Funding for MotorSport New Zealand to establish Safety Programmes for Officials and Young Drivers

MotorSport New Zealand is to establish a comprehensive training and development programme following confirmation of a funding grant from the FIA, the international body controlling motorsport worldwide.

Steven Kennedy, president of MotorSport New Zealand said that this was the first time the FIA had made funds available for this purpose.

“MotorSport New Zealand applied for funding in a competitive process with other national motorsport bodies and we are among the successful bidders.

“Over the next few weeks we will develop structured modular competency training programmes following FIA best practice for both officials and young drivers. As that work progresses we will make decisions on how the programmes will be delivered; the sport may use a combination of internal and external providers.

“Young competitors will be selected to participate in programmes which will be complementary to the very successful MotorSport Elite Academy. Young graduates of the Academy, which has been running for the past five years, are excelling in many parts of the world.

“The success of the training and licensing programme for Clerks of the Course, Stewards and other officials and the work done in development of young drivers and technicians, all run by volunteers, helped MSNZ build a strong case for FIA funding,” Mr Kennedy said.

“Over the past few years the sport has achieved significant success with very limited resources. This new funding from the FIA will allow us to improve both the structure and delivery of all types of training.”

The newly formed Training and Safety Commission will take over the responsibility for the establishment of these programmes.