Leading Teams Joins Forces in Trans-Tasman Alliance

Two of Australia and New Zealand’s leading motorsport teams will join forces in a Trans-Tasman alliance aimed at nurturing a pathway for aspiring drivers through both countries.

Forming the Australian side of the partnership is leading Toyota 86 and Porsche squad TekworkX Motorsport. Owned by Rob Woods, the Gold Coast based team currently lead the TGRA GR Cup while also holding a top three place in both the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup and Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Championships.

Representing New Zealand is Mackenzie Motorsport, owned by Sam Mackenzie. The team operate out of Hampton Downs, and recently claimed the NZ Toyota 86 Championship via a six-race winning season from Tom Bewley. The front-running squad’s credentials also include recent titles in GT4 and endurance racing.

Both teams compete in their country’s respective Toyota 86 Scholarship programme, with a natural progression available for young drivers into each country’s National division of Toyota 86 racing. In Australia, the TGRA GR Cup introduced the new GR86 model for the 2024 season while the GR86 will be introduced to New Zealand for the 2024-2025 competition.

As one of Australia’s top teams in one-make Porsche racing, the pathway will see drivers earn the opportunity to compete in TekworkX Motorsport’s race-winning cars as they progress through the Sprint Challenge and Carrera Cup ladder.

Mackenzie Motorsport’s proven pedigree in GT Competition also provide drivers from both sides of the Tasman the opportunity to compete at the forefront of GT4, Porsche and GT Racing in New Zealand.

“Mackenzie Motorsport are looking forward to building a relationship with TekworkX to make the transition from 86 to Carrera Cup and beyond easier,” said Sam Mackenzie.

“This will also allow for an easier way to get more mileage between the two countries in addition to our Porsche Trophy Series and GR86 Championship here in New Zealand.

“Being current Toyota 86 Champions and past GT4 and endurance champions we are looking forward to building on that portfolio for years to come in finding New Zealand and Australia’s next champions.”

The exciting new partnership is set to put the spotlight on the next wave of champion drivers emerging in Australian and New Zealand motorsport.