Ryan Wood snatches late pole at Taupo in Qualifying 1 as Ugochukwu and Scoular close in for Round 2 of the 2026 CTFROT.
Photo Credit: Toyota GAZOO Racing NZ | Joel Hanks

CTFROT | 2026 | Round 2 | Taupo | Qualifying 1 | Wood delivers late lap to claim pole for Race 1

Ryan Wood claimed pole position for the opening race of Round 2 of the 2026 Castrol Toyota Formula Regional Oceania Trophy (CTFROT)after a dramatic Qualifying 1 session at Taupo International Motorsport Park. Following an already impressive Friday, the mtec Motorsport driver confirmed his status as the man to beat with a blistering final flying lap…

Read More
Ugo Ugochukwu leads the 2026 CTFROT standings after a dramatic Hampton Downs opener, with M2 Competition topping the teams’ race.
Photo Credit: Toyota GAZOO Racing NZ | Joel Hanks

CTFROT 2026: Standings after Round 1 | Ugochukwu emerges as early benchmark after Hampton Downs opener

After a dramatic and action-packed opening round of the 2026 Castrol Toyota Formula Regional Oceania Trophy (CTFROT) at Hampton Downs, Ugo Ugochukwu leads both the Drivers’ and Teams’ Championship narratives. Across four races, the M2 Competition driver delivered relentless pace, racecraft and consistency, leaving Round 1 with a commanding points advantage and early momentum in…

Read More
Freddie Slater fights hard at Hampton Downs, defending relentlessly to secure a podium in Race 2 of the 2026 CTFROT opener.
Photo Credit: Toyota GAZOO Racing NZ | Joel Hanks

“We had to fight quite hard for that one” – Slater reflects on CTFROT podium finish at Hampton Downs

Freddie Slater delivered a strong performance in Race 2 of the 2026 Castrol Toyota Formula Regional Oceania Trophy (CTFROT) at Hampton Downs, climbing from sixth in the opening race to claim a well-earned third place. Driving for M2 Competition, the Kiwi showcased resilience, composure, and defensive skill on one of New Zealand’s most challenging circuits….

Read More
Zack Scoular wins 2026 CTFROT Race 2 at Hampton Downs after a reverse-grid start, with Nakamura second and Slater completing the podium.
Photo Credit: Toyota GAZOO Racing NZ | Joel Hanks

CTFROT | 2026 | Round 1 | Hampton Downs | Race 2 | Scoular claims win after chaotic race start

Just hours after Louis Sharp secured victory in Race 1, the field returned to Hampton Downs for Race 2 of Round 1 of the 2026 Castrol Toyota Formula Regional Oceania Trophy. This time, Zack Scoular capitalised on the reverse-grid format to take a commanding win, while Jin Nakamura and Freddie Slater completed the podium after…

Read More
Ugo Ugochukwu secures pole in a tightly fought opening 2026 CTFROT qualifying session at Hampton Downs, with Sharp and Slater close behind.
Photo Credit: Toyota GAZOO Racing NZ | Joel Hanks

CTFROT | 2026 | Round 1 | Hampton Downs | Qualifying 1 | Ugochukwu leads tight Qualifying battle

The 2026 Castrol Toyota Formula Regional Oceania Trophy (CTFROT) season officially came to life at Hampton Downs Motorsport Park as nineteen drivers contested the first Qualifying session, all chasing pole position for Race 1. As the session unfolded, fine margins defined the order, immediately underlining the competitive depth of the field. Practice pace sets the…

Read More
Your ultimate FROT 2026 guide: key F2/F3 differences and everything to know before the season begins for the Formula Regional Oceania Trophy.
Photo Credit: TOYOTA GAZOO Racing New Zealand

CTFROT 2026: Everything you need to know

New Zealand’s premier single-seater category attracts drivers from around the world to compete in the Formula Regional Oceania Championship. In 2026, the series will mark its 21st season, with the Castrol Toyota Formula Regional Oceania Trophy (CTFROT) contested across four rounds and offering valuable winter training during the Southern Hemisphere summer. The championship holds official…

Read More
Red Bull Junior Ernesto Rivera joins M2 Competition for the 2026 Castrol Toyota Formula Regional Oceania Trophy (CTFROT) in New Zealand.
Photo Credit: Red Bull Content Pool

Ernesto Rivera joins M2 Competition for 2026 CTFROT campaign

Mexican teenager Ernesto Rivera will add further international depth to the 2026 Castrol Toyota Formula Regional Oceania Trophy (CTFROT). As a result, the championship once again underlines its reputation as a key launchpad for future FIA Formula 3 contenders. Moreover, Rivera will race in 2026 CTFROT with the multi-championship winning M2 Competition team, which further…

Read More
New Zealand’s Sebastian Manson confirms his place on the 2026 CTFROT grid with M2 Competition, aiming to build on a strong 2025 season.
Photo Credit: Castrol Toyota Formula Regional Oceania Trophy

Sebastian Manson confirms return for 2026 CTFROT with M2 Motorsport

New Zealand racing talent Sebastian Manson has officially confirmed his place on the grid for the 2026 Castrol Toyota Formula Regional Oceania Trophy (CTFROT). The 17-year-old from Auckland will return for his second consecutive season in his home country’s premier championship, where he is eager to build on the momentum from a successful 2025 season….

Read More