Money and politics in F1 mean Thomas Randle's Toyota Racing Series title will likely be his final soiree in single-seater racing.
The Australian turned on two of the best drives of the series at Manfeild on Sunday to secure the TRS title in the narrowest battle in the competition's 13-year history.
Randle, 20, will now compete in a Ligier LMP3 in the six-round British Le Mans Cup in what he hopes will be the start of his endurance racing career.
He hoped to follow in the foot steps of Kiwis like Brendon Hartley, Earl Bamber and Richie Stanaway as drivers who have raced in the TRS and forged careers in endurance racing.
"I guess this will be the start of my endurance career," he said. "My goal has always been F1, but the way F1 is these days and how political is has become it is nearly impossible to get a seat in it."
"I think these days endurance racing is the way to go. I would love to do the 24 Hours of Le Mans. But it will all depend on how we go this year."
Randle proved consistency was key to taking out the TRS title.
He won twice in the 15-races, set the fastest lap in seven races and started in pole position three times.
But where he took control of the title was by never finishing lower than seventh.
The four trailing drivers - Pedro Piquet, Richard Verschoor, Marcus Armstrong and Jehan Daravula - would have easily lifted the title if their worst finishes were elevated to seventh.
Randle's ability to stay on the track and out of trouble - not to mention the highlight footage of Manfeild race two where he blitzed his way into fourth after slipping to 12th at the first turn - should see him get plenty of driving opportunities in the future.