Nathan Grammer is leaving no stone unturned as he aims for a successful first full season in the 2026-27 Bridgestone GR86 Championship and the next big step in his motorsport career.
Back with Mackenzie Motorsport and a season focused on success in the championship, Grammer has two rounds under his belt from last season, which allows him to compete for the Rookie honours as well as the overall title.
Grammer was a force during the winter’s Toyota 86 Trophy Series – showing prodigious race pace more often than not and taking several race wins. It is all part of a structured programme that, if successful, will see Nathan on the world stage within a few years.
“It was great to be back in the TR86 over the winter in the Trophy Series, and it is all part of a long-term plan of where we are heading,” explained the St Kentigern’s Year 12 student.
“We have a pathway we’re working towards. By 2030, I’d love to be racing in a championship such as IMSA, Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup, or another international series.
“There are so many opportunities in motorsport, and you never know exactly where the journey will take you, but Europe is the goal. I have to be successful in New Zealand and then make an impact and build a long-term career in the sport.”
For now, at least, the Bridgestone GR86 Championship has the ambitious youngster’s full attention, and he is fully focused on preparing for an important season in his career.
“I’ve been putting a lot of work into my fitness and taking every opportunity I can to get time in the seat,” he added.
“I was lucky enough to graduate from the 2026 Elite Motorsport Academy, which has taught me a lot about preparing as a driver, from training and nutrition to managing my time.
“I also spent three days at Norwell Motorplex in Queensland, learning from their coaches and getting more driving experience. I’m bringing all of that into this season.”
Sponsors for the campaign are J.A. Russell Ltd – returning as main backer after his race-winning winter campaign -Ambius Lighting, GoPro NZ, Marley NZ and Vynco.
With all the boxes ticked, Nathan is aiming to be as ready for the season opener in November as he can possibly be, but is under no illusions about how tough it is to succeed in the country’s premier one-make one-model series.
“The biggest challenge I see is maximising the tyres in qualifying and getting those top two laps in the bank.
“We’re bringing everything we can to the Bridgestone GR86 Championship. It’s my first full season, so I know there’ll be a lot to learn, but I want to be competitive and make the most of every round. The goal is to keep improving and see where that takes us.”
The Bridgestone GR86 Championship – which once again runs with the premier-level NextGen NZ Motorsport Championship series – gets underway in November at the Taupo International Motorsport Park at the season opener.
Header Image: Supplied
