Reigning New Zealand Formula Ford champion Blake Dowdall is set to take the next major step in his career, joining Miedecke Motorsport’s expanded two-car assault on the 2026 Monochrome GT4 Australia season.
The talented Kiwi will partner 2025 Radical Cup Australia champion Cooper Cutts in the team’s new #95 Ford Mustang GT4, marking Dowdall’s transition from open-wheel racing into the fiercely competitive GT4 ranks.
Fresh off a standout Formula Ford campaign that included more than 100 race starts across four seasons and 19 race victories, Dowdall arrives in GT4 as a proven title-winner with a reputation for precision and racecraft.
The move signals a new chapter after dominating in single-seaters, with the heavier, more powerful Mustang presenting an entirely different challenge.
Speaking about the opportunity, Dowdall described the move as a perfect fit at a crucial stage of his career. Having already tested at Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, he acknowledged the adjustment required but felt confident in his ability to adapt to the new machinery quickly.
“It’s the best team I could be with coming straight out of Formula Ford,” Dowdall said.
“They’ve proven themselves over the past two seasons, and that’s exactly the environment I want to be in.
“I was a little nervous heading into testing because it’s quite different to what I’m used to, but I felt like I adapted quickly. It’s a different style of driving, but I’m really excited by the challenge.”
Miedecke Motorsport’s expansion to two Mustangs for 2026 marks a significant step forward for the squad as it enters its third year of standalone GT4 competition in Australia. Team co-owner George Miedecke emphasised that nurturing emerging talent remains central to the team’s identity.
“This feels like a new chapter for us,” Miedecke explained.
Developing young drivers and giving back to the sport are big parts of what we stand for. Blake is incredibly analytical and completely focused on his craft. As a reigning champion, he brings that winning mindset, and I think he and Cooper will be a fantastic combination.”
Cutts, who secured the 2025 Radical Cup Australia title, echoed the excitement around the move to GT4 and the chance to align with Ford machinery. After assessing his options post-title, GT4 presented the ideal blend of competitive racing and strong fields, particularly within the Shannons SpeedSeries structure.
The #95 entry joins the returning #35 Mustang, which will feature Trans Am standout Blake Tracey alongside Miedecke. Tracey steps into the seat vacated by Rylan Gray, who graduates to the Supercars Championship with Dick Johnson Racing in 2026.
Visually, the team will also debut a striking new look. After campaigning white-based liveries in 2024 and 2025, both Mustangs will roll out in a bold blue design for 2026, continuing their backing from Lubrimaxx.
The new season begins on March 27–29 at Phillip Island as part of the Shannons SpeedSeries, where Dowdall will make his highly anticipated GT4 race debut — carrying Kiwi hopes into a fresh and fiercely competitive battleground.
Header Image: Monochrome GT4 Australia
