Ryan Wood reflects on pole position, a controlled Race 1 win and single-seater progress during a demanding Taupo weekend in 2026 CTFROT.
Photo Credit: Toyota GAZOO Racing NZ | Joel Hanks

Wood builds momentum with pole and Race 1 victory in 2026 CTFROT Round 2 in Taupo

Ryan Wood continued his impressive transition into single-seater racing at Taupo with a weekend that blended raw speed, composure under pressure and growing confidence. At Round 2 of the 2026 Castrol Toyota Formula Regional Oceania Trophy (CTFROT), Wood, driving for mtec Motorsport driver delivered a decisive late lap in Qualifying 1 to secure pole position,…

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James Wharton secured his first 2026 CTFROT win at Taupo, mastering a reversed grid Race 2 filled with pressure, penalties and late drama.
Photo Credit: Toyota GAZOO Racing NZ | Joel Hanks

CTFROT | 2026 | Round 2 | Taupo | Race 2 | Wharton triumphant after tense race in Taupo

James Wharton delivered a controlled and decisive performance to secure his first victory in Race 2 of the 2026 Castrol Toyota Formula Regional Oceania Trophy (CTFROT) at Taupo, mastering a race shaped by a reversed grid, sustained pressure at the front and multiple strategic turning points. Starting from the second row, the HMD Motorsport with…

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Ryan Wood wins Race 1 at Taupo in 2026 CTFROT Round 2, with Ugochukwu 2nd and Slater completing the podium after an intense battle.
Photo Credit: Toyota GAZOO Racing NZ | Joel Hanks

CTFROT | 2026 | Round 2 | Taupo | Race 1 | Wood continues dominant weekend in Taupo with Race 1 win

Ryan Wood delivered a calm and authoritative drive to win Race 1 of Round 2 of the 2026 Castrol Toyota Formula Regional Oceania Trophy (CTFROT) at Taupo. The mtec Motorsport driver recovered from a brief loss of the lead at the start to reassert control and steadily pull clear. Behind him, Ugo Ugochukwu converted a…

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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…

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Ryan Wood tops two Taupo practice sessions as Wharton and Slater close in ahead of Round 2 of the 2026 CTFROT.
Photo Credit: Toyota GAZOO Racing NZ | Joel Hanks

CTFROT | 2026 | Round 2 | Taupo | Practice | Wood sets the early pace amid mixed conditions and disruptions

Ryan Wood laid down a clear marker ahead of Round 2 of the 2026 Castrol Toyota Formula Regional Oceania Trophy (CTFROT) by topping two of Friday’s three practice sessions at Taupo. In doing so, the mtec Motorsport driver underlined his intent to bounce back strongly after his premature exit from the final feature race at…

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Rain-soaked Taupo testing sets the tone for CTFROT 2026 Round 2 as Sharp and David shine, fans rally, and teams prepare for a wet weekend.
Photo Credit: Toyota GAZOO Racing NZ | Joel Hanks

CTFROT | 2026 | Round 2 | Taupo | Testing | Sharp and David shine amidst damp conditions

As preparations continued for Round 2 of the 2026 Castrol Toyota Formula Regional Oceania Trophy (CTFROT), rain and damp conditions quickly became the defining theme of the Collective Test sessions at Taupo. From the outset, persistent showers swept across the 3.3km circuit, ensuring that both sessions unfolded on a wet track. Consequently, outright lap times…

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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….

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Louis Sharp opened his 2026 CTFROT campaign with a controlled Race 1 win at Hampton Downs after resisting relentless pressure from Ugo Ugochukwu.
Photo Credit: Toyota GAZOO Racing NZ | Joel Hanks

“So it was definitely not easy, but we got the job done, and that’s what counts” — Sharp reflects on Race 1 on opening 2026 CTFROT weekend at Hampton Downs

Louis Sharp could scarcely have asked for a stronger opening to his 2026 Castrol Toyota Formula Regional Oceania Trophy (CTFROT) campaign at Hampton Downs. The New Zealander converted a front-row start into a decisive Race 1 victory, executing a clean launch from second on the grid and controlling the contest from the moment the lights…

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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…

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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…

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