Motorsport: Michael Scott tuned up for second series

Te Puke driver Michael Scott is likely to be the only North Island driver in the upcoming Toyota Racing Series.

Michael Scott is hell-bent on living life in the fast lane.

The former Te Puke High School student has progressed from karting through the Formula First and Formula Ford series, and is now eyeing a second tilt at the Toyota Racing Series beginning on January 10.

The youngster described finishing 16th last year in a field stacked with young European drivers tuning up for their home season as a steep learning curve.

By the end of the five-week series his lap times were well within a second of the top drivers, and the expectation is this year he will be even quicker.

"It's absolutely spectacular for Kiwis, because it gives us the opportunity to go up against these guys in our own backyard," Scott said.

"Without that we wouldn't have the stepping stone to international competition.

"At that level everyone in the team has the same data - from how much throttle and break to engine sensors, G forces, mapping of the track - it's just how well you can use that data to come up with a good set-up.

"There isn't much between the cars; it really comes down to the set up and the driving."

Scott is looming as the only North Island driver in a class in which the cars and engines are supplied by Toyota.

That he is the last northern driver in the mix is down to hard work, skill and him earning a place in the Elite Motorsport Academy that helps young drivers understand the importance of everything outside the car.

"It is such a hugely different sport to all the others. It's about all those other roles than simply driving. You have to find the money, sponsorship, the PR, work in a team; it's pretty diverse."

The price tag for the coming series is about $130,000. No sponsors have been confirmed, although talks are ongoing.

"We are trying to approach as many businesses as we can to jump on board with us.

"The Te Puke Economic Development Group has been fantastic in promoting me and introducing me to a few people.

"To find that amount of money is difficult. At the moment the majority of it we are going to have to fund ourselves, so that will be challenging."

Scott will surely end up in the sport somewhere.

Just where is not all down to him.