Chris White has been named the Elite MotorSport Academy of New Zealand camp winner for 2026, edging out an exceptionally competitive field following a week of intensive driver development in Dunedin.
White finished ahead of fellow GR86 racer Mac Templeton, who claimed second, while TA2 competitor Toby Elmiger completed the podium in third after one of the closest Academy evaluations in recent memory.
Hosted at the Otago Academy of Sport, the week-long Elite Motorsport Academy brought together eight of New Zealand’s most promising young competitors from circuit racing and rallying. Throughout the programme, participants were assessed across a broad range of disciplines including fitness, media, sponsorship, mental skills, leadership, nutrition, technical understanding and driver development.
With margins between the leading competitors incredibly tight throughout the week, White ultimately secured top honours through his outstanding attention to detail, eagerness to learn and unwavering commitment to embracing every aspect of the Academy programme.
The Elite MotorSport Academy identifies competitors who demonstrate the professionalism, attitude and work ethic required to build a successful long-term career in motorsport.
“It means a lot,” said White after being announced the winner.
“A lot of my results in motorsport have all come from race results, so it’s actually pretty good to come to an academy where they focus a lot on so many different areas with nutrition, fitness, and then the mental game of it all.
“A shout out to the amount of hard work everyone else put in at the Academy. I can’t thank all those boys enough for pushing me to my limits.”
MotorSport New Zealand President Deborah Day said the standard across the Class of 2026 was among the strongest the Academy has seen.
“This year’s group continually challenged each other throughout the week, and the scoring reflected just how close the competition was,” said Day.
“Chris consistently impressed our mentors and presenters with his willingness to learn, his attention to the smallest details, and the way he fully immersed himself in every session. Those qualities are exactly what the Elite MotorSport Academy is designed to recognise and develop.”
“Congratulations also to Mac Templeton and Toby Elmiger, who were outstanding all week. The margins separating our top three were incredibly small, which is a credit to the calibre of this year’s class.”
White’s Camp Winner title marks the beginning of his Academy journey rather than its conclusion. Over the next 12 months, all eight Academy members will work closely with their individual mentors to implement personalised Individual Performance Plans (IPPs), focusing on continued growth both on and off the track.
The Elite MotorSport Academy has played a pivotal role in developing many of New Zealand’s leading competitors, with graduates including Supercars race winner Ryan Wood, World Endurance Champion Brendon Hartley, Formula E race winner Mitch Evans, and WRC winner Hayden Paddon.
While White takes the Bruce McLaren Memorial Trophy for the camp win, the recipient of the prestigious Ian Snellgrove Trophy, awarded annually to the competitor who has made the greatest overall progress during the Academy programme, will be announced at the 2027 MotorSport New Zealand Awards Evening.
Header Image: Supplied
