Seat won for series

Up-and-coming Taylor Mitchell has won this year’s CareVets Scholarship programme and a seat in the sponsor’s car for the 2026 Toyota 86 Trophy Series.

The scholarship’s annual shootout at Hampton Downs puts the skills and fitness of eight drivers – handpicked from an entry of more than 35 – to the test. It was a close-run thing, but the Hamiltonian’s consistency got him the nod after he tied with Cooper Cooley.

“I didn’t expect to win, especially against such high-quality opposition but I am stoked to come out on top,” he says. “I can’t wait to go racing in the CareVets TR86. I know it’s going to be competitive but I’m excited with what lies ahead.”

Part of the family behind the Mitchell Race Xtreme operation, the 18-year-old, pictured, impressed on the run and the gruelling 10-minute Wattbike endurance test before excelling in an interview scenario.

As in 2025 when rising star Corban Sprague was victorious, Mitchell wins the use of the CareVets Toyota TR86 for the four rounds of the series, and the services of an experienced mechanic and engineer, to make the race weekends as productive as possible. The driver is only responsible for entry, running and repair costs.

“It was an exceptionally high standard this time around, higher overall than we have seen in recent years,” says Keith Houston, CareVets’ boss and the man behind the long-established scholarship programme.

“Taylor was the stand-out performer for consistency and effort. It was obvious he wanted to win and wants to be part of the sport. This grassroots pathway will give him that first step and we can’t wait to see how he goes.”

Round one of the 2026 Toyota 86 Trophy Series is from May 16-17 at Hampton Downs, which is also the NZIGP season finale.