Two of Australia and New Zealand’s leading motorsport teams will join forces in a Trans-Tasman alliance aimed at nurturing a pathway for aspiring drivers through both countries.
Representing New Zealand is Mackenzie Motorsport, owned by Sam Mackenzie. The team operate out of Hampton Downs and recently claimed the NZ Toyota 86 Championship via a six-race winning season from Tom Bewley. The front-running squad’s credentials also include recent titles in GT4 and endurance racing.
“Mackenzie Motorsport is looking forward to building a relationship with TekworkX to make the transition from 86 to Carrera Cup and beyond easier,” said Team Owner Sam Mackenzie.
“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.”
Forming the Australian side of the partnership is leading Toyota 86 and Porsche squad TekworkX Motorsport.
Owned by Rob Woods, the Gold Coast-based team currently leads the TGRA GR Cup while also holding a top three place in both the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup and Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Championships.
“We at TekworkX look forward to building a long-lasting relationship with Mackenzie Motorsport,” said Woods. “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.
“The categories we both run are very similar with Toyota 86, Porsche & IRC GTs. For me, it will benefit both teams; we are currently leading the championship with Bradi Owen in the 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.”
Both teams compete in their country’s respective Toyota 86 Scholarship programme, with young drivers able to progress naturally into each country’s National division of Toyota 86 racing.
In Australia, the TGRA GR Cup introduced the new GR86 model for the 2024 season, while the GR86 will be introduced to New Zealand for the 2024-2025 competition.
As one of Australia’s top teams in one-make Porsche racing, the pathway will see drivers earn the opportunity to compete in TekworkX Motorsport’s race-winning cars as they progress through the Sprint Challenge and Carrera Cup ladder.
Mackenzie Motorsport’s proven pedigree in GT Competition also allows drivers from both sides of the Tasman to compete at the forefront of GT4, Porsche, and GT Racing in New Zealand.
The exciting new partnership is set to put the spotlight on the next wave of champion drivers emerging in Australian and New Zealand motorsport.
Header Image: Insyde Media
