CTFROT | 2026 | Round 4 | Highlands | Race 3 | 70th New Zealand Grand Prix

Spread the love

After 14 races across four venues, the 2026 Castrol Toyota Formula Regional Oceania Trophy (CTFROT) reached its dramatic conclusion at Highlands Motorsport Circuit with the 70th running of the New Zealand Grand Prix. The historic event delivered both prestige and pressure, as Zack Scoular claimed a dominant Grand Prix victory while Ugo Ugochukwu secured the drivers’ championship despite starting deep in the field. Amid penalties, safety cars and strategic battles, the finale underlined why the New Zealand Grand Prix remains one of motorsport’s most revered prizes.

A Grand Prix with unmatched heritage

The New Zealand Grand Prix occupies a unique place in global motorsport. Alongside the Macau Grand Prix, it stands as one of only two national Grands Prix still contested outside the Formula One World Championship. That independence continues to define its status, reinforcing its value as a genuine international achievement rather than a historical relic.

Since its first running in 1950, the event has continuously evolved. Early races at Ardmore attracted elite international talent, while the Tasman Series era elevated its profile by drawing Formula One World Champions during the European off-season. Later adaptations through Formula Pacific, Formula Atlantic and Formula Holden ensured continued relevance.

In the modern era, the Toyota Racing Series restored the Grand Prix’s international prestige. Today, as the flagship race of the Formula Regional Oceania Championship, it remains firmly embedded within the FIA single-seater ladder.

Legends past and present

Victory in the New Zealand Grand Prix guarantees a place on one of motorsport’s most illustrious winner lists. Past champions include Jack Brabham, Sir Stirling Moss, Bruce McLaren, Graham Hill, Sir Jackie Stewart and Keke Rosberg. More recently, Mitch Evans and Nick Cassidy have progressed to Formula E success, while Formula One drivers Lance Stroll and Liam Lawson also feature on the roll of honour.

Notably, 2025 FIA Formula One World Champion Lando Norris claimed the New Zealand Grand Prix crown in 2016, further highlighting the race’s role as a proving ground for future elite talent.

2026 CTFROT title tension ahead of the finale at Highlands

For some drivers, the 70th New Zealand Grand Prix carried extra significance. Liam Sceats, the 2024 winner, returned with HMD Motorsports with TJ Speed after Toyota GAZOO Racing NZ pushed to secure his entry following his mentoring role earlier in the season. A second victory would have placed him among the rare multiple-time winners.

Meanwhile, the championship battle remained unresolved. Ugo Ugochukwu led the standings on 311 points, ahead of Freddie Slater on 286. However, an unpredictable 2026 campaign ensured nothing came easily, especially with the title contenders separated by grid penalties.

Qualifying drama reshapes the grid ahead of the 70^th New Zealand Grand Prix

The first major shake-up occurred before the race began. Jin Nakamura claimed pole position for Hitech after a stunning qualifying lap. However, mtec Motorsport’s Zack Scoular joined him on the front row after penalties reshuffled the order.

Ugochukwu suffered a front suspension failure in Q1. Although his team repaired the car for Q2 and Q3, they released it without wishbone covers. Race Control deemed the car unsafe and disqualified him from Q2 and Q3, dropping him to P13.

Ryan Wood also lost his qualifying position following an alleged ride-height breach. Although he appealed, the team later withdrew the protest, and officials imposed a five-place grid penalty, placing him P7.

As a result, Kanato Le moved up to P3, Freddie Slater started P4, and the championship contenders found themselves separated by more than nine positions.

Lights out: Scoular strikes early to claim the lead

After a clean formation lap, Scoular launched perfectly from the grid. He swept around the outside of Turn 1 to seize the lead from Nakamura, who dropped to P2 ahead of teammate Le. Slater held P4, while Ugochukwu began his recovery by gaining positions immediately.

By Lap 2, Wood used push-to-pass to overtake Sceats for P6, while Scoular built an early gap of over eight-tenths of a second. Ugochukwu continued to charge forward, reaching the top ten by Lap 3 after capitalising on incidents ahead.

Battles and penalties through the opening phase

As Nakamura closed on Scoular following a minor error from the leader, Race Control issued Yuanpu Cui multiple track-limit warnings. On Lap 5, officials handed Cui a five-second penalty after a third infringement.

Meanwhile, Ugochukwu demonstrated relentless pace. He hounded Sebastian Manson for several laps before finally completing the move into P9 on Lap 10. Despite his progress, Slater remained stuck in P4, leaving his title hopes dependent on misfortune for his rival.

Safety Car and red flag reset the race

The race changed complexion on Lap 11 when Jack Taylor stopped at the side of the circuit, prompting a Safety Car. Conditions worsened two laps later, and Race Control red-flagged the race to allow safe recovery of the stranded car.

After a lengthy stoppage, officials resumed the race behind the Safety Car. Scoular executed a strong restart and immediately rebuilt his advantage, while Wood overtook Sharp to claim P5 and began chasing Slater in the fight for the Teams’ Championship.

Pressure builds as tyres fade

As tyre degradation increased, Nakamura continued to apply pressure but failed to breach Scoular’s defence. Lock-ups and snaps cost both Nakamura and Le momentum, allowing Scoular to maintain control at the front.

Further back, Wharton repeatedly attacked Sceats for P7. Despite several close attempts and push-to-pass usage from both drivers, Sceats held position through a tense midfield duel.

Late incidents decide the finish

With eight laps remaining, Scoular extended his advantage beyond 1.5 seconds. However, the race took a final twist on Lap 25 when Cooper Shipman became stuck in the gravel. Although he recovered, Trevor LaTourrette later hit the wall, forcing another Safety Car.

That neutralisation sealed the result. Scoular led the field to the flag to secure a commanding victory in the 70th New Zealand Grand Prix. Nakamura finished second, with Le completing a Hitech podium lockout. Slater took fourth, while Ugochukwu crossed the line ninth, doing enough to claim the 2026 CTFROT drivers’ title.