Motorsport: The world is coming to NZ

Barrie Thomlinson. Photo / Supplied

The Russians are coming, as well as the Australians, the English, the Japanese and the Germans - and it's all down to one man.

Toyota Racing Series category manager Barrie Thomlinson has enticed some of brightest young overseas motor racing talent to pit their wits against the best the Kiwis can offer. Since the series, devised by Thomlinson and Steve Boyce, was introduced in 2005, it has grown from strength to strength.

The TRS championship has been a launchpad for locals the likes of Shane van Gisbergen, Brendon Hartley, Richie Stanaway, Andy Knight, Daniel Gaunt and lately Mitch Evans, who is now under the watchful eye of Formula One driver Mark Webber.

Over the years, the New Zealand series has gained traction in Europe and this year sees a bumper crop of talent who have decided to make the trip. Thomlinson has been the leading light in getting young up-and-coming overseas drivers to come Downunder, in their off season, and get quality race miles under their belts.

"Steve [Boyce] and I came up with a single-seater proposal for Toyota based on a European formula to further Kiwi talent and entice drivers from overseas to come and compete," said Thomlinson. "My goal, and Toyota's, was to try and put someone into Formula One if we could. I also wanted to emulate Ron Frost, who brought all those great drivers to New Zealand years ago.

"I had Toyota's backing to go to Europe and get them to come here. It's taken a while but people in Europe know who we are now.

"Sten Pentus was here last season, went back to Europe and was immediately on the pace and won the first round of the World Series by Renault. People are now taking notice us."

Thomlinson is no stranger to the racing side of motorsport, having grown up competing in rally cars, Formula Ford, Formula Atlantic and touring cars, as well as being a crew chief and mechanic in America.

"I had a reasonable career in Formula Atlantic and was rookie of the year. After a break, I came back to race two-litre touring cars and then set up a semi-factory Toyota touring car team," he said.

He won a championship in 2003; knows what it takes to be a winner and can spot talent when he sees it. Thomlinson was involved with Scott Dixon in the early days before he and the other backers sold their share to Dixon's current manager Stefan Johansson.

He then became involved with TRS graduate Brendon Hartley, discovered by Red Bull racing here, and has spent time in Europe helping Hartley come to grips with racing in Europe.

Thomlinson would like to see more Kiwis in the series but understands the economic climate doesn't help in a small country like New Zealand.

"More local drivers would be good but it'll be interesting to watch the drivers that are here go back to Europe and see what progress they make."