Christina Orr-West is more than happy to be the camp mum if needed this season.  

There are several young drivers embarking on their first season of the Bridgestone GR86 Championship, so experience will be crucial for the Whakatāne driver as she looks to outclass and outrace 23 others across six race weekends.

The Dayle ITM driver had an up-and-down 2023-24 season and is hoping for a strong start when the series kicks off in Taupō this weekend.

“It was a bit hit and miss [last season], I got a trophy for most passes done in a season but that kind of tells you how hard I made it for myself.”

Round two is set for Hampton Downs a fortnight later before Orr-West heads to Invercargill for round three from January 30 to February 2. Round four takes place at Highlands Motorsport Park, with rounds five and six taking place at Hampton Downs and Taupō respectively.

Orr-West is ready to race.

“After testing and having a few issues with the car and trying to get them resolved, I’m hoping that we can now put our best foot forward.”

This season has seen an upgrade in the cars, which she admits has been challenging.

“It’s been a bit more of an adjustment than I was expecting. I am now really having to think again on what I am doing in the car with the throttle and if I’ve got to stop sending it. I don’t have a fear with this car unlike the old one; it feels a lot more settled to me. I have had to change my driving style once again.”

“They are two-to-three seconds faster than the old car, and I am now having to change gear in a different place, something else I have to adjust too.”

She said the masters’ title was her goal, where she would be against Johnny Penny and Simon Hunter, although a podium finish at the end of the season would be well-deserved.

Orr-West and her team also have a new number one mechanic this year, Brooke Harris.

“She is new to it but it’s great having her in my team this year. She is learning how and when to talk, and what I need to hear when I am out there.”

She said the camp mum demeanour was ready if called upon.

“I’ve got the camp mum well and truly sorted, or the grumpy old lady if it well and truly goes wrong. Other drivers won’t come yelling into my tent without something helpful to say.”

Taupo has always been a challenging circuit, although Orr-West just wants to get stuck in and hopefully put in some strong performances.”

It’s a class that is competitive and keeps challenging her as a driver.

Invercargill is the round she’s looking forward to the most as it is a track that suits her style. Qualifying starts on Friday in Taupō, before racing kicks off on Saturday and finishes on Sunday.