KEY POINTS:
The Toyota Racing Series enters its fourth season with the opening round this weekend at Pukekohe and a strong field of series regulars and quick rookies.
The eight-round season starts with the New Zealand Motorcup race at the first round of the summer motor racing season and includes the most prestigious titles in the New Zealand motor racing calendar.
Series Manager Barrie Thomlinson says there will be an international presence in the series from the first round and a host of leading New Zealand racers who will be aiming to make their mark in this country's fastest open-wheeler category during the eight round season.
The series is now well established as an essential step for any young racer wanting to develop their skills for an assault on Europe or the US.
Among the local drivers are four who begin their fourth TRS season. Aucklander Ben Crighton, Wellingtons Ben Harford, Christchurch driver Andy Knight and veteran Auckland-based racer Ken Smith, who this year also celebrates 50 consecutive seasons of competition.
Other TRS regulars are back for a shot at the title along with highly-rated rookies Mitch Cunningham, Dominic Storey, Sam McNeill and Michael Burdett.
The international interest this season starts at Pukekohe with the news that 19-year-old Australian driver Nathan Antunes will contest the whole season.
