Highlands Motorsport Park has confirmed a change in its staffing line-up, with Paul Blomqvist set to take over professional driving and operational duties at the circuit.
Blomqvist replaces former V8 SuperTourer regular Andrew Waite; in doing so taking on the role of lead professional driver, corporate event lead, and more.
“It’s a wonderful opportunity for Paul to come in and make his mark and continue on the great work that Andrew [Waite] has done,” said Josie Spillane, Chief Operating Officer at Highlands.
“I’ve no doubt Andrew will still play a role in the business and he is keen to contract back to us, especially on our group drive products, but he’s also planning on having a bit of fun at the track too – he’s taking over a membership as well for some well-earned R & R on the track.
“Understandably, we are sad to be losing Andrew and he can be very proud of his contribution to the Highlands legacy, but at the same time we’re really excited about welcoming Paul to Highlands. He will bring some fresh energy and enthusiasm to the role and he will spend the next couple of months working really closely with Andrew so our members can expect a smooth transition.”
Driver coaching and hot laps are something Blomqvist is no stranger to. The 25-year-old has been a regular driver coach for Downforce NZ, at events run by the likes of Porsche, McLaren, Audi, Land Rover, and more.
“My first visit to Highlands was in 2016,” said Blomqvist. “But I haven’t spent much time down there. It’s a track I really enjoyed driving on and of course the facilities and location are world class.”
“Motorsport got put on hold, and it was looking like a bit of a dud year and then this opportunity came out of nowhere.
“When this opportunity arose, I couldn’t say no to it. It will be a spectacular office.”
Son of illustrious rally driver Stig Blomqvist and brother to factory BMW driver Tom Blomqvist, Paul has also achieved at a high motorsport level.
He is a multi-time karting champion, and a race winner and podium getter in classes like Formula Renault 1.6 and GT4 racing.
While Highlands Motorsport Park doesn’t host as many annual motorsport events as other circuits like its sister-facility, Hampton Downs Motorsport Park, it is still one of the busiest tracks in the country thanks to numerous corporate events, track days for locals, and more.
The next big event at Highlands Motorsport Park is the November 6–7 New Zealand Endurance Series finale, which pits the most high-profile entries from the Golden Homes North Island Endurance Series and the Carters Tyres South Island Endurance Series against one another.