Despite missing out on the opening round of this year’s Castrol Toyota Racing Series (TRS), Jackson Walls is thriving in the New Zealand summer category after two rounds.

With FIA and TRS mandating a minimum driving age of 16, Walls was frustratingly close to being eligible for this year’s season opener by merely a week. Though he was eligible to test, Walls’ first race weekend took place at Teretonga Park for the second round of the series.

While that weekend was marred by poor weather, Walls found his feet in the third round at Hampton Downs with a solid fifth place, his best result to date.

A further two rounds remain in the series, with Taupo hosting the penultimate round this weekend before concluding with the New Zealand Grand Prix at Manfeild in February. 

Ferrari Academy driver Marcus Armstrong leads by 203 points ahead of 2017 Australian Formula 4 runner-up Liam Lawson on 169 points.

Calan Williams is the best placed Australian in tenth with 95 points, while Walls is only four points away from 13th placed Thomas Smith. 

Walls enjoyed a strong season as the runner-up in the 2018 Burson Auto Parts Rookie of the Year standings in Australian Formula 4, alongside fellow debutant team Patrizicorse.

With driver line-ups still to be confirmed, Walls is eager to re-join Australian Formula 4 at the season opening Australian Grand Prix in March.

“I’m definitely beyond excited for the Australian Grand Prix this year,” Walls said.

“The opportunity to drive in front of the world stage, especially in front of such a big crowd, I’d be extremely thankful to be able to race there in March.”

More information on how to participate at the Australian Grand Prix and the 2019 Championship season can be found at formula4.com.au/grandprix.