The 2026 CTFROT season delivered thrilling racing, with Ugochukwu's consistency and M2 Competition's dominance leading to ultimate glory.
Photo Credit: Toyota GAZOO Racing NZ | Joel Hanks

A review of 2026 CTFROT: Ugochukwu and M2 Motorsport shine in new era of racing

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…

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Zack Scoular claims an emotional New Zealand Grand Prix win, reflecting on family sacrifice, season-long struggles and a defining career moment in 2026 CTFROT.
Photo Credit: Toyota GAZOO Racing NZ | Joel Hanks

“It means so much”: Scoular reflects on family and team support as he ends single-seater career with 2026 New Zealand Grand Prix glory

Victory in the 70th New Zealand Grand Prix marked the emotional high point of a demanding 2026 CTFROT campaign and a career-defining moment in one of motorsport’s most historic events for mtec Motorsport’s Zack Scoular. After a season shaped by strong pace but repeated setbacks, the mtec Motorsport driver delivered a measured, mature performance when…

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Zack Scoular wins the 70th New Zealand Grand Prix as Ugo Ugochukwu claims the 2026 CTFROT title at Highlands.
Photo Credit: Toyota GAZOO Racing NZ | Joel Hanks

CTFROT | 2026 | Round 4 | Highlands | Race 3 | 70th New Zealand Grand Prix | Scoular wins as Ugochukwu clinches title

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…

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Louis Sharp reflects on qualifying struggles, wind challenges and race mistakes after securing a hard-fought 2026 CTFROT podium at Highlands.
Photo Credit: Toyota GAZOO Racing NZ | Joel Hanks

Sharp battles through challenges to secure 2026 CTFROT podium at Highlands

Louis Sharp closed Saturday at Highlands Motorsport Park with a valuable third-place finish in Race 1 of the 2026 Castrol Toyota Formula Regional Oceania Trophy (CTFROT). The result capped a demanding day that tested both driver and team, yet ultimately rewarded persistence and composure during the opening race of the final weekend. With limited overtaking…

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2026 CTFROT Testing at Highlands heats up as Ugochukwu, Slater and Sharp trade early blows ahead of the season finale.
Photo Credit: Toyota GAZOO Racing NZ | John Cowpland

CTFROT | 2026 | Round 4 | Highlands | Testing | Ugochukwu sets the early pace as title fight intensifies ahead of New Zealand Grand Prix

The final round of the 2026 Castrol Toyota Formula Regional Oceania Championship (CTFROT) began in emphatic style at Highlands Motorsport Park, as 20 drivers fired the opening shots in the Collective Testing ahead of the 70th New Zealand Grand Prix. Two tightly contested collective test sessions immediately underlined the intensity of the championship battle, with…

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CTFROT 2026: Freddie Slater wins a chaotic, rain-hit Race 4 at Teretonga as late drama drops Ugo Ugochukwu out.
Photo Credit: Toyota GAZOO Racing NZ | Joel Hanks

CTFROT | 2026 | Round 3 | Teretonga | Race 4 | Slater claims the Spirit of a Nation Cup after Ugochukwu falters

After a weekend dominated by wet conditions, Race 4 of Round 3 of the 2026 CTFROT finally began at Teretonga Park in marginally drier weather. Crucially, this allowed drivers to use push-to-pass for the first time all weekend. However, mixed conditions, multiple interruptions, and late drama ensured the Spirit of a Nation Cup delivered yet…

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Ugo Ugochukwu dominates a wet, Safety Car-hit Race 2 at Teretonga Park to win in CTFROT 2026 as key title rivals falter.
Photo Credit: Toyota GAZOO Racing NZ | Bruce Jenkins

CTFROT | 2026 | Round 3 | Teretonga | Race 2 | Ugochukwu masters wet conditions; Nakamura, Slater and Le suffer blows to title hopes

After rain washed out Saturday’s action, Race 2 of the penultimate round of the 2026 CTFROT finally went green at a sodden Teretonga Park, delivering a tense and incident-filled contest. Despite repeated Safety Car interruptions and constant pressure from behind, championship leader Ugo Ugochukwu controlled proceedings from the front, converting pole position into a vital…

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2026 CTFROT Race 2 at Teretonga Park was abandoned after heavy rain, standing water and safety concerns prevented the event from starting.
Photo Credit: Toyota GAZOO Racing NZ | Joel Hawks

CTFROT | 2026 | Round 3 | Teretonga | Race 2 abandoned amid persistent wet conditions

Race officials abandoned the 2026 CTFROT Race 2 at Teretonga Park after persistent heavy rain and deteriorating track conditions prevented the event from starting. Officials reached the decision following a series of delays that left drivers waiting on track and in the pit lane, with safety concerns increasing as rainfall continued. Although organisers made repeated…

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Jin Nakamura tops crucial final practice at Teretonga as rain threat looms ahead of qualifying in Round 3 of the 2026 CTFROT.
Photo Credit: Toyota GAZOO Racing NZ | Joel Hanks

CTFROT | 2026 | Round 3 | Teretonga | Practice | Nakamura tops crucial final practice as rain looms

Jin Nakamura set the benchmark when it mattered most at Teretonga Park, as teams prepared for the third round of the 2026 Castrol Toyota Formula Regional Oceania Trophy (CTFROT). With rain threatening Invercargill and potentially disrupting Saturday qualifying, organisers allowed teams to treat the final session as a de facto grid-setter for Race 1. As…

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M2 Competition's Ugo Ugochukwu tops Teretonga testing as CTFROT 2026 heads into Round 3 with title rivals closing in.
Photo Credit: Toyota GAZOO Racing NZ | Joel Hanks

CTFROT | 2026 | Round 3 | Teretonga | Testing | Ugochukwu on form as Teretonga Testing opens penultimate round

Championship leader Ugo Ugochukwu hit the ground running as the 2026 Castrol Toyota Formula Regional Oceania Trophy (CTFROT) field arrived at Teretonga Park in Invercargill. Two collective test sessions on Thursday marked the build-up to Round 3, and the American immediately underlined why he remains the man to beat. Despite the circuit’s short lap –…

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