Zoe Woods and Jordan Freestone are set to qualify for the Toyota Gazoo Racing Australia 86 Series via the Scholarship Series, with TekworkX Motorsport in 2023.

The new Scholarship Series serves as a second tier for Toyota 86 racing in Australia. All new drivers, along with those who finished outside the top 20 in 2022’s Toyota 86 Series, will have to earn a spot in this year’s top tier via the Scholarship Series. Woods and Freestone will both line with the goal of qualifying for the full-fledged National category in time for round one in Townsville.

Woods has previously raced in the Australian Production Cars aboard a Hyundai i30 in Class C, where she earned multiple class podiums in her first season of racing. She will be supported by Lulu Lashes and Beaty in addition to CIP, Taipari Civil, MDE, L&B Projects and Norwell Motorplex.

Freestone is making the step into car racing for the first time, after plying his trade in karting since age 15. The debutant is benefitting from an extensive testing programme prior to the opening round, with laps at Norwell and a variety of tracks. Freestone will be supported by Mclaren Real Estate, in addition to Proaxle Australia and Invisita Audio Visual.

The Gold Coast based team will again provide coaching and training to its Toyota 86 drivers with their experienced driver coaches, Luke Youlden and Tim Brook.

Quotes:
Jordan Freestone
“I’m super excited, I can’t really put it into words, just can not wait to go racing,” said Freestone.

“I have done a couple days out at Norwell, and that went pretty well. I was surprised by how late you can get on the brakes and the way the car reacts is all very different from what I’m used to. It was a much smoother ride as well, which was great!

“One of my great mates is actually Cameron Crick and he put me through to TekworkX, because of how professional the team is and the experience within their setup. I couldn’t be happier to work with Rob (Woods) and everyone in the team.

“There will certainly be a quick learning curve for me, to ensure I can progress into the main series in July. There’s a good incentive for me to push hard though, because I’m really excited about the prospect of racing in Townsville. I’ve been there a couple times as a spectator and it’s always a phenomenal atmosphere.”

Zoe Woods
“I’m probably the most prepared I have ever been going into this year of racing,” said Woods.

“I’ve been out at Norwell once a week since the middle of January to get as much seat time and as much knowledge as I can. I have had the benefit Paul Morris at Norwell guiding me, I have also been getting plenty of testing at all of the team test days in one of the Porsche’s. Production cars were the perfect stepping stone for me as I have now raced at most of the tracks we will be at this year.

“I think the Scholarship Series is a great idea, you have to actually work for your spot in the series. I’m really looking forward to getting on the track for the first round in April.”