Tanuki Racing Times Two: Bathurst 1000 Winner Todd Hazelwood And Rising Talent Hana Burton Make WTAC Debut
- alain949
- Jul 22
- 2 min read
The Yokohama World Time Attack Challenge Sydney 2025 is set for its biggest year of competition yet at Sydney Motorsport Park this September, and Team Tanuki Racing is bringing a formidable, two-car attack with an exciting new driver lineup, headlined by a Bathurst 1000 winner!
Leading the charge in the elite EMTRON Pro Class will be none other than Supercars star and 2024 Bathurst 1000 winner Todd Hazelwood, making his highly anticipated debut in the blistering Tanuki S13. Hazelwood steps into the seat previously occupied by Tim Slade, bringing his exceptional talent and precision from the pinnacle of Australian motorsport to the forefront as the team eyes outright victory.
Hazelwood is a proven force in Australian motorsport, with a career that includes winning the 2017 Super2 Series Championship and, most notably, conquering the legendary Mount Panorama with a stunning victory at the 2024 Bathurst 1000. (Anyone feel like a Chiko roll?) He brings a wealth of experience from countless high-pressure races, making him a formidable contender for the ultimate time attack crown.
Adding a dynamic new dimension, Tanuki Racing is also thrilled to announce that talented rising star Hana Burton will be behind the wheel of their 'Sumo' wide-body Toyota GR Yaris in the fiercely competitive Haltech Clubsprint Class. This marks Hana’s highly anticipated WTAC debut with the team, showcasing their commitment to nurturing new talent in the sport.
Hana Burton, a Japanese-American racer currently based in Japan, has rapidly made a name for herself in the motorsport world. Despite starting her racing journey later than most, she debuted in the 2022 Toyota Gazoo Racing Yaris Cup where she earned Rookie of the Year honours, and has since competed in various series including the Kyojo Cup, Fuji Championship Series, and the 2023 Global Time Attack Finals, demonstrating rapid progression and a natural aptitude for high-performance driving.
Both vehicles have undergone significant development to maximize their potential. The Tanuki Racing S13 boasts a new engine built by JHH, a full wiring overhaul from Yates Auto Electrical, and revalved suspension for peak performance. The Tanuki Racing GR Yaris is also heavily upgraded, featuring HKS coilovers, a new Cusco LSD, an upgraded brakes package, and new forged wheels from Koya Wheels – all designed to push the limits of the category.
Team Owner, Wayne Lee, expressed his enthusiasm for the expanded program: "We're incredibly excited about our driver lineup for WTAC 2025. Having a Bathurst 1000 winner like Todd join us in the S13 for EMTRON Pro Class is a massive boost – we have our eyes set on the big prize. It's fantastic to have also Hana come over from Japan for her first WTAC in our Yaris for Haltech Clubsprint Class; she's a brilliant talent. While managing two cars is a new challenge, we're aiming for great results in both categories, and we feel prepared to make a real statement this year."
