Three of last year’s Hampton Downs NZ Racing Academy Kartstars series champions were recognised on stage at this year’s Motorsport New Zealand Awards evening held in Auckland this past weekend.

With limited invitations available for the opportunity this year within Motorsport New Zealand’s already jam-packed evening, those representing KartSport New Zealand were our Cadet winner Nico Thomasen, Vortex Mini ROK Winner Tommy Hart and dual Rotax Junior and Vortex ROK DVS Junior winner Marco Manson.

On stage in front of New Zealand Motorsport’s biggest names both on and off track, the moment was special for all three and their families in attendance as they look forward to strong future careers in the sport. Many in the room also commented on how special it was to see the youngest competitors in motorsport present amongst the evening’s guests, with their professionalism at such a young age not going unnoticed.

Also in attendance were KartSport New Zealand National President Brent Melhop and North Island Board Representative Regan Hall.

“This was an incredibly special opportunity for Karting in New Zealand. To have a portion of our incredible, young champions recognised at such a prestigious motorsport event is an important moment for our sport. We thank Motorsport New Zealand for their commitment to motorsport at all levels, including Karting,” commented Brent Melhop.

The inclusion of the Hampton Downs NZ Racing Academy Kartstars Champions builds on the continued positive, and ever-evolving relationship between Motorsport New Zealand and KartSport New Zealand, with more synergies looking to emerge into the future.

As part of the night, two other important partners to KartSport also deservingly received highly prestigious awards.

Current KartSport New Zealand Patron and IndyCar star Scott McLaughlin was awarded with the sport’s highest annual honour for competitors, the Jim Clark Trophy. Named in memory of the two-time Formula One World Champion and Indy 500 winner, widely considered one of the sport’s greatest drivers.

The trophy is awarded annually to the New Zealand driver competing at a National or higher level who shows a sportsmanlike attitude to the sport and fellow competitors and natural ability in ‘putting up the most meritorious racing performance during the season’.

Long time supporter of KartSport New Zealand, Giltrap Group, were also recognized with the Membership of Honour – an award that has only seen 12 recipients meet the criteria in its history.

The MotorSport New Zealand Membership of Honour is an award to recognize the longstanding and exemplary contribution to the sport from the corporate sector of the community.

For decades, the Giltrap Group has been a cornerstone of motorsport in New Zealand, offering unwavering support to drivers, teams, events, and the sport as a whole. Their commitment has gone far beyond branding, becoming a powerful enabler of Kiwi success on the world stage. From grassroots karting through to the highest levels of the sport, Giltrap Group’s investment has helped unlock international opportunities for some of New Zealand’s brightest motorsport talents, including many of our own.

KartSport New Zealand now looks forward to wrapping up the 2025 Hampton Downs NZ Racing Academy Kartstars Series at KartSport Rotorua next month.

A video from Scott McLaughlin on his award win can be viewed here: https://www.facebook.com/MotorSportNewZealand/videos/686664467604360

Photos: Supplied by Motorsport New Zealand

Article added: Wednesday 28 May 2025