Winmax Brake Pads and Paddon Racing Group have announced the six promising racing drivers they will support as part of the 2023 Winmax Junior Driver programme.
The initiative began in 2021 as a collaborative effort between New Zealand rally driver Hayden Paddon’s Paddon Racing Group and Winmax Brake Pads to support young Kiwi motorsport talent.
After being overwhelmed with applicants this year, the driver pool was expanded from three to six drivers featuring three rally and three circuit drivers.
The six 2023 Winmax Junior Drivers are:
- Jonty Brenssell (25), Canvastown – New Zealand Rally Championship
- Zeal Jones (18), Auckland – New Zealand Rally Championship
- Mason Grimmer (22), Taupo – North Island Rally Series
- Will Kitching (16), Timaru – Mazda Pro8 South Island
- Jacob Cunniffe (15), Geraldine – South Island Formula Ford Series
- Ben Stewart (17), Wellington – GTRNZ
“Thanks to our strong partnership with WinmaX Brake Pads, I get the opportunity to help some of the best motorsport talents in the country to grow and develop their careers and competitive skills. Over the past two years, it was fantastic to see the difference in all six drivers’ skills and approach to competition. They all reached a new level that I hope will carry them forward strongly in the future,” he said.
“The calibre of applications was promising for New Zealand motorsport. The selection was tough but we are proud to be supporting these 6 young drivers, all of whom are on a pathway to great things. With so many entrants, it was a challenge to pick”
“We will work closely with each of the drivers with both brake pad supply, driver coaching and support throughout the season as we try and help them all work towards their ambitious goals.”
For one lucky Winmax Junior Driver programme participant, they will have the opportunity to drive a Hyundai New Zealand competition car at the end of their season working with Paddon.
Header Image: Paddon Rally Sport
