The winner of the New Zealand Grand Prix will now also be awarded the prestigious NZ Motor Cup.
It will be the first time since 1991 that the 100-year-old Cup will be awarded to the New Zealand Grand Prix winner, which this year is held at Hampton Downs.
First awarded in 1921, the NZ Motor Cup was an annual affair contested on Muriwai beach in a 50-mile race known as the Australasian Beach Championship.
In 1928 the cup was won outright by R B Wilson, who donated it to New Zealand International Grand Prix Inc. to be used for the New Zealand Grand Prix events which were held in the Auckland region at the time.
Since 1991 it was contested periodically at Pukekohe before becoming a mainstay of the Toyota Racing Series from 2006.
In its 100-year history, the names that adorn the cup are some of the biggest in world motorsport including Keke Rosberg, Jack Brabham, Graham Hill, Jackie Stewart, John Surtees, Bruce McLaren, Stirling Moss and Chris Amon.
In its more recent history, many Kiwis have had their names etched into its history such as multiple-time winners, including Greg Murphy and Ken Smith who will be on the grid in this year’s GP.
The New Zealand International Grand Prix Chairman, Willard Martin said: “The NZIGP club is delighted that this historic trophy in its 100th year returns to honour the winner of the NZ Grand Prix Race”
“We’re thrilled to have reached an agreement with NZIGP to bring the NZ Motor Cup back to the New Zealand Grand Prix podium,” added MotorSport New Zealand President, Wayne Christie.
“This year’s event is already incredibly special and the return of the NZ Motor Cup will add an enormous amount of prestige to it being its 100th year.”
The New Zealand Grand Prix and NZ Motor Cup will be contested this Sunday over 28 laps at Hampton Downs Motorsport Park.
Main Image: Tayler Burke
