Lineup set for Team MotorSport New Zealand powered by Giltrap Group Motorsport

The anticipation builds as the line-up for Team MotorSport New Zealand powered by Giltrap Group Motorsport in the Tri-Nations Esport Cup has been confirmed. After two qualifying events, New Zealand’s fastest sim racers have secured their places in this weekend’s final event.

William McDonald, Joshua Dhingra, Hamish Cleland, James Corban, Stefan McCartain, Ewan Baker, Taylor Mitchell and Dylan Jordan will represent Team MotorSport New Zealand powered by Giltrap Group Motorsport in the Tri-Nations Esport Cup.

The final Cup event will feature two races, starting at 7:00 PM NZT this Sunday 4 August with practice, qualifying, and 30-minute races at both Mount Panorama and Silverstone. The competition promises intense racing and top-notch entertainment as drivers showcase their skills.

The official esport event between FIA National Sporting Authorities MotorSport New Zealand, Motorsport Australia, and Motorsport UK, is held on the popular iRacing simulator. Competitors had two chances to qualify for the event, with pre-qualifying sessions in July. Utilising the Porsche 911 GT3 R at Laguna Seca, the fastest drivers from each country have progressed to the Cup event.

Giltrap Group Motorsport, the official partner of New Zealand’s team, recognise the growing significance of esports in cultivating the next generation of motorsport talent. Their commitment to nurturing young talent is evident in their junior scholarship program, launched in 2023. Scholarship recipient Brock Gilchrist notably secured the GT New Zealand GT4 Championship in a Giltrap Group Motorsport-prepared McLaren 570 GT4.

“We’re delighted to partner with MotorSport New Zealand on this great initiative,” says Hamish Miller, Head of Giltrap Motorsport.

“Esports is hugely popular and growing rapidly around the world. This event aligns with our broader motorsport strategy and with all 30 cars on the grid being Porsche 911 GT3 R’s, this was an easy decision. We’re looking forward to seeing the black and white cars with the silver fern dominate.”

To add to the excitement, the highest-placed driver in the team will receive a special prize pack from Giltrap Group Motorsport.

National pride isn’t the only prize at stake. Thanks to Next Level Racing, the overall winner will receive a Next Level Racing GT Elite Wheelplate Edition, ERS3 Seat, and Direct Monitor Mount to enhance their esport set-up. Additionally, the top driver from each region will take home a Next Level Racing HF8 Haptic Feedback Pad, and one randomly drawn competitor from the pre-qualifying events will also win this fantastic prize.

Fans will be able to follow the action with a live broadcast by leading esport motorsport producers RaceSpot TV, available on YouTube and motorsport.org.nz/live.