Ignite Motorsport Club
A new pathway for young drivers! New Zealand rally legend Hayden Paddon and MotorSport New Zealand have teamed up to launch Ignite Motorsport Club; a completely free initiative that gives young Kiwis the chance to experience motorsport in a safe and controlled environment.
This program is about more than just fun behind the wheel. It’s about:
- Building critical car control skills
- Reducing risky behaviour on public roads
- Creating a pathway into motorsport for the next generation
WHY IGNITE?
Every year, too many young lives are lost on New Zealand’s roads. In 2024 alone, 97 young drivers were killed and 636 seriously injured.
Ignite Motorsport Club tackles this head-on by giving teens:
- ✅ A safe outlet for their passion for speed
- ✅ The chance to learn from top-level drivers like Hayden Paddon
- ✅ Direct connection with local MotorSport New Zealand clubs
“We all know young people love cars and speed, and that won’t change. What we can change is where and how they experience that. Ignite is about giving them a safe outlet that’s fun, but also builds real skills for them on our roads.” — Hayden Paddon
WHAT’S INVOLVED?
Ignite Motorsport Club events are designed to be accessible, exciting, and hands-on:
- Driver Training Days featuring motorkhana and autocross competitions
- Expert tuition from Hayden Paddon, PRG, and experienced local drivers
- Guidance and pathways through MotorSport New Zealand’s club network
Schools and community groups will play a big role, helping introduce students to the opportunities available in motorsport.
Upcoming Events
- 🚗 Waikato — 14 December 2025 Registrations open now!
- 🚗 Manawatu — 18 December 2025
- 🚗 South Island — Early 2026
These events will be the first chance for young drivers to get behind the wheel with Ignite.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Ignite Motorsport Club isn’t just about sparking the next generation of Kiwi motorsport talent, it’s about safer roads and stronger communities as well.
As MotorSport New Zealand President Deborah Day explains:
“By reaching young drivers early, we can give them the skills and environment to learn properly, safely, and not on New Zealand’s public roads, while also introducing them to the motorsport community in a structured way.” - Deborah Day
WAIKATO REGISTRATIONS NOW OPEN
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