The weekend featured a mix ofwet and dry sessions, creating significantly different scenarios throughout the event. In these conditions,James Whartondelivered consistently strong performances, demonstrating excellent adaptability and confidence in theTJ Speed with HMD Motorsportscar.
InQualifying 1, Wharton securedseventh position, comfortably inside the Top 10 on a circuit where he remained competitive throughout the weekend. InRace 1, the Australian managed the race with maturity, maintaining a clean and consistent pace to finish insixth place.
Photo Credit: Toyota Gazoo Racing New Zeland
The standout performance came inRace 2, where Wharton delivered a commanding drive. Starting fromthird on the grid, he controlled the early stages with composure, waiting for the right moment to make a decisive move on Japanese driverKanato Le. Once in the lead, Wharton set a strong pace, opening up a gap ofmore than three secondsto the second-placed driver to secure hisfirst victory of the 2026 season.
InQualifying 2, Wharton claimed theP6, while inRace 3he gained one position without major difficulty. The final race of the weekend proved more challenging. After an excellent start, Wharton ran wide at a corner in the opening laps, dropping fromP5 to P17. Forced into recovery mode, he benefited from aSafety Caron lap 13, which brought the field back together and offered renewed overtaking opportunities. However, a lock-up while avoiding another car at the final chicane caused him to fall back toP16, where he ultimately finished the race.
Photo Credit: Toyota Gazoo Racing New Zeland
“The first win of 2026 was obviously amazing,” James Wharton said. “Overall, it was a very positive weekend. I was much more patient and consistent. Now it’s time to focus on some athletic testing before heading back to Highlands for the final round of the championship, where we’ll be fighting for the win at the New Zealand Grand Prix.”
Following the Taupō weekend, James Wharton now sitsninth in the championship standingswith a total of113 points. The Australian driver willskip the third round of the championship, before returning toNew Zealandfor thefinal event of the season, scheduled from29 January to 1 February 2026atHighlands Motorsport Park in Cromwell.