Having celebrated its 20th year in 2021, the Elite Motorsport Academy of New Zealand is looking forward to another decade of helping develop Kiwi motorsport competitors.
Applications for its 2022 program are now open for all aspiring motorsport competitors from Race, Rally, ClubSport and KartSport. The academy is designed as such that a rally co-driver benefits just as much as a Formula Ford racer.
The academy program sees multiple participants take part in a week-long camp at the Otago Academy of Sport where they are given intensive courses in fitness, nutrition, media, sponsorship and mental performance. The camp is then followed up by a personalised 12-month program where participants continue to work with providers of the academy to further their development.
The academy, highly regarded by the FIA, has seen over 130 graduates pass through its doors and reads of the “who’s who” of the modern era of New Zealand motorsport. International stars such as Shane van Gisbergen, Hayden Paddon, Brendon Hartley, Earl Bamber, Nick Cassidy, Mitch Evans and Andre Heimgartner have all graduated from the academy.
The academy is still developing emerging talents such as Hunter McElrea (IndyPro2000), Billy Frazer (USF2000), Jaxon Evans (Porsche Supercup) Callum Hedge (Porsche Sprint Cup Australia), and Michael Young (Intl. Rally).
Its latest set of graduates are also enjoying success such as 2021 camp winner and current NZ Formula Ford champion James Penrose, as well as 2021 graduate Matthew McCutcheon who won the Tony Quinn foundation scholarship for a full drive in the upcoming Toyota 86 Championship.
Applications for the 2022 Elite Motorsport Academy are open now. The 2022 Elite Motorsport Academy camp will take place in Dunedin from June 26 – July 2, 2022. More information and the application form can be found on www.motorsport.org.nz/elite-motorsport-academy. Applications will close on 11 March 2022.
