MotorSport New Zealand has appointed experienced and highly regarded motorsport professional Michael Masi as the Event Director for the NextGen NZ Championship.
The Event Director is a pivotal role within New Zealand’s premier race championship, responsible for overseeing the team of MotorSport New Zealand officials and working closely with the NextGen NZ Championship operations team to ensure the safe, fair, and professional delivery of each round.
His appointment comes as a show of commitment by MotorSport New Zealand, TOYOTA GAZOO Racing NZ, and the NextGen NZ Championship to work together in a bid to further develop the world-class nature of New Zealand motorsport.
Masi’s wide-ranging experience at the pinnacle of motorsport includes prior roles as the FIA Formula One World Championship Race Director, as a director and Deputy Chair of Karting Australia, a board member on the South Australian Motor Sport Board, and as the Independent Chair of the Supercars Commission.
Beyond his Event Director responsibilities, Masi will also work with MotorSport New Zealand more broadly to observe the sport’s rules, regulations, and operational processes in action and provide expert recommendations to ensure they remain best-practice and fit-for-purpose.
The key observations and recommendations from Masi will contribute to a new officials’ training and development framework from MotorSport New Zealand.
“New Zealand has an abundantly rich and proud heritage in the sport,” said Masi.
“I’m very much looking forward to working in partnership with, and supporting MotorSport New Zealand, Toyota New Zealand, and the NextGen NZ Championship to continue building upon and developing the continual improvement of the sport for all participants and stakeholders.”
MotorSport New Zealand President, Deborah Day, said Masi’s involvement represents an invaluable opportunity for the sport and supports its ongoing focus on enhancing pathways, capability, and succession planning for volunteer officials nationwide.
“Michael’s experience at the highest levels of global motorsport will help us sharpen our systems, elevate our championships, and support our officials,” said Day.
“His appointment is an important step in our broader strategy to modernise, develop capability, and set the sport up for long-term success.”
NextGen NZ Championship CEO, Josie Spillane, said the championship was pleased to support the addition of Masi to the officiating team.
“Michael is an incredible addition to our summer and matches perfectly with our ambition to provide a world-class development championship for our competitors and New Zealand Motorsport.
“The process working with MotorSport New Zealand and Toyota to facilitate his addition as Event Director showcases what happens when the key stakeholders collaborate to drive the sport forward positively.”
Nicolas Caillol, Motorsport Manager for Toyota New Zealand, added: “Michael has been a tremendous supporter of the Castrol Toyota FR Oceania for many years, and his dedication was instrumental in helping us secure the first allocation of Super Licence Points back in 2018.
“His arrival will further strengthen the MotorSport New Zealand Official team and undoubtedly deliver significant benefits to the sport, both for our competitors and the wider motorsport community.”
Masi will arrive in New Zealand in early January ahead of the Hampton Downs International on January 8-10 and will then also oversee events at the Historic GP in Taupo, Teretonga International, and the 70th New Zealand Grand Prix at Highlands.
Header Image: Supplied
