This year’s focus of the New Zealand Motor Cup is on that of re-igniting New Zealand’s attention to the ‘rising stars of
New Zealand Motorsport’.
Parent organisation and Cup organisers The New Zealand International Grand Prix feel that it is time to solidify the Cup
as a pertinent sporting accomplishment in New Zealand recognised by all Kiwi’s, not just those familiar with Motorsport.
Originally competed for annually in a 50 mile event known as the Australasian Beach Championship (current records date
back to 1921), in 1953 it was donated to the New Zealand International Grand Prix and turned into a circuit title which
would be competed for solely in Auckland. In 2006 the Cup was re-directed in recognition of the prestigious
opportunities single-seater racing was being given to young New Zealand drivers by the Toyota Racing Series (TRS), and
has been made an award as part of the international series to date.
New Zealand International Grand Prix Event Manager Deborah Day stated “Although the Cup is steeped in fame to those who
know motor racing, it’s little known by the general public that this is where so many of New Zealand’s infamous sporting
names have spawned from, and the New Zealand Motor Cup has really been the conduit for acknowledging the making of that
talent.”
“You just have to look at the names on the Cup to see how many talented sportspeople New Zealand Motorsport has produced
– we’re up there with many other high profile sports where Kiwi’s have gone on to do great things with long and
successful sporting careers. Winners of the New Zealand Motor Cup are people that go on to represent their country on a
world stage, this is where those dreams start for many.”
Although some of New Zealand’s greatest names in Motorsport – the likes of Mitch Evans, Chris Amon, Bruce McLaren, Shane
Van Gisbergen, Greg Murphy, Paul Radisich and Craig Baird are present on the Cup international greats such as Stirling
Moss, Graham Hill and Jack Brabham are also present on the long serving trophy.
Of course the stars of the show this weekend are those national and international drivers competing in the fourth round
of the 2014 Toyota Racing Series, however beneath that a field of younger drivers are idolising those in contention for
the Cup.
A full field of single-seater drivers competing in the Formula Ford and Formula First Championships will take to the
grid this weekend – all nationally based drivers who have their sights set on bigger things in International levels of
Motorsport.
Formula First driver Faine Kahia (18) is one to watch in the introductory series; self proclaimed as wanting to be the
first Maori to Win Bathurst - Kahia obviously has big goals in sight post single-seater racing in New Zealand.
On top of this Palmerston North Local Rowan Shepard will be aiming for glory in the Formula First Championship,
mirroring his peers closely after claiming top spot in 2013/2013 and currently sitting on top of championship points
again in the current 2014 season.
Current competitor and surprise Round Two winner of the 2014 Toyota Race Series James Munro of Invercargill was the 2013
Formula Ford Champion, proving that experience in the single-seater class pre-TRS gave him the experience required to
support his rookie season against internationals in 2014.
Munro will be competing for the New Zealand Motor Cup alongside fellow Kiwi drivers Michael Scott, Damon and Brendon
Leitch (bothers) with similar aspirations.
Given the wild card success of Munro to date in the TRS series (which has one more round following Hampton Downs when a
championship winner is announced) there has been no shortage of media attention and interest from far afield.
With talent matching to the level of the more experienced and expectant international drivers in the TRS field, all eyes
will be on the Kiwi’s to retain the New Zealand Motor Cup and secure another local name in the sporting history books
for New Zealand.
Support classes to the New Zealand Motor Cup will also be full fields of the 2014 TR86 Series, NZGT, GT1 and GT2
Championships, the NZ Six and Saloon Car Championship the 2014 Super Mini Challenge combined with NZ Star Touring Car
Championship, and Production GT class.
Tickets for this weekend’s New Zealand Motor Cup being held at Hampton Downs Motorsport Park are on sale.
For more information on the event.
ENDS