One of Australia and New Zealand’s most historic open-wheel trophies, the Tasman Cup, will now be presented to the winner of the Castrol Toyota Formula Regional Oceania Championship certified by FIA.

The Tasman Cup will be awarded to the highest placed antipodean (Australian or New Zealand) driver after the first two rounds of the Championship, with the racing beginning this coming weekend at Taupo International Motorsport Park. The second round takes place the following weekend, this time at Manfeild - Circuit Chris Amon in Feilding on 26-28 January.

Three Aussies drivers have already confirmed their place in the Championship, with Christian Mansell and Tommy Smith both coming from the FIA Formula 3 Championship, while young Elliot Cleary will be one of nine rookies entered. 

The Australian Motor Racing Commission has approved the change, in consultation with Motorsport New Zealand.

Most recently, the trophy had been awarded as part of the S5000 Australian Drivers’ Championship.

Motorsport Australia CEO Sunil Vohra said the decision to award the trophy to the Castrol Toyota Formula Regional Oceania Championship was an obvious one.

“This Championship has always been a standout category in the region and given its significance and the driving talent on display, Motorsport Australia was pleased to work with our colleagues at Motorsport New Zealand to come to this decision,” Vohra said.

“The prestige of this trophy cannot be underestimated and looking at the trophy itself there are some of motorsport’s best etched into history, including the likes of Sir Jackie Stewart and Bruce McLaren.

“We’ll certainly be looking forward to seeing the racing unfold over the coming fortnight and wish everyone the best of luck.”

Motorsport New Zealand CEO Elton Goonan was excited for the prestigious trophy to be part of the popular Championship, which has a strong global reputation.

“This is an exciting addition to what is a thriving Championship based here in New Zealand that has cemented itself as an important part of the FIA calendar,” Goonan said.

“We’re delighted that the first two rounds of the Championship will have an added incentive of the Tasman Cup for what is a really competitive group of drivers who will be eager to get their hands on such a historic trophy.”

Past winners of the Tasman Cup include Bruce McLaren Sir Jackie Stewart, Chris Amon, Graham McRae, Warwick Brown, Simon Wills, Andy Booth and more recently as part of the S5000 events, Aaron Cameron and Nathan Herne.