For the first time, a naming rights partner will join KartSport New Zealand on a multi-year, multi-championship, and multi-venue deal, with Giltrap Group securing the naming rights to the National Sprint & National Schools Championships until 2028, plus the newly established New Zealand Karting Awards & Hall of Fame ceremony.

The new partnership will see direct investment into each of the six host Clubs from Hamilton to Southland, with KartSport New Zealand acting purely as the overall facilitator. It will also see investment into the New Zealand Karting Awards & Hall of Fame, allowing KartSport New Zealand the ability to offer quality mementos for recipients.

From early discussions, Giltrap Group has expressed clear interest in supporting Karting within New Zealand and especially supporting the youth of the sport where possible. With the naming rights of each National Championship, this will offer a direct relationship with marquee moments during the sports’ year. This latest investment is part of a wider evolving partnership package, adding to the previously announced support of refreshed officiating uniforms.

KartSport New Zealand Chief Executive Officer James Hadley explained the thinking around the new structure.

“Our sport is fortunate to have some incredible events, but they are currently isolated to individual editions and venues. This move helps to start harnessing the power of combining our assets over multiple years, into something more attractive to larger national brands. It also gives the ability for brands to invest more confidently, with long term benefit secured. We’re confident with this approach that the sport’s combined offering and attractiveness will grow in time. A very big thank you to Giltrap Group for their support.”

Speaking of the opportunity to partner with two of the sport’s most rewarding events, Hamish Miller, Head of Motorsport for Giltrap Group, had this to say.

“Delighted to be supporting these key events as part of our broader relationship with Kartsport. We’re passionate about grassroots motorsport. It’s the breeding ground for future Kiwi stars and these National Championship events provide drivers the opportunity to showcase their talent at the highest level. The National Awards is an equally important event that not only celebrates on-track achievement but also recognizes the extraordinary off-track commitment and contributions made by volunteers and stakeholders alike.”    

This new partnership kicks off with the 2026 Giltrap Group National Sprint Championship in Rotorua over Easter, before that title moves to KartSport Southland in 2027 and KartSport Hamilton in 2028.

The 2026 Giltrap Group National Schools will be hosted by KartSport Canterbury, before KartSport Wellington in 2027 and KartSport Nelson in 2028.

The 2026 Giltrap Group New Zealand Karting Awards & Hall of Fame Ceremony will take place in Auckland this August, with future years to be announced.

Looking to see where title events are being held until 2028? View the Major Events page via the KartSport New Zealand website: https://www.kartsport.org.nz/EVENTS-3/major-events-1

Article added: Thursday 26 February 2026