Jacob Douglas tops Elite Motorsport Academy camp to win Bruce McLaren Trophy

Christchurch race driver Jacob Douglas, 19, has won the Bruce McLaren Trophy by topping the points table for the 2024 Elite Motorsport Academy of New Zealand camp.

The Elite MotorSport Academy is an annual competitor development program put on by the MotorSport New Zealand Scholarship Trust for eight young and aspiring motorsport athletes. A week-long camp in Dunedin at the Otago Academy of Sport is the first part of the tailored 12-month development program each athlete receives.

Following a series of workshops, participants were assessed not only on their physical fitness but also their newly acquired knowledge in sports psychology, nutrition, data analysis, public speaking/media skills, and motorsport regulations and procedures. Participants were also split into two teams and completed challenges together to assess their interpersonal skills and how they work as a team.

Douglas’ performance across the week saw him consistently performing at the high end of all challenges and learning activities.

“Congratulations to Jacob for his performance at the Elite Motorsport Academy camp this week,” said Deborah Day, President of MotorSport New Zealand and trustee of the MotorSport New Zealand Scholarship Trust.

“It was a pleasure to observe the academy camp for the first time this week. What a great group of young competitors and what an amazing program they’ve been a part of. My thanks go out to the Otago Academy of Sport and the Elite MotorSport Academy trustees who have all done a great job.”

Douglas, who’s enjoyed racing success internationally already in his career, is looking forward to taking his learnings from the camp and applying them in the future.

“I had a great week down in Dunedin, I really enjoyed all the activities we got to do, meeting new people, and being around like-minded drivers,” said Douglas upon being announced as the winner.

“It was a super positive experience that I took a lot away from. The biggest thing I think I will take away from this week is the value of relationships with my team. I think that’s what helped us win the team challenge this week, working together well and utilising each other’s strengths.”

Papatoetoe racer, Mason Potter, 18, ended the camp week second on the points table while Southland driver Jacob Begg, 16, was third.

All eight academy participants will now continue their development with a personalised 12-month follow-up program where their progress will continue to be assessed before crowning an overall academy and Ian Snellgrove Trophy winner in May 2025.

Applications for the 2025 Elite Motorsport Academy will open later in October 2024 for the next crop of aspiring competitors who want the best kickstart to their motorsport careers.

The Elite Motorsport Academy and MotorSport New Zealand Scholarship Trust are thankful for the support of Aotearoa Gaming Trust, Toyota GAZOO Racing New Zealand, MotorSport New Zealand and their other funding partners.