Organisers are putting out a final call for applications to the 2021 Elite Motorsport Academy of New Zealand, with entries closing on this Friday, 12 March. Young kiwi competitors who hold licences with MotorSport New Zealand and its affiliates are encouraged to put their names forward for the renowned elite training academy before applications close.
The academy has fostered young talent who regularly make headlines around the world for their achievements. Current Bathurst 1000 winner Shane van Gisbergen, 2020 Le Mans 24 winner Brendon Hartley, rally star Hayden Paddon, Formula E winner Mitch Evans, and more recently Marcus Armstrong and Ronan Murphy have all received training through the academy.
Academy trustee David Turner praises the level of recognition the academy attracts internationally.
“We are incredibly pleased the Academy has done so much for so many of our great young talents that we have in the sport and that the FIA recognise just what we offer, which is more than many other countries,” said Turner.
“It’s amazing how quick the year passes us by, the current 2019 class are doing a great job and it’s going to be a great summer for so many of them. We are already thinking of the Class of 2020 and looking forward to seeing the applications come in.”
The academy is multi-disciplined, catering for race drivers, rally drivers, rally co-drivers and karters. Turner encourages all young competitors to put their name forward for the world-renowned program.
“It’s not just for race drivers, we have rally drivers, co-drivers and young karters join us every year which adds to it. They all bounce off of each other and learn things from different areas of the sport.
“Another big thing for everyone to remember is that if you have applied before that does not stop you from applying again so remember this, it could be one of the best decisions of your career.”
The application form can be found here: motorsport.org.nz/elite-motorsport-academy.