Team MotorSport New Zealand, powered by Giltrap Group Motorsport, has wrapped up an impressive campaign in the 2025 Four-Nations Esports Cup, finishing second overall in the hotly contested international sim racing showdown.
The newly expanded event saw New Zealand go head-to-head with top sim racers from Australia, the United Kingdom, and debutants South Africa, competing across two high-stakes races on the iRacing platform in identical McLaren 720S GT3 EVOs.
Race one, held at the iconic Mount Panorama Circuit in Bathurst, was a standout performance for the Kiwis.
Rising star Antal Sabo led the charge with a superb second-place finish, backed up by Stefan McCartain and Marcus Watson, who came home in third and fourth.
With two more New Zealand drivers finishing in the top ten, the team topped the points standings after the opening race.
However, the momentum shifted in race two at Silverstone.
The UK squad capitalised on home track advantage, securing a dominant podium lockout and placing three more drivers inside the top ten. Ewan Baker was the best of the New Zealanders in this race with a strong fourth-place result, while Watson and Sabo rounded out the top ten in eighth and ninth, respectively.
Despite their efforts, Team MotorSport New Zealand ultimately finished 27 points behind the UK, claiming second overall in the final standings, a strong result and a clear 100+ point margin ahead of third-placed South Africa.
“To go toe-to-toe with the best and finish second overall is a huge credit to our drivers and the strength of sim racing in New Zealand,” said MotorSport New Zealand President, Deborah Day.
“New Zealand is known for producing top-level motorsport talent and it’s great to see this translating to the world of esport and sim racing. We’re proud of their efforts and grateful to Giltrap Group Motorsport for helping make it happen.”
The 2025 edition marks the third running of the Four-Nations Esport Cup, and the second consecutive runner-up position for Team MotorSport New Zealand.
Header Image: Supplied
