Toyota 86 champion “doing a great job of laying foundations for a shot at a big future”.
Brock Gilchrist will be flying across the Tasman in July to test with the successful Red Bull Ampol Racing team at Queensland Raceway.
As well as winning the 2023 Toyota 86 (T86) Championship and a GR Supra GT4 EVO drive at the Nurburgring, he’s also secured the try-out with a Gen 3 Camaro Supercar.
The Tony Quinn Foundation (TQF), which offered the opportunity to any driver in this year’s T86, picked the 19-year-old days before he secured the series at Hampton Downs on May 7.
“He’s come a long way as a driver even this season,” says the TQF’s Josie Spillane. “All of the trustees agreed that regardless of the championship outcome, Brock was our choice for this opportunity.
“His talent is obviously evident. He has also worked incredibly hard on the off-track requirements of being a top-line driver. Putting a season together and finding sponsors isn’t an easy job and he was the last guy on the grid for this season.
“Nevertheless, in a field of up-and-coming talent, Brock – for us – was the stand-out performer. He’s charismatic, engaging and professional in all off-track dealings with everyone.
“He had a tough season last year and came back in emphatic style this season. That caught the eye of every trustee – Tony, Steve Horne, Greg Murphy, John Gordon and myself. He’s doing a great job of laying foundations for a shot at a big future.”
In addition to the test drive with Red Bull Ampol Racing, Gilchrist, pictured above, will also spend time with the team to learn about the behind-the-scenes racing environment, meet up with Shane van Gisbergen and enjoy social time with Tony Quinn.
The dramatic T86 finale at Hampton Downs saw Brock take the flag in a wounded Toyota 86 down in 17th place. But it was enough to come home the champion.
“It’s mind-blowing,” he says. “It’s always been a dream of mine to drive a Supercar and, of course, it was always a dream of my dad who was a massive fan. My dream and my dad’s dream will come true in not just any Supercar, a Gen 3 Red Bull Camaro.”
Gilchrist can look forward to a warm welcome from Ampol Red Bull Racing team boss and Supercars legend Jamie Whincup, who was firmly behind supporting the winner of the prize with a meaningful test.
“We believe strongly in the importance of developing future talent,” says Whincup. “We’re proud to be able to support the Tony Quinn Foundation in this way.
“Driving one of our Gen 3 Camaros is a massive opportunity and we have no doubt Brock will make the most of it. We’re excited to see how he goes and we will give him all the tools to do a great job and have some fun.”
Gilchrist joins a list of young motorsport talent supported by the foundation across a wide variety of categories in single-seater and saloon-car racing. The list includes Liam Lawson, Hunter McElrea, Rowan Shepherd, Liam Sceats, Hayden Bakkerus, Zac Christensen and Breanna Morris.
At just 19, Gilchrist is still an emerging talent but he’s a five-season veteran of the Toyota 86 Championship.
In one of the most outstanding season performances in the T86’s 10-year history, he won nine races including achieving one of the most difficult accomplishments in the category – winning all three of the races over NZ Grand Prix weekend.
As the series winner, Gilchrist will also be heading to Europe on an all-expenses paid trip to race a GR Supra GT4 Evo in the third round of the ADAC GT4 Germany championship at the iconic Nurburgring.
As for the Tony Quinn Foundation, it was established in 2021 by businessman Quinn, who owns Hampton Downs, Highlands and Taupo International Motorsport Parks.
Its aim is to support young Kiwis with talent and determination to make it on the world stage. The organisation boasts a wealth of well-connected motorsport players who have joined Quinn as trustees.
Below: A magical moment for a racer named after one of Supercars’ finest. Brock Gilchrist receives his Ampol Red Bull Racing Gen 3 test prize from Greg Murphy, Josie Spillane, delighted mum Ursula and Daniel Gaunt. Photo: Andy Kruy
Keyword: Gilchrist to fulfil Supercar dream