Trans-Tasman alliance creates youth pathway
Two leading Motorsport teams from each side of the ditch – TekworkX Motorsport and Mackenzie Motorsport – are creating an alliance to open up further pathways for young Trans-Tasman drivers to advance.
Aimed at nurturing further avenues for young drivers to advance up the rungs, the leading Aussie and Kiwi teams will work side-by-side to promote talent through their respective lanes.
Both the teams are active in the promotional Toyota 86 scholarship series’, as well as their national TGRA GR Cups, whilst TekworkX also operates on the Porsche side of the coin.
Owned by Rob Woods on the Aussie TekworkX side of things, the Gold Coast based team are regular frontrunners in the national Porsche levels – the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup and Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Championships – whilst they also lead the TGRA 86 series.
Whilst on the NZ side of the deal, Sam Mackenzie is owner of Kiwi team Mackenzie Motorsport out of Hampton Downs, with their recent record including winning the NZ Toyota 86 title, with titles in GT4 and endurance racing to match.
As one of Australia’s top teams in one-make Porsche racing, the Aussie pathway will see drivers earn the opportunity to compete in TekworkX Motorsports race-winning cars as they progress through the Sprint Challenge and Carrera Cup ladder.
Mackenzie Motorsport’s proven pedigree in GT Competition will also provide drivers from both sides of the Tasman the opportunity to compete at the forefront of GT4, Porsche and GT Racing in New Zealand.
From the TekworkX side of things, its active Porsche program will make for a strong pathway for young drivers from NZ
The exciting new partnership is set to put the spotlight on the next wave of champion drivers emerging in Australian and New Zealand motorsport.
“Mackenzie Motorsport are looking forward to building a relationship with TekworkX to make the transition from 86 to Carrera Cup and beyond easier,” Mackenzie said.
“This will also allow for an easier way to get more mileage between the two countries in addition to our Porsche Trophy Series and GR86 Championship here in New Zealand.
“Being current Toyota 86 Champions and past GT4 and endurance champions we are looking forward to building on that portfolio for years to come in finding New Zealand and Australia’s next champions.”
Woods says that the benefits are two-fold in that it will not only help to uncover talented drivers, but assist both nation’s in gaining more seat-time and getting early international experience.
“There are numerous benefits for our current and future drivers as well as building that relationship with some of New Zealand’s young and up and coming drivers,” Woods began.
“The categories we both run are very similar with Toyota 86, Porsche & IRC GT’s, for me it will benefit both teams, we are currently leading the championship with Bradi Owen in Toyota GR Cup and the introduction of that car to NZ for the 24/25 series will see a benefit for Mackenzie Motorsport leading into their championship.
“This will also allow our current and future Toyota drivers the opportunity to compete in the NZ series in 24/25 leading into the Australian season in 2025.
“With our Porsche programme we are sitting in the top 3 in both championships, this will give Mackenzie Motorsport drivers the opportunity to test or race with us moving into 2025.
“We’re both working on programmes with numerous incentives for both teams’ drivers that will allow them the opportunity to cross the Tasman and race with each team. This will come at a later date once everything is finalised, though I can say the incentives will be very rewarding for drivers in both teams.”
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