MotorSport New Zealand is celebrating a highly successful inaugural Ignite Motorsport Club event, held on Sunday, 14 December at Hamilton Car Club, marking an exciting new chapter in making motorsport more accessible to young New Zealanders.
The event was oversubscribed, highlighting strong demand for entry-level opportunities, with a full field of competitors aged 12-18 experiencing their first taste of motorsport.
Many participants competed in their own vehicles or their family’s daily driver, reinforcing the Ignite Motorsport Club’s goal of reducing barriers to entry and showcasing just how accessible grassroots motorsport can be.
The day was carefully structured to build confidence and capability. Competitors completed two runs across two Motorkhana courses in the morning, before progressing to two Autocross runs in the afternoon.
Each session was designed to increase speed and skill incrementally, allowing participants to develop throughout the day in a safe, supportive environment.
World Rally Championship driver Hayden Paddon, the driving force behind the Ignite Motorsport Club concept, was hands-on throughout the event, joining competitors in the passenger seat as a driver coach.
He was supported by a dedicated team of Hamilton Car Club experts, all focused on guiding young drivers through their first motorsport experience.
Competitors and their families were also treated to a special highlight, with a demonstration of Paddon’s AP4 rally car. Adding to the excitement, two lucky competitors were drawn out of a hat to enjoy a ride alongside Paddon during the demonstration.
Paddon said the event delivered exactly what Ignite Motorsport Club was created to achieve.
“Seeing so many young people take their first steps into motorsport was incredibly rewarding,” said Paddon.
“The enthusiasm, the smiles, and the progression throughout the day showed just how powerful a programme like this can be. Ignite is about creating a safe, fun and accessible entry point, and it was a fantastic example of what’s possible.”
MotorSport New Zealand President Deborah Day said the success of the inaugural event reflects the strength of collaboration across the sport.
“Ignite Motorsport Club is about opening doors and inspiring the next generation, and this first event exceeded all expectations,” said Day.
“The support from Hayden Paddon, Paddon Racing Group, Hamilton Car Club and its volunteers was outstanding, and the impact on these young competitors and their families was clear to see.
“As a sport, we are really excited to track these young competitors now and watch their journey through the sport.”
MotorSport New Zealand extends its sincere thanks to Hayden Paddon and Paddon Racing Group, Hamilton Car Club, and the many volunteers whose commitment and expertise delivered a memorable and successful inaugural Ignite Motorsport Club event.
The next Ignite Motorsport Club event takes place at Manfeild on Thursday, 18 December with the Manawatu Car Club. Further events are planned, starting with the South Island in the first half of 2026, continuing the mission to grow participation and create lifelong connections to motorsport.
Header Image: Tayler Burke/Shots By TayB
