Rodin Cars and MotorSport New Zealand have joined forces to create an exciting new pathway to Formula 1 for aspiring Kiwi drivers through the well-established NZ Formula Ford Championship.
The upcoming NZ Formula Ford Championship winner will be awarded a fully funded, career-defining opportunity courtesy of Rodin Cars, providing a launchpad for their journey to Formula 1.
Titled “Formula Ford to Formula 1, powered by Rodin Cars,” this unique initiative includes an all-expenses-paid, three-day testing and evaluation program with Rodin Cars in New Zealand.
If the driver exhibits exceptional talent during this program, Rodin Cars will further back their career by funding an extended testing program with Rodin Motorsport in the United Kingdom. Outstanding performance during this phase could secure the driver a seat in one of Rodin Motorsport’s Formula 4 teams in either the British or Spanish Championships.
Given the competitive nature of the NZ Formula Ford Championship, Rodin Cars may also invite other Formula Ford competitors to be evaluated if they display a high level of skill during the season.
“We’re in a great position to provide a clear pathway for talented young drivers from this side of the world,” said Rodin Cars founder David Dicker.
“Watching them grow and excel on the global stage reaffirms our company’s passion for driving and motorsport in general.”
MotorSport New Zealand’s President, Deborah Day, echoes Dicker’s excitement.
“We are incredibly proud to partner with Rodin Cars to offer this truly life-changing opportunity to our aspiring drivers,” said Day.
“New Zealand has a remarkable history of producing world-class driving talent, and Formula Ford has played a crucial role in that for over 50 years. The list of New Zealand’s Formula Ford graduates who have excelled internationally is a testament to its success as a development formula.”
Rodin Cars, based in Mt Lyford, Canterbury, is renowned for its innovative, world-leading track cars and its strong commitment to supporting Kiwi talent on the global motorsport stage.
With an impressive lineup headlined by Formula 1 driver Liam Lawson and reigning British Formula 4 Champion and GB3 Championship leader Louis Sharp, Rodin has quickly established itself as a force in world motorsport. Its teams compete in championships around the globe, including FIA Formula 3 and FIA Formula 2.
Lawson and Sharp, both graduates of New Zealand’s Formula Ford racing, progressed directly to Formula 4 championships overseas. They have also raced for Rodin Motorsport, Sharp since 2022 in Formula 4 and GB3 and Lawson in FIA Formula 2 in 2022.
NZ Formula Ford has a rich legacy, with past competitors including modern-day heroes like Scott Dixon, Greg Murphy, Shane van Gisbergen, Earl Bamber, Richie Stanaway, Mitch Evans, Nick Cassidy, Brendon Hartley, and Marcus Armstrong.
The 2025 NZ Formula Ford Championship will feature four rounds, kicking off at Timaru from 24-26 January. The second round takes place at Highlands Motorsport Park during the New Zealand Grand Prix on 7-9 February, followed by the third round at Manfeild on 4-6 April. Details for the final round will be announced soon.
Header Image: Rodin founder David Dicker with Kiwi star Louis Sharp. Supplied
Good news. It’s going to be a hard job for the selection panel because there will be some very talented boys and girls in the field that haven’t got the right equipment to run at the front, with the costs of FF motors I am hearing not a lot of people will be able to afford the best motor, and that is the most important part of the car. If Mr Dicker wants to do something really good for FF it would be to set up a pool of identical motors just like Toyota do with TRS, and lease them to competitors. Jeff Pascoe
With such realistic simulation driving pods available you would think there would be no need to develop their skills in real cars.
Nothing beats honed in, instinctive, red mist, calculated risk maneuvers that can only be developed on the track. These guys are in a league of their own. Good on Rodin investing in our talent.