The Wolfbrook Motorsport Foundation is pleased to announce Australian racing driver Mathew Basso as the recipient of its 2026/27 scholarship, which will allow him to compete in the upcoming Toyota GR86 Championship with James Marshall Motorsport.
Hailing from Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula, Basso was selected from applicants across New Zealand and Australia, with his impressive racing achievements, determination and commitment to progressing his motorsport career making him a standout candidate.
Established by Wolfbrook Director Steve Brooks, the Foundation helps talented young drivers overcome the significant financial barriers to progressing through motorsport. The scholarship provides Basso with a Toyota GR86 race car and up to $50,000 toward his championship campaign.
At just 17, Basso has already built an impressive racing résumé. He began his competitive career in karting at eight, became a Victorian Champion and four-time Australasian Kart Champion, then transitioned to car racing.
In 2026, Basso competed in the NAPA New Zealand Formula Ford Championship, finishing fifth overall in his rookie season.
Racing across several New Zealand circuits, the young Australian had to adapt to unfamiliar tracks, changing conditions, and a competitive field of drivers. Despite his limited experience in the category, Basso kept improving throughout the championship, building on an earlier international podium to secure a top-five championship result.
With support from Nigel Barclay and his Nigel Barclay Project team, Basso’s New Zealand campaign provided valuable experience as he transitioned from karting to car racing, showing his ability to adapt to new environments and compete against more experienced drivers.
Alongside his Formula Ford commitments, Basso also competed in Australia’s Aussie Racing Cars Championship with Corish Motorsport.
His recent performances have been particularly impressive, including a breakthrough weekend at The Bend Motorsport Park, where he secured his first overall round victory, two race wins and the Rookie Round win.
Throughout the scholarship selection process, Basso consistently demonstrated his enthusiasm and professionalism, keeping the Foundation updated on his racing progress and achievements. His proactive approach, combined with his on-track results and clear ambition to build a professional racing career, reinforced his suitability for the scholarship.
Wolfbrook Motorsport Foundation founder Steve Brooks:
“Mathew has achieved an incredible amount at such a young age, and what really stood out to us was his drive and commitment to progressing in the sport.
“Throughout the application process, he kept us updated on his racing, and it was fantastic to see him win his first overall round while we were considering applications.
“The Foundation gives talented young drivers the chance to take that next step when financial barriers can be significant. Mathew has already shown what he’s capable of, and we’re excited to support him as he continues his development in New Zealand.”
For Basso, the scholarship offers an important opportunity to build on his experience competing in New Zealand and take another step toward his ambition of becoming a professional racing driver.
His fifth-place finish in the New Zealand Formula Ford Championship, combined with his growing success in Australia, has given him a strong foundation as he prepares to enter the highly competitive Toyota GR86 Championship.
Basso will race under the guidance of James Marshall Motorsport, which returns to run the Foundation’s Toyota GR86 entry for another season, providing the young Australian with an experienced team as he takes the next step in his racing career.
As the Foundation enters another season, its commitment remains unchanged: to create opportunities for emerging motorsport talent from New Zealand and Australia, helping young drivers gain valuable experience and progress towards professional racing careers.
Header Image: mathewbasso.com.au
