Drivers contesting this year’s NZ Formula Ford championship will gather at Rodin Cars on Tuesday ahead of the season opener at Invercargill’s Teretonga Raceway next weekend.
The drivers have also been invited to bring their race cars for a drive around one of Rodin Cars’ test tracks, along with a tour through the manufacturing facilities, all part of a day to bring the competitors and the Formula Ford community together for a first-ever pre-season function.
Inspired by an idea hatched by the Formula Ford championship organisers, Rodin Cars is opening its facilities to give invited guests a rare insight into its engineering and manufacturing operations, its world-class pit garaging and testing facilities, all located at its Mt Lyford-based headquarters in North Canterbury.
“The chance to get together two days before the start of the season at such a fabulous location gives each driver and team the opportunity to showcase who they are and what they do,” said Ian Barlow, NZFF championship co-coordinator.”
“The programme set-up by Rodin Cars gives these young guys something they can truly aim at if they want to take their careers further,” he added.
“With a large guest list, it also allows the young drivers to network and meet people who could very well help in their careers.”
Thirteen drivers are registered for the national championship, with three coming from Australia.
Last year, Rodin Cars launched an initiative in conjunction with MotorSport New Zealand, Pathway Formula Ford to Formula 1, powered by Rodin Cars, which gives the newly crowned NAPA NZ Formula Ford champion the opportunity to test a Formula 4 car with Rodin Motorsport’s UK-based team.
Come late March, the 2026 national champion will have the same opportunity as current champion Blake Dowdall: a two-day testing session at Rodin Cars. If that goes well, then the opportunity to test in the UK with Rodin Motorsport.
The open day at Rodin Cars further enhances their support for the NZFF category, and the Managing Director of Rodin Cars and Rodin Motorsport, Emma Duncan, is delighted to be hosting the event as Formula Ford heads into its 55th season of competition in New Zealand.
“We’re pleased to host the Formula Ford community and championship drivers at our facilities ahead of the opening round this weekend. Giving drivers access to a professional environment at this stage is about setting standards, creating ambition, and showing what’s possible with the right mindset and support,” said Duncan.
“We wish everyone the best for the opening round and look forward to following the championship throughout the season.”
Rodin Motorsport in the UK has expanded operations in 2026 by adding two new race teams. One will compete in the European Formula Regional Championship, and the other will make a first foray into GT racing with a Ferrari entered in the British GT Championship.
They currently race in the British F4 and GB3 championships, as well as in the F1 Academy, FIA Formula 3, and Formula 2, all of which race at Formula 1 events.
Header Image: Euan Cameron
