Final call for Elite MotorSport Academy Applications

Organisers are putting out a final call for applications to the 2022 Elite MotorSport Academy of New Zealand, with entries closing in just over a fortnight on March 18th.

Applications for its 2022 program are now open for all aspiring motorsport competitors from Race, Rally, ClubSport and KartSport. The academy is designed as such that a rally co-driver benefits just as much as a Formula Ford racer.

The academy program sees multiple participants take part in a week-long camp at the Otago Academy of Sport where they are given intensive courses in fitness, nutrition, media, sponsorship and mental performance. The camp is then followed up by a personalised 12-month program where participants continue to work with providers of the academy to further their development.

The academy, which has evolved into a world-leading program and is highly regarded by the FIA, has seen 130 graduates pass through its doors and reads of the “who’s who” of the modern era of New Zealand motorsport. International stars such as Shane van Gisbergen, Hayden Paddon, Brendon Hartley, Earl Bamber, Nick Cassidy, Mitch Evans and Andre Heimgartner have all graduated from the academy.

The academy is still developing emerging talents such as Hunter McElrea (Indy Lights), Jaxon Evans (Porsche Supercup), Callum Hedge (Porsche Carerra Cup Australia), and Michael Young (Intl. Rally). Just recently 2021 academy graduate Jordan Grant was announced as part of Hayden Paddon’s ‘Winmax Brakes Junior Driver’ program.

The academy is multi-disciplined, catering for race drivers, rally drivers, rally co-drivers and karters. The range of competitors and their disciplines means everyone bounces off of each other and learn things from different areas of the sport.

The academy trustees also encourage those that have applied in the past to apply again stating “it could be one of the best decisions of your career.”

The 2022 Elite Academy camp will take place in Dunedin from June 26 – July 2. More information and the application form can be found on www.motorsport.org.nz/elite-motorsport-academy/. Applications will close on 18 March 2022.