Teen’s stunning GP win

Sixteen-year-old Liam Lawson survived an almighty scare to upset Marcus Armstrong and win the Castrol Toyota Racing Series .

In a dramatic conclusion to the five-round series, Lawson won an incident-packed New Zealand Grand Prix at Manfeild Circuit Chris Amon yesterday.

Lawson, a TRS rookie this year after being unable to compete last season due to age restrictions, was leading the series going into the final event – a race peppered by safety cars, race stoppages and penalties – and the Pukekohe teenager eventually came out on top.

Lawson, who turns 17 today, and Armstrong have been locked in an enthralling championship battle during the series.

‘‘It’s very special. I have enjoyed racing with Marcus and although there’s a rivalry on track, we’ve become friends during the series and I can understand how disappointed he was after the race,’’ Lawson said.

Following the Grand Prix, Lawson sought out Armstrong in the garages to console him in a classy display of sportsmanship.

‘‘It’s been a great championship, however, and he’s been a huge part of that.’’

Kiwi motorsport legend Kenny Smith, 77, who was competing in his 48th New Zealand Grand Prix, finished eighth.