Greek Australian racer James Lodge has capped off a standout debut year performing in the Toyota Gazoo Racing Australia 86 Championship (TGRA 86), finishing second overall to help steer him further towards his goal of becoming a Supercar driver.
The young racer had the opportunity to impress in his debut year in the TGRA 86, competing in five rounds throughout the year across the country (Townsville, Sydney, Sandown, Bathurst 1000, Gold Coast 500).
Lodge was one of a few new entries in the championship this year, wherein 34 drivers competed in identically built Toyota 86 racing cars.
The Greek Australian aimed to impress in his maiden year in this class, with his prior experience consisting of go karting and two years in the Excell racing series, and he did not disappoint.
Lodge performed extremely well with notable highlights including him finishing the weekend of the Bathurst 1000 in first place and completing a clean sweep at Gold Coast 500 (winning all three races).
His performances saw him finish second in the 2024 TGRA GR Cup with 1174 points and win the Kaizen Award, which recognises the driver that has demonstrated the greatest continuous improvement over the course of the year.
The Kaizen award win also saw James earn a fully funded trip to the iconic Daytona 500 in the US next year.
James’ mother Chrisoula said the family could not be prouder of the youngster’s success this year.
“What James has managed to achieve this year is amazing and he has caught the attention of all the main teams in Supercars,” she told Neos Kosmos.
“James lives for racing and, as his parents, we are doing our best to give him every opportunity to reach his dream of becoming a paid Supercar driver.”
Chrisoula remarked that the TGRA 86 series is a great steeling stone towards Supercars or Porsche Cup racing given they race on the same rounds, making it a terrific opportunity for aspiring racers like her son to grab the attention of the professional teams.
She admitted that, this being James’ first season in this class, an overall finish between the positions of 10-20 would have been thought of as a great achievement, but her son managed to go much better.
“From the very first round to the final race at the Gold Coast, we believe James’ consistent hard work, dedication, and passion have helped him earn a place among the very best,” she said.
Chrisoula noted that watching James race at Bathurst and on the stunning Gold Coast circuit were moments the family will never forget.
“His focus, sportsmanship, and ability to handle the challenges of the track were amazing. To see him finish with such strength, having given everything he has, filled our hearts with such pride.”
