Team Porsche New Zealand (TPNZ) has opened scholarship applications in the hunt for the next Kiwi talent. The recipient will have the opportunity to race in the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia series in 2022.
The 2021 programme supported Matthew Payne who despite having a Covid affected season has achieved two pole positions, as well as a race win, in the three events held so far.
Payne has also recently been announced as the first member of the Grove Junior Team.
Though having entires in a number of categories (including the Super2 and Supercars championships) the team is yet to announce which category he will race in 2022.
Applications for the 2022 scholarship are open until October 15. Candidates will then be shortlisted before the recipient is chosen.
Porsche New Zealand General Manager Greg Clarke is looking forward to what the future of the programme holds.
“The success achieved in such a short period has been fantastic, and we look forward to following Matthew’s development in 2022 as we welcome our second scholarship recipient into the brand new Porsche 911 GT3 Cup Car (Type 992),” Clarke said.
“This programme, in conjunction with our support of the local Pirelli Porsche NZ Championship & recently announced Super GT New Zealand Motor Racing Series, are key in our support of New Zealand Motorsport and talent.”
TPNZ was formed by Porsche New Zealand and Earl Bamber Motorsport.
Bamber is pleased with what the programme has achieved this season
“We are really excited about the Team Porsche New Zealand Scholarship. It is something we are proud to offer, and it gives a solid platform for young Kiwi drivers to aspire to from karts and other national championships,” Bamber said.
“With Matthew’s success this season, the programme has already proven its value. It’s about providing a pathway to a professional motorsports career.”
Porsche Cars Australia’s Head of Motorsport Troy Bundy is glad to see teams like TPNZ encouraging junior development.
“It is great to see Matthew Payne’s development and success this season with Team Porsche New Zealand and Earl Bamber Motorsport, as well as the future opportunity he has with Grove Racing Junior team,” said Bundy.
“We welcome all the Junior development initiatives from each of our Carrera Cup Australia teams. They only serve to reinforce the Porsche Motorsport Pyramid and our domestic Porsche Michelin Junior Programme – which provides the most proven pathway for emerging talent from across the Australasian region to reach the highest levels of the sport; both locally and internationally.”
