RaceLab to run two factory-supported GR Supra GT4 EVOs
TOYOTA GAZOO Racing New Zealand has confirmed a partnership with racing team RaceLab to field its
two GR Supra GT4 EVO chassis in next season’s New Zealand GT Championship.
This year RaceLab celebrates ten years in NZ motorsport and during that time has been actively involved
in a wide array of categories, including the Toyota 86 Championship, endurance racing and GT
championships.
The full racing programme and driver line-up for the two cars is yet to be confirmed, but TOYOTA
GAZOO Racing NZ Motorsport Manager Nicolas Caillol is delighted to have RaceLab on board with the
project.
“We have seen how well RaceLab has worked with young drivers in the Toyota 86 Championship and
they have a passion for developing home talent and turning it into a world class product,” he explained.
“There are many synergies there with our own long term goals and reasons for being in motorsport and
they are a natural fit for us as we add this new element to our New Zealand motorsport operation.”
RaceLab founder Shane Helms is confident the new car can shine in a challenging and competitive GT
environment, after the usual learning curve. RaceLab engineers have already been to Europe and have a
good idea of what is to come, tuning the car to NZ’s challenging tracks.
“The NZ GT Championship is incredibly competitive, with diverse grids of powerful cars and highly
experienced drivers,” Shane added.
“One of the main challenges is balancing performance within the series’ regulations while ensuring the
car is at its peak across New Zealand’s unique circuits. Additionally, the varying track conditions, from
tight technical corners to high-speed straights, mean that our cars need to be adaptable and reliable
under any circumstance.
“There’s a steep learning curve, from understanding the car’s mechanical and aerodynamic behaviours
to optimize it for different tracks. The GR Supra GT4 EVO, though well-proven internationally, will
require setup adjustments to adapt to New Zealand’s circuits. It takes a lot of preparation, testing, and
collaboration between drivers and engineers to unlock the car’s full potential. However, we’re confident
in our team’s expertise and Toyota’s support to make the transition as smooth as possible.
“We expect the GR Supra GT4 to be highly competitive. Its balance and agility should allow it to perform
exceptionally well on tighter circuits like Highlands Motorsport Park, while its power and top-end speed
will be an asset on tracks like Teretonga Park.
“We’ve spent time with the KCMG team who have run the Kiwi drivers at the Nürburgring ADAC GT4
Germany event and other drivers elsewhere in the Supra to understand how they engineer the car and
with our previous GT experience we’re optimistic about its potential to challenge for podiums right out
of the gate.”
two GR Supra GT4 EVO chassis in next season’s New Zealand GT Championship.
This year RaceLab celebrates ten years in NZ motorsport and during that time has been actively involved
in a wide array of categories, including the Toyota 86 Championship, endurance racing and GT
championships.
The full racing programme and driver line-up for the two cars is yet to be confirmed, but TOYOTA
GAZOO Racing NZ Motorsport Manager Nicolas Caillol is delighted to have RaceLab on board with the
project.
“We have seen how well RaceLab has worked with young drivers in the Toyota 86 Championship and
they have a passion for developing home talent and turning it into a world class product,” he explained.
“There are many synergies there with our own long term goals and reasons for being in motorsport and
they are a natural fit for us as we add this new element to our New Zealand motorsport operation.”
RaceLab founder Shane Helms is confident the new car can shine in a challenging and competitive GT
environment, after the usual learning curve. RaceLab engineers have already been to Europe and have a
good idea of what is to come, tuning the car to NZ’s challenging tracks.
“The NZ GT Championship is incredibly competitive, with diverse grids of powerful cars and highly
experienced drivers,” Shane added.
“One of the main challenges is balancing performance within the series’ regulations while ensuring the
car is at its peak across New Zealand’s unique circuits. Additionally, the varying track conditions, from
tight technical corners to high-speed straights, mean that our cars need to be adaptable and reliable
under any circumstance.
“There’s a steep learning curve, from understanding the car’s mechanical and aerodynamic behaviours
to optimize it for different tracks. The GR Supra GT4 EVO, though well-proven internationally, will
require setup adjustments to adapt to New Zealand’s circuits. It takes a lot of preparation, testing, and
collaboration between drivers and engineers to unlock the car’s full potential. However, we’re confident
in our team’s expertise and Toyota’s support to make the transition as smooth as possible.
“We expect the GR Supra GT4 to be highly competitive. Its balance and agility should allow it to perform
exceptionally well on tighter circuits like Highlands Motorsport Park, while its power and top-end speed
will be an asset on tracks like Teretonga Park.
“We’ve spent time with the KCMG team who have run the Kiwi drivers at the Nürburgring ADAC GT4
Germany event and other drivers elsewhere in the Supra to understand how they engineer the car and
with our previous GT experience we’re optimistic about its potential to challenge for podiums right out
of the gate.”