MotorSport New Zealand has congratulated Richie Stanaway on his selection among 19 young motor racing and rally drivers from the around the world for the ten places at the Federation Internationale Automobile’s inaugural Young Driver Excellence programme.

The FIA Institute asked drivers to apply for the Academy through their National Sporting Association, which could then put forward a maximum of two drivers for consideration.

“Drivers had to be between the ages of 17 and 23 and MotorSport New Zealand nominated Richie and Hayden Paddon. Both were accepted for the shootout. Unfortunately, because of a clash of dates with Hayden’s international rally commitments, he will be unable to take up the opportunity,” MotorSport New Zealand president Shayne Harris said.

“Both drivers had brilliant results last year, showing the benefits of the development programmes, competition and training received at the MotorSport New Zealand Elite Academy.

“I am sure Richie will prove an excellent representative for New Zealand,” Shayne said.

The MotorSport New Zealand Elite Academy, run by the sport’s Scholarship Trust, has been running for a decade and has produced a stream of top young drivers.

“This was a world first in the sport and its success and the effectives of the range of racing classes available in New Zealand has been noted by motorsport organisations around the world.

“We are producing drivers who perform with distinction at all levels of the sport. Scott Dixon’s success in the USA is well known and I am sure if sufficient resources can be found we will soon have drivers in Formula One too. The new FIA programme appears modelled on many of the features of our programme, but we do not include a practical driving component.

“The Elite Academy will run mid-year and young competitors are being invited to apply for places now,” Shayne said. “It is a key stepping stone in any young driver’s career.”
ENDS

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