Taupo’s Toby Elmiger is back for a second tilt at the
Toyota 86 Trophy Series and he returns for the four rounds
as a race winner who’s made quite a name for himself in
the 12 months since he last competed in a TR86.
Elmiger is back for another shot at the Toyota 86 Trophy
Series (Picture/TGRNZ)
Toby is
still relatively new to the sport – having only raced cars
for two seasons – but following his Trophy Series campaign
in 2025 he got stuck into a full season of the growing TA2
category in New Zealand and made quite a name for
himself.
Ten podiums, two race wins and the accolade
of the youngest driver to win – anywhere – in a TA2 car
means it’s a different Elmiger this time around. He is
hoping to go well, make the transition back to the TR86 a
seamless one and to stay sharp for the forthcoming summer
season.
“The main reason I’ve chosen to compete in
the Toyota 86 Trophy Series over the winter is to just stay
sharp,” Toby explained. “I think having these
competitive fields and constant close racing is great for a
driver’s development, especially over winter when usually
it’s just testing and sim work.
“The main objective
in taking part is to see how quickly I can adapt and change
my driving style to suit the 86 and put up a fight against
some of the top upcoming 86 drivers from around New
Zealand.
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“I’ve done lots of miles in an 86 but got
back in recently after a fair bit of time away from it. I
tested at Hampton Downs which went well just readapting my
driving style. Coming from the TA2 which is quite a
different car to drive, it was an interesting but enjoyable
process.”
Despite using the series to help keep
himself sharp for next summer, Toby has still been spending
a huge amount of time preparing away from the circuit
too.
in action in his Toyota 86
(Picture/TGRNZ)
“I’m treating
this season in the Trophy Series as any other, working
alongside my trainer every week to make sure I’m physically
fit and as prepared as I possibly can be after doing
relatively little testing.
“I know it’s going to be
a challenge but I’m ready to put my all into
it.”
Toby’s return to the Trophy Series is being
supported by GGL Site Development, Penny Homes, Nutrition
Systems, C4 Energy, Taupo Irrigation and Zest Insurance
Brokers.
The four round Trophy Series begins at
Hampton Downs over the weekend of May 16th and 17th before
moving further south to Taupo Motorsport Park on June 20 and
21. Manfeild is the destination for the third round two
weeks later on July 4th and 5th before the series concludes
at the same circuit on August 1 and 2.
2026 Toyota 86
Trophy Series
Round 1: 16 and 17 May at Hampton
Downs (NZIGP Season Finale)
Round 2: 20 and 21
June at Taupo Motorsport Park (Taupo Car Club Winter
Series)
Round 3: 4 and 5 July at Manfeild –
Circuit Chris Amon (Feilding Auto Electrical Winter
Series)
Round 4: 1 and 2 August at Manfeild –
Circuit Chris Amon (Feilding Auto Electrical Winter
Series)