BONNY Hills speedster Cooper Barnes is turning heads on the motorsport circuit after recent performances in the Bridgestone GR86 Championships in New Zealand.

The series features a competitive field of 25 cars, featuring drivers from Australia and New Zealand, who compete over six rounds.

The competition began on 22 November 2024 at Taupo International Motorsport Park and will conclude on 13 April 2025.

Throughout the first three rounds of the GR86 series, Barnes achieved several key milestones, including his first pole position and first win.

Barnes has also obtained both a second and third place finish, further solidifying his position as a rising star in the motorsport world.

He races for the “Rights Karts Academy by M2 Competition” team.

On 1 February 2025, Barnes took his first pole position of the season, with a perfect lap in qualifying at Teretonga Raceway.

This was his first-ever pole position in any circuit racing series, outpacing his rivals by an impressive three tenths of a second in a closely contested field.

During the third round of the GR86 series, Barnes secured a victory in the second race.

Despite a stoppage, failed restart and a ferocious challenge from Caleb Byers, Barnes maintained his fortitude to cross the finish line in first place.

“The battle on the track was very tight,” Barnes said.

“But to take that first win felt great.”

He said his aim in New Zealand was continuous improvement.

“My goal going over to New Zealand was to improve my ability to block and pass effectively as well as to qualify quickly,” said Barnes.

“All the cars in the Bridgestone GR86 series are equal, with the setup, engineer, mechanic and ultimately the driver making the difference.”

Penny and Jamie Barnes expressed their immense pride in their son’s recent achievements.

“Cooper has done so well over the past years and we are very proud of him, that’s for sure,” they said.

“We will endeavour to support his goals all the way.”

Looking ahead, Barnes aspires to progress to the Super 2 and Supercar fields.

By Kim AMBROSE