Karting New Zealand has demonstrated its depth of karting talent at the 2026 Giltrap Group Karting New Zealand Awards Ceremony, presenting awards to both drivers and stalwarts of the sport in recognition of their talent, effort, and results.
Earl Bamber Award for Rookie of the Year – Harry Gradwell
Nine year old Gradwell was awarded the inaugural Earl Bamber Rookie of the Year award, and currently leads the KartStars Cadet Championship, and finished second place in the KartSport National Sprint Championship in Rotorua. Gradwell credits his results to his family and his coach, Matt Hamilton.
Scott McLaughlin Award for Youth Driver of the Year – Tommy Hart
Thirteen-year-old Manawatu driver Hart was recognised for his regional and global success, being only the eighth driver in history to win two national titles in one calendar year. Hart has also achieved success in the Hampton Downs Racing Academy KartStars Championship, and finished second in the inaugral FIA Arrive and Drive Championship.
Brendon Hartley Award for Senior Driver of the Year – Zach Tucker
Zach Tucker has been awarded the Brendon Hartley Award for Senior Driver of the year, after emerging victorious at the FIA Arrive and Drive World Cup in Malaysia. Tucker also won the Rok Cup opening round, and won the non-championship Vortex Rok SV Class at the National Sprint Championships.
Sir Scott Dixon Masters & Legends Driver of the Year – Ryan Urban
Ryan Urban continues to prove himself as a benchmark of the sport after defending his Rotax Max Heavy title. Urban also serves as a mentor to younger drivers in the sport, in his continued operation of Urban Performance.
Hall of Fame Awardees
Three stalwarts of the sport were inducted into the Hall of Fame for their service to the sport.
Wade Cunningham
A familiar name to many, Cunningham was inducted into the Hall of Fame in recognition of his achievements in both New Zealand Karting and World Karting, as well as open-wheel racing across the globe. Cunningham started karting in 1994, before becoming the first New Zealander to win an FIA Karting World Championship in 2003, in Formula A.
John Hamilton
After years of service to Karting across the nation, John Hamilton began karting in 1969 and won his first national title in 1974. A very successful karting career followed both in New Zealand and overseas. By the time his career ended, Hamilton had accumulated 19 National Sprint titles, with 14 SuperKart titles between 1981 and 1991.
Ryan Urban
Ryan Urban was moved into the Karting New Zealand Hall of Fame in recognition of both his historical and continual service to the sport. Urban has won a plethora of titles throughout his career, including New Zealand Sprint Championships, SuperKart Championships, and a world title in DD2 Masters in 2015 at the Rotax Max Grand Finals.
Life Membership – Anita Kinsman
Anita Kinsman was awarded the twenty-eighth Life Membership of Karting New Zealand, in recognition of many years of administration and service to the sport. A rule stalwart, Kinsman served four years on the rule sub-committee and served on the Karting New Zealand Board as a North Island Board Member.
Life Membership – Brent Melhop
In recognition of his many years of service, including service as President of Karting New Zealand, Brent Melhop was awarded Karting New Zealand’s twenty-ninth life membership.
Volunteer of the Year – Kerry Miller
Greymouth’s Kerry Miller was awarded the Volunteer of the Year award, in recognition of his years of service to both the Westland Kart Club and sport across the nation.
Photographer of the Year – Kate Elms
Kerby Creative Kate Elms was awarded the returning Photographer of the Year award in recognition of her efforts trackside throughout the year with Kerby Creative, making a significant impact on social media coverage for drivers.
Club of the Year – Karting Auckland/Mount Wellington
Karting Auckland/Mount Wellington was awarded Club of the Year, with the club experiencing significant growth after amalgamation, alongside the opening of the new Colin Dale circuit.
Board Elections
Both Brent Melhop and Darren Johnson elected not to re-stand for further terms, with Tiffany Chittenden elected as the new President of Karting New Zealand, with Mark Barnhill elected Vice-President.
Dwayne Southey was elected as the Either Island Board Member, and Aaron Martin will continue for his second year on the Board.
