Applications open for the 2025 Elite MotorSport Academy of New Zealand

MotorSport New Zealand is thrilled to announce that applications are now open for the 2025 Elite MotorSport Academy of New Zealand. This prestigious academy provides New Zealand’s young motorsport talents with invaluable training and development, preparing them for success on both national and international stages. Aspiring competitors from all areas of motorsport, including Race, Rally, ClubSport, and KartSport, are encouraged to apply.

The academy has a rich legacy, with over 160 graduates, including internationally celebrated drivers like Shane van Gisbergen, Richie Stanaway, Hayden Paddon, Brendon Hartley, Earl Bamber, Nick Cassidy, Mitch Evans, Andre Heimgartner, Marcus Armstrong.

More recent graduates include Indy NXT driver Callum Hedge, current New Zealand Grand Prix winner Liam Sceats and Supercars driver Ryan Wood. Each of these alumni benefited from the academy’s world-renowned 12-month training program, which begins with an intensive week-long camp at the Otago Academy of Sport in Dunedin.

During the camp, participants are immersed in workshops covering essential aspects of elite motorsport performance. Courses include fitness and physical assessment, nutrition, sport psychology, data analysis, media and public speaking, sponsorship, and motorsport regulations. Team-building exercises and daily physical training routines add to the immersive experience. Attendees are also tasked with developing and presenting a sponsorship proposal, a critical skill for advancing in the competitive world of motorsport.

Following the camp, each participant receives a tailored 12-month development program to continue building their skills with support from academy providers.

MotorSport New Zealand President and Scholarship Trust trustee Deborah Day encourages young talent to seize this unique opportunity.

“The Elite MotorSport Academy is an incredible springboard for aspiring competitors to hone their skills, both on and off the track,” said Day.

“New Zealand has an impressive depth of motorsport talent, and this program offers our young competitors the tools to compete and excel on the world stage. I strongly encourage all eligible drivers to apply and take advantage of this exceptional opportunity for growth and development.”

The 2025 edition of the academy camp will be held in Dunedin from 6-12 July 2025. Applications will close on 10 March 2025. Further information and the application form can be found by clicking here.