Liam Sceats enters the 2024 Castrol Toyota Formula Regional Oceania Championship amongst the pre-season favourites but admits he will have to be at his best against an extremely competitive field.
The Auckland-based teenager returns to M2 Competition for his campaign, having finished fourth for them in 2023, taking three podiums along the way.
The 18-year-old has since competed in the Formula Regional Japanese Championship, finishing as runner-up and top rookie, as well as tested a USF Pro 2000 car in the United States.
“I’m fortunate to have another opportunity to work with such a professional team in M2 Competition to continue to develop my skills so that I can grow and take further steps in my aspiring career,” he said.
“A lot of preparation has gone in over the last few months to get to this point, whether it be sponsorship, car, helmet, suit design, and physical and mental training.
“I am confident that it will all pay off for not only me but also my family, sponsors, team and supporters.
“This will be the toughest challenge in my career to date, no question, so I’ll be giving it 110 per cent for the entirety of the five weeks.”
Sceats was the winner of the 2023 Tony Quinn Foundation Shootout, going up against talents Jacob Douglas and Alex Crosbie, where he walked away with a $70,000 prize to use towards his campaign.
The Toyota Formula Regional Oceania Championship begins at Taupo International Motorsport Park this weekend, running alongside the NZ Historic Grand Prix.
Other classes set to feature at the event include Historic Touring Cars, Formula 5000, Formula Open and Historic Formula Ford, amoung others.
There will also be a celebration of Holden, with cars including the 2003 Bathurst 24-Hour winning Monaro and 1993 Bathurst 1000 winning Commodore in attendance.
Sky Sport will have live coverage of the Historic Grand Prix, including the Toyota Formula Regional Oceania Championship, from 10 am on Saturday and Sunday.