Ever dreamt of trading track day bragging rights for genuine podium battles? For aspiring Kiwi racers, that dream is now tantalizingly within reach. The Porsche Club of New Zealand, in a landmark partnership with MyRaceRide.com, has officially launched the “Porsche Podium Pursuit” Scholarship for the 2025/26 season, offering a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to get behind the wheel in a premier national championship.
This talent development program is your gateway into the big leagues of New Zealand motorsport. The grand prize? A fully-funded seat for the entire 2025/26 New Zealand Porsche Championship, competing in the fiercely contested Boxster Trophy Class (Class G – 2.5).
What’s On Offer? More Than Just a Car
The winner of this incredible scholarship won’t just be handed the keys; they’ll be given a full-season drive in a race-prepared Porsche Boxster 2.5, generously supplied by MyRaceRide.com. This isn’t just any car, it’s a proven, competitive machine ready for the six-round championship calendar. But the support doesn’t end there. To ensure the winner is competitive from the first green light, the package includes season-long mentoring from an experienced Boxster competitor. This invaluable guidance will cover everything from racecraft and setup on the track to navigating the professional demands of a race weekend off the track.
A Season in the Spotlight
The 2025/26 Porsche Championship is set to be a high-octane tour of New Zealand’s most iconic circuits, kicking off on October 24, 2025. The calendar includes stops at Taupo, Hampton Downs, and Manfeild, offering a true test of driver skill. Crucially for any driver looking to build a career, three of these rounds will be part of the high-profile NextGen series. This means televised races and driver interviews, putting the winner directly in the national spotlight and providing invaluable media exposure for them and their personal sponsors.
The Nuts and Bolts: What’s Covered?
While the race-ready Boxster is the heart of the prize, applicants should be aware of the associated commitments. The scholarship winner will be responsible for funding their own race consumables, which include tyres, fuel, brakes, and round entry fees.Additionally, they must cover the costs of transportation, maintenance, and all servicing of the vehicle by an approved race preparation provider. A damage bond will also be required before the season starts.To help manage these costs, the scholarship offers a significant benefit: the car can be branded with the driver’s personal sponsor signage, providing a fantastic platform to deliver value to their supporters.
Have You Got What It Takes?
The selection panel is casting a wide net, welcoming applications from drivers with a diverse range of motorsport experience. Whether your background is in circuit racing, speedway, rally, karting, drifting, motorcycle racing, or even high-level sim racing and track day driving, your application is welcome.However, this is not an initiative for complete novices. The program is designed to elevate existing talent, and successful candidates will be expected to have some prior motorsport experience. Age is no barrier, with the program open to applicants from 16 to 60 years old.The one key restriction: to ensure this is a true opportunity for new talent, the scholarship is only open to drivers who have not previously competed in the New Zealand Porsche Championship.
How to Throw Your Helmet in the Ring (yeah we went there)
Ready to make your case? The application process is straightforward.
- Head to the MyRaceRide.com website.
- Select ‘Apply HERE for the Porsche Podium Pursuit Program”.
- Complete the registration form and submit your details.Your application must include:
- A concise written CV detailing your motorsport experience and achievements.
- A short video (maximum 2 minutes) where you introduce yourself, and share your racing background and future aspirations.
A panel of industry experts, including yours truly David McLeod (Tarmac Life), Damien O’Carroll (Driven Car Guide), and Jessica Barnes (Velocity News), will be judging applicants on more than just lap times. They (we) are looking for the complete package: driving potential, media awareness, and a demonstrated ability to promote themselves and the Porsche Racing Series.
Entries close on September 12, 2025. The winner will be announced shortly thereafter. If you have the talent, the drive, and the ambition to make your mark on the New Zealand motorsport scene, this is your chance. Don’t let it pass you by. For any specific questions, queries can be directed to [email protected].
