MotorSport Rentals & Parts

10 years ago today we were at the hundredth running of Indy 500. Eight of us had gone to watch NASCAR racing in Charlotte Ville and then flew up to Indianapolis to watch Scott Dixon Race. We met a few other kiwis including Greg Murphy

MotorSport New Zealand has announced the Class of 2026 for the prestigious Elite MotorSport Academy of New Zealand, with eight emerging young competitors selected into the world-renowned development programme following their unveiling at the 2026 MotorSport New Zealand Awards Evening in Wellington on Saturday night.

The Elite MotorSport Academy has been a cornerstone of New Zealand motorsport development since 2004, producing over 160 graduates including international stars such as Shane van Gisbergen, Hayden Paddon, Brendon Hartley, Earl Bamber, Nick Cassidy, Mitch Evans and Marcus Armstrong.

The Class of 2026 features an exciting mix of circuit racers and rally competitors from across New Zealand:

Mac Templeton – GR86
Chris White – GR86 Champion
Ajay Giddy – GR86
Hayden Graves – Otago Rally-winning co-driver
Marco Manson – NZ Formula Ford Champion
Toby Elmiger – TA2 NZ
Taylor Mitchell – Toyota 86 Trophy Series
Nathan Grammar - 1 Hour NZ Endurance Champion

The successful applicants will attend the intensive week-long academy camp at the Otago Academy of Sport in Dunedin later this year before embarking on the academy’s tailored 12-month development programme.

The academy focuses on developing the complete athlete, with participants receiving training and mentoring in areas including fitness, nutrition, sport psychology, media, sponsorship, data analysis, public speaking and personal development.

MotorSport New Zealand President and Scholarship Trust trustee Deborah Day said the strength of the 2026 class highlighted the depth of emerging motorsport talent throughout New Zealand.

“The Elite MotorSport Academy continues to play a critical role in developing the next generation of New Zealand motorsport competitors both on and off the track,” said Day.

“This year’s class represents an outstanding cross-section of young talent from multiple disciplines of our sport. The level of applications continues to rise every year, which is incredibly encouraging for the future of motorsport in New Zealand.”

“The academy is about much more than driving talent. It equips these young competitors with the professional skills, mindset, and support systems required to succeed at the highest levels of motorsport internationally.”

The Elite MotorSport Academy camp will take place in Dunedin from 5-11 July 2026.

24 hour lemons endurance event was one that I wish I had done with the team. About eight years ago we nearly got to the start line but one of the crew cooked the engine the day before while testing it at Hampton Downs