Breakthrough win for Townshend could open the door to a title run

Popular Napier racer Harry Townshend is back for another crack at the title and searching for a breakthrough race win in the main game Bridgestone GR86 Championship.

Townshend – 23 – has always been strong in 86s and has won races in the Toyota Trophy Series – but that first race win in a GR86 has so far eluded him.

Getting that monkey off his back could be the key to a serious challenge this coming season for Mackenzie Motorsport’s most experienced Toyota 86 racer – but he won’t lose sight of trying to improve every element of his driving.

**Harry Townshend will be aiming for early success. Picture Bruce Jenkins**

“Even heading into my fifth season in a 86 race car, there’s always areas you can improve on,” said the former superkarter.

“At this level, the competition is so close that it’s often the small details that make the difference.

“It’s about continuing to refine my driving, getting the most out of the car and finding those little gains wherever possible. There’s always something you can work on to stay competitive.”

In a closely matched field of 15 talented drivers – including two of the hottest prospects from Australia – Townshend is experienced enough to know what he has to do to be at the front of the pack and produce a strong campaign.

Each year he has competed in the championship he has improved and this time knows he must make the biggest step up so far.

“I think it’s going to come down to putting everything together on race weekends,” he added.

“Having the pace is important, but making sure I can consistently deliver that across qualifying and the races will be key. With it being such a competitive championship, you need to make the most of every opportunity and avoid giving away any unnecessary points.

“If I can make a good start and get some big points on the board then we’ll be strong I think. I’m highly motivated to win and keen to take that first race win as soon as possible.”

Harry’s familiar blue GR86 will return with sponsors Bayswater Vehicles, Bayswater Finance, Provident Insurance and Repco once more when he takes to the track this weekend for the PTS Logistics Season Opener, the first event in the Repco NextGen NZ Motorsport series.