Craig Baird appointed to MotorSport New Zealand’s Board
MotorSport New Zealand has appointed Craig Baird MNZM as a new Board Member, bringing a wealth of international motorsport experience and road-tested governance expertise to the organisation. One of New Zealand motorsport’s most successful and respected competitors, Baird is a veteran professional driver with countless national...
Paddon and Kennard return to WRC
It’s the news Kiwi rally fans have been hoping for – New Zealanders Hayden Paddon and John Kennard are returning to compete in the FIA World Rally Championship with Hyundai Motorsport in 2026! Paddon and Kennard have been asked to rejoin Hyundai Motorsport for a...
Liam Lawson re-signs with Racing Bulls for 2026 Formula 1 season
Kiwi Formula 1 talent Liam Lawson has officially been re-signed by Racing Bulls for the 2026 FIA Formula One World Championship, marking another major milestone in the young New Zealander’s rapidly ascending career. Lawson’s re-signing cements his place on the F1 grid as the team transitions...
Office Closure: 2025-26 Holiday Period
MotorSport New Zealand will be closed for the Christmas break from 23 December to 5 January. Limited services will be available between 10am-2pm on 29 and 30 December. Urgent enquiries and applications can still be submitted at any time via MotorSport Online or by emailing morgen@motorsport.org.nz. To ensure...
Jones claims glory at NZ Gold Star Hillclimb Championship
The roar of engines and the thrill of hillclimb competition filled Port Waikato over the weekend as competitors from across the country battled for national honours at the 2025 NZ Gold Star Hillclimb Championship, hosted by the Pukekohe Car Club on 22–23 November. The championship featured...
NZIGP Waikato Challenge cancelled after medical event
A competitor has been transported to hospital in a critical condition after suffering a medical event during a race at the NZIGP Waikato Challenge event at Hampton Downs on Sunday 23 November. The competitor pulled off to the side of the track and responders were on...
D1NZ officially granted National Championship status by MotorSport New Zealand
MotorSport New Zealand has announced that the D1NZ has officially been granted National Championship status for the 2025-26 season. Its long-standing contribution to the sport and its position as the premier drifting series in New Zealand, will now be formally recognised as the D1NZ National...
F1 star Liam Lawson auctions customised Subaru Forester for Youth Mental Health
Formula 1 driver Liam Lawson is auctioning his customised Subaru Forester to raise funds and awareness for the I AM HOPE Foundation, a charity dedicated to supporting youth mental health in New Zealand. Currently listed on TradeMe, the auction for the unique Forester will close on...
Hampton Downs to live up to ‘International’ title this weekend
Round 1 of the 2025-2026 REPCO NextGen NZ Championship kicks off a blockbuster summer of motorsport in New Zealand this weekend at Hampton Downs Motorsport Park. The Alliance Services Hampton Downs International will be just that – an international event with more than 30 cars, 60...
Applications now open for the 2026 Elite MotorSport Academy of New Zealand
MotorSport New Zealand announces that applications are now open for the 2026 Elite MotorSport Academy of New Zealand, a world-renowned motorsport development programme for emerging talent. Each year, the Academy helps New Zealand’s most promising young competitors gain the skills and mindset needed to succeed on...