round 3: Rescheduled Teretonga Race 3 at Highlands: Slater wins as title battle enters final weekend
Freddie Slater claimed a commanding victory in the rescheduled Teretonga Race 3 at Highlands Motorsport Park, cutting Ugo Ugochukwu’s championship lead to just 18 points. Starting from pole, Slater controlled the 16-lap race from lights to flag, with Ugochukwu finishing second despite a late challenge. Louis Sharp completed the podium in third, while Zack Scoular made an impressive recovery to finish fifth after a crash in practice. Ryan Wood’s sixth-place finish secured him the Rookie Championship. Slater’s win, his third of the season, delivered a crucial boost in the title fight, which now stands on a knife-edge with three races remaining. Focus now shifts to the New Zealand Grand Prix, where the championship contenders will battle for more crucial points.
2026 CTFROT Round 4: Highlands: Scoular wins New Zealand Grand Prix as Ugochukwu claims 2026 CTFROT crown
Ugochukwu claimed the 2026 Castrol Toyota Formula Regional Oceania Trophy (CTFROT) Drivers’ Championship at Highlands Motorsport Park, despite a dramatic Round 4 weekend that saw multiple penalties, safety cars, and intense battles. The finale began with qualifying drama, where Ugochukwu suffered a suspension failure in Q1, leaving him 13th on the grid. Meanwhile, Jin Nakamura claimed pole, with Zack Scoular joining him on the front row.
In Race 1, Ugochukwu made a lightning start, moving from 13th to victory as he extended his title lead. Nakamura finished second, with Louis Sharp completing the podium. The race was marred by penalties and a safety car for Rivera’s crash.
Race 2 saw Kanato Le control the race from pole to finish, despite multiple safety car periods and incidents. Le’s victory was followed by a podium lockout for Hitech, with James Wharton in second and Sceats third.
The 70th New Zealand Grand Prix in Race 3 saw Scoular dominate, securing his first Grand Prix victory. Nakamura and Le completed the podium. Despite a late race twist with a safety car, Ugochukwu finished ninth, sealing the title by just 16 points ahead of Slater.
M2 Competition clinched the Teams’ Championship with a strong performance across the weekend, fending off mtec Motorsport, who finished second.
Summary of Results:
- Race 1: Ugo Ugochukwu
- Race 2: Kanato Le
- New Zealand Grand Prix: Zack Scoular
Divers’ Championship:
- Ugo Ugochukwu, M2 Competition – 326 points
- Freddie Slater, M2 Competition – 310 points
- Louis Sharp, mtec Motorsport – 295 points
- Jin Nakamura, Hitech TGR – 293 points
- Ryan Wood, mtec Motorsport – 276 points
Teams’ Championship:
- M2 Competition – 682 points
- mtec Motorsport – 658 points
- Hitech TGR – 620 points
- HMD Motorsports with TJ Speed – 315 points
- Kiwi Motorsport – 262 points
- Giles Motorsport – 256 points
Ugochukwu’s journey to the title: A season of consistency and comebacks
Ugo Ugochukwu’s journey to the 2026 Castrol Toyota Formula Regional Oceania Trophy (CTFROT) title was a tale of resilience, speed, and strategic brilliance. The season kicked off at Hampton Downs, where Ugochukwu showed early championship potential, securing pole in Qualifying 1 and battling hard in Race 1 before a dominant performance on Sunday, winning both Races 3 and 4. By the end of Round 1, he had a commanding lead in the standings.
Round 2 at Taupo was more challenging. While Ryan Wood starred with two race victories, Ugochukwu demonstrated his consistency, finishing strong despite setbacks and extending his lead. Round 3 at Teretonga brought a mix of chaos and drama. Heavy rain and unpredictable conditions saw Ugochukwu falter, while Freddie Slater capitalized on the wet conditions to close the gap. Ugochukwu’s second-place finish in the rescheduled Race 3 at Highlands further tightened the title battle.
The final round in Highlands saw Ugochukwu face technical issues in qualifying, starting 13th. However, a brilliant comeback in Race 1 saw him take victory, and despite Scoular’s win in the New Zealand Grand Prix, Ugochukwu held firm, finishing ninth and clinching the title by just 16 points ahead of Slater.
His consistent podium finishes, ability to recover from setbacks, and strategic racecraft throughout the season made him a deserving champion, as he led M2 Competition to the Teams’ Championship title as well.
The other stand-out performers who shaped the season
Several other drivers made significant impressions during the 2026 CTFROT season, demonstrating skill, resilience, and moments of brilliance that added to the intensity of the title battle.
Freddie Slater was one of the standout performers. Despite facing stiff competition from Ugochukwu, Slater’s consistency and ability to seize opportunities kept him firmly in the title hunt. His victories in Teretonga’s Race 1 and the Spirit of a Nation Cup at Highlands showed his adaptability, especially in tricky wet conditions. Slater’s ability to capitalise on mistakes and stay calm under pressure proved crucial as he mounted a challenge for the Drivers’ Championship, ultimately finishing just 16 points behind Ugochukwu.
Kanato Le also impressed with his resilience and pace throughout the season. His race-winning drive in Taupo’s Race 2, where he controlled the race from pole despite multiple safety car interruptions, highlighted his ability to perform under pressure. Le’s consistency in collecting strong points, especially when the competition was fierce, kept him in the mix for the top spots in the standings. His teammate, Jin Nakamura also proved to be a consistent force, finishing on the podium multiple times and challenging the title contenders throughout the season.
Zack Scoular showed flashes of brilliance, particularly in his victory in the New Zealand Grand Prix at Highlands. Starting from pole in Race 3, Scoular’s dominant performance, coupled with his ability to recover from earlier challenges, made him one of the most exciting drivers of the season. His efforts in both qualifying and race conditions kept mtec Motorsport competitive, with Scoular securing several top finishes.
Meanwhile, Ryan Wood, claimed the Rookie Championship title with three races to spare.
M2 Competition’s dominant journey to the title
M2 Competition’s journey to the 2026 CTFROT title was defined by consistency, strategic brilliance, and resilience. The season began strongly at Hampton Downs, where Ugo Ugochukwu set the benchmark with pole position and victories in Races 3 and 4, giving him an early lead in the Drivers’ Championship. Louis Sharp also contributed with a Race 1 win, ensuring a solid start for the team.
In Taupo, despite a more challenging weekend for Ugochukwu, M2 Competition remained dominant. Freddie Slater’s consistent podiums and Ryan Wood’s win in the Denny Hulme Memorial Trophy strengthened their position in the Teams’ Championship, though Hitech TGR and mtec Motorsport remained close rivals.
Round 3 at Teretonga tested their mettle, with Ugochukwu struggling in the wet conditions, but Slater capitalised with a victory and a win in the Spirit of a Nation Cup. Despite setbacks, M2 Competition maintained their lead heading into the final round.
At Highlands, a suspension failure for Ugochukwu in qualifying left him 13th on the grid, but his lightning start in Race 1, followed by key podium finishes, ensured he secured the title. M2 Competition’s strength was not just in Ugochukwu’s performances, but in their depth, with Slater, Sharp, and Wood all contributing vital points. Ultimately, their resilience and tactical prowess saw M2 Competition clinch both the Drivers’ and Teams’ Championships, securing a dominant and well-deserved victory in the 2026 season.
A Kiwi victory: Sharp secures Tasman Cup with steady consistency
Louis Sharp’s triumph in the 2026 Tasman Cup capped an outstanding season for the mtec Motorsport driver, as he finished as the highest-placed Australian or Kiwi in the Formula Regional Oceania Championship. Sharp’s consistency across the season earned him the prestigious Tasman Cup, which is awarded to the top driver from New Zealand or Australia in the series.
Sharp’s journey to the title was built on steady, calculated performances, with notable results across each round. He began the season with solid points finishes, gradually building momentum as the races unfolded. At Hampton Downs, Taupo, and Teretonga, he consistently scored points, securing strong top-ten finishes, including several podiums, which kept him in contention. His resilience and ability to perform under pressure, particularly in the more chaotic rounds, were crucial in maintaining his championship lead.
Despite facing stiff competition from his teammate Ryan Wood, who secured the Rookie Championship, and the ever-impressive Zack Scoular, Sharp held his ground. His performance at Highlands, where he added crucial points to his tally, ensured that he clinched the title with a total of 295 points, 19 ahead of Wood in second place.
Sharp’s Tasman Cup victory not only highlighted his exceptional driving talent but also his ability to manage the demands of a competitive and unpredictable season. As the first Kiwi to win the prestigious title since 2025, Sharp’s achievement marks a significant milestone in his career.
A season of consistency, brilliance and unforgettable racing to start a new era
The 2026 CTFROT season will be remembered for its fiercely contested battles, technical challenges, and the emergence of new talents. Ugochukwu’s journey to the championship was a testament to his determination and ability to recover from setbacks, proving him to be a worthy title-holder. M2 Competition’s dominance in the Teams’ Championship showcased their depth, with Ugochukwu, Slater, Sharp, and Wood all playing pivotal roles. Meanwhile, Sharp’s remarkable consistency earned him the Tasman Cup, capping an impressive season for the Kiwi driver. With such a high calibre of racing and fierce competition throughout, the 2026 CTFROT has set a new benchmark for excellence in Formula Regional Oceania.
