AU3 Championship

AU3 Championship & Toyota NZ (TGRNZ) Announces Schedule Changes Due to Shipping and Customs Delays

Published

9 months ago

May 6, 2025

AU3 Championship and Toyota NZ (TGRNZ) regret to announce that due to unforeseen shipping and customs delays originating from New Zealand, the official testing at Winton Raceway and Round 1 of the championship at Philip Island have been postponed.

These delays have significantly impacted the timely delivery and setup of cars, as well as the essential testing time required for drivers ahead of the championship’s commencement.

“We prioritize the professionalism and safety of our teams and drivers,” stated Tim Macrow,
spokesperson for AU3 Championship.

“It is crucial that drivers have ample testing time to familiarize themselves with the cars and ensure they are fully prepared for the competition.”

“The field is highly competitive, featuring drivers from across the globe, and we aim to
provide them with every opportunity to perform at their best.”

The challenges encountered are not unprecedented, as some V8 Supercar teams have recently faced similar issues with car shipments returning to Australia. To accommodate these unforeseen circumstances, Round 1 will now commence at One Raceway in Goulburn from June 27 to 29.

Additional official testing sessions will be scheduled in the week leading up to the event to compensate for the lost preparation time.

AU3 Championship sincerely apologizes for any inconvenience caused by these changes and
remain committed to delivering an exceptional championship season. Further updates and
details regarding the revised schedule will be communicated in due course.

“AU3 Championship has put together a great platform for Australian drivers to have a
relevant series on its own soil.” Said Nicolas Caillol, Motorsport Manager at Toyota New
Zealand.

“We have seen in the past seasons great talents coming from Australia and compete
in the Castrol Toyota Formula Regional Oceania Championship, such as Will Brown, Broc
Feeney, Patrick Heuzenroeder, Tommy Smith & Nicolas Stati.”

“AU3 provide a great opportunity for drivers to get some great mileage and prepare themselves for competing in the CTFROC season next January. Despite the hurdles out of their control, we think it was the best decision for them to postpone the first round and making sure drivers competing in the AU3 Championship would have significant testing before their first round.”

For media inquiries, please contact: michael@au3championship.com.au

About AU3 Championship & Toyota NZ (TGRNZ):
AU3 Championship is a premier motorsport championship showcasing top-tier talent and
racing excellence in Australia and New Zealand. Toyota NZ (TGRNZ) proudly supports the
championship as a leading automotive partner, dedicated to advancing the thrill of motorsport
across the region.

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Formula Regional Australia to Run Under AU3 Championship Banner in 2025

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AU3 Championship

Formula Regional Australia to Run Under AU3 Championship Banner in 2025

Formula Regional Australia will race under the new AU3 Championship branding for the 2025 season.

Published

12 months ago

February 5, 2025

Daniel Loechel

Australian motorsport is set to enter an exciting new era with the launch of the AU3 Championship, a fresh identity for the recently announced Formula Regional Australia Series. The championship will make its debut in May at the iconic Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, offering a cost-effective, competitive platform for aspiring drivers while strengthening pathways to European motorsport.

The AU3 Championship is the result of a collaborative effort between series promoters Tim Macrow Racing and Motorsport Australia, aligning the series with prestigious international categories like the UK’s GB3 Championship. The series rebrand also comes with a major announcement—AU3 has partnered with leading British racing team Hillspeed to provide young Australian drivers with opportunities to test in Europe, further cementing the series as a stepping stone to international competition.

“It’s really exciting to provide a proper pathway locally and to give drivers relevant experience at a fraction of the cost,” said Tim Macrow, a key figure behind the championship.

“The rebranding is an effort to streamline that pathway and to make Australian motorsport as cohesive as possible.”

The AU3 Championship will feature FIA-certified Tatuus Formula Regional cars, ensuring that both Toyota- and Alfa Romeo-powered variants available in Australia are eligible to compete. By adopting a model similar to the successful GB3 Championship, AU3 aims to create valuable development opportunities for young drivers.

One of the most exciting aspects of the championship is the prize pool, which exceeds $60,000. The series winner will receive a multi-day test package with Hillspeed, valued at over $35,000, providing them with crucial experience in European racing. Additionally, the runner-up will receive a subsidised test with Hillspeed, further boosting their chances of international recognition.

“The prizes through our partner Hillspeed in the UK are super exciting and exactly what aspiring Australian drivers need to further their careers,” Macrow added.

Beyond driver development, AU3 is also investing in the broader motorsport industry by providing opportunities for students in media, marketing, engineering, and mechanical disciplines. The championship will collaborate with universities and the Formula SAE program to offer mentorship, education, and career-building experiences, ensuring that the industry continues to grow at all levels.

In addition to launching AU3, Tim Macrow Racing will also run three Formula 4 spec cars in the newly rebranded AU4 Championship. This provides younger drivers, some as young as 14, the opportunity to begin their motorsport journey in a structured, progressive system that allows them to develop domestically before making the jump to international competition.

With its commitment to affordability, career progression, and industry development, the AU3 Championship is poised to become a key player in Australia’s motorsport landscape.