Rally driver Jack Stokes has been announced as the winner of the Bruce McLaren Trophy for 2025 awarded to the top-performing athlete from the Elite MotorSport Academy of New Zealand camp.
Stokes, 23, from Rangiora, emerged as the standout performer across a demanding week of training, workshops, and challenges held in Dunedin. The annual Academy, run in partnership with the Otago Academy of Sport, puts selected young drivers through a rigorous development programme covering fitness, nutrition, mental skills, media training, sponsorship, and team building.
Performance is measured throughout the week, with the top-ranked athlete awarded the prestigious Bruce McLaren Trophy.
Stokes consistently demonstrated excellence across all areas of the camp, showing determination, leadership, and a strong willingness to learn, all key attributes of a future motorsport star.
“It’s a real honour, to be honest. I wasn’t expecting it at all,” said Stokes.
“The week’s been really challenging but also really rewarding. We’ve had a lot of different activities, workshops, from lots of different facets of being an athlete.
“The group of boys that I’m training with, learning with, but also competing against, are really talented, quality young men. So, it’s been a real honour.
“I think my biggest takeaway this week has just been becoming an all-round athlete. And there’s so many other facets that will contribute to the driving performance. It’s not just about how fast you can put your right foot down and how fast you can go around the corner.”
MotorSport New Zealand President Deborah Day congratulated Stokes on his achievement.
“Jack epitomises what the Elite Motorsport Academy is all about, said Day.
“His work ethic, attitude, and all-round performance during the camp week made him a worthy recipient of the Bruce McLaren Trophy. We look forward to seeing his continued progression in the sport.”
Stokes was joined on the podium by circuit racers Cameron Hill, who finished second, and Corban Sprague, who claimed third. All three impressed across the week with their professionalism, growth, and performance in both practical and theoretical components.
As part of the Academy programme, all graduates will now embark on a tailored 12-month follow-up programme designed to further support their development and career progression. Their progress will be assessed throughout the year, with the overall Elite Motorsport Academy Class of 2025 winner to be announced at the MotorSport New Zealand Awards Evening in May next year.
Header Image: Supplied
