Young Australian to join NZ Formula Ford grid

Australian driver Lincoln Taylor is set to join the 2025 New Zealand Formula Ford Championship grid for all four rounds this summer. Having never previously driven a Formula Ford, the 16-year-old Queenslander will make his debut at the opening round at the end of January in Timaru driving a Mygale SJ08a for Nigel Barclay-Racing Projects.

“I can’t wait,” said Taylor. “I don’t know what the competition is going to be like so will certainly do my best. I am very grateful to both my family and to Nigel for the opportunity.

“I’ve never driven a Formula Ford, so my expectations are to learn and get better. It will be good to get some results, but I am realistic about the learning curve I will go through.”

After a start in kartsport, at the age of 12 Taylor moved onto both off road and speedway racing before becoming involved in the Hyundai Excel X3 Series, participating in the Ferrari Driving Academy regional selection program at the Sepang International Circuit in 2022 and competing in three races in the 2022 Formula 4 South East Asia Championship.

“We did 13 races in the 2024 Toyota Gazoo Racing Australia GR Cup,” said Taylor. “We got a podium at Sandown (Raceway), the fastest lap at Bathurst and on the Gold Coast I had my best race going from 33rd to fifth.

“I’m currently working for Paul Morris at the Norwell Motorplex teaching people how to drive as well as working for Method Race Wheels who are a key sponsor. I’m very thankful for Paul’s help in getting me across to take part in the NZ Formula Ford champs.”

“Great to give Lincoln the opportunity to race in the NZ Formula Ford Championship,” commented Paul Morris from Norwell Motorplex. “It will be a challenge for him to adapt to new surroundings. One I’m confident he will excel in with the support of Nigel and his team.”

The four-round championship gets underway with four races in Timaru, 25-26 January 2025 with the second round two weeks later at the New Zealand Grand Prix meeting at the Highlands Motorsport Park in Cromwell, 7-9 February 2025 (three races). The final two rounds take place in the North Island with three races at Hampton Downs Motorsport Park 21-23 March and four races at Manfeild Circuit Chris Amon 4-6 April 2025.

This summer sees a collaboration between Rodin Cars and MotorSport NZ to create a new pathway to Formula 1 with the NZFF champion and selected Formula Ford drivers invited to an all-expenses-paid, three-day testing and evaluation program with Rodin Cars in New Zealand. From there a driver who exhibits exceptional talent has the possibility to test with Rodin Motorsport in the UK with the possibility of securing a seat in one of Rodin’s F4 teams.