Auckland, New Zealand - 21 January 2026 - Ford New Zealand today announced its renewed commitment to grassroots motorsport by returning as a key sponsor of the New Zealand Formula Ford Championship for the upcoming 2026 season. This significant partnership underscores Ford's long-standing dedication to nurturing emerging talent and supporting the foundational categories of New Zealand motorsport.
The New Zealand Formula Ford Championship has a storied history in New Zealand, recognised globally as a vital stepping stone for aspiring young drivers. Since its inception in 1971, the championship has been instrumental in developing numerous world-class talents, including Formula 1 driver Liam Lawson, Indy 500 winner Scott Dixon, Supercars champion and Nascar driver, Shane van Gisbergen, and former Formula 1 driver Brendon Hartley, among many others. The series is officially recognised as a national championship by MotorSport New Zealand, featuring a competitive platform with a 1600cc Ford Kent engine, emphasizing driver skill and car setup.
"Ford has an unparalleled heritage in motorsport, both globally and here in New Zealand, and we are incredibly proud to reinforce our connection with Formula Ford," said Annaliese Atina, Managing Director Ford New Zealand. "This category is the proving ground for future champions, and our renewed sponsorship for the 2026 season is a testament to our belief in its importance. We are excited to help power the next generation of Kiwi racing stars."
The 2026 New Zealand Formula Ford Championship season promises thrilling action across New Zealand's circuits. The New Zealand Formula Ford Championship will again be contested over four rounds, 15 races, with events planned for both the North and South Islands.
Auckland, New Zealand - 21 January 2026 - Ford New Zealand today announced its renewed commitment to grassroots motorsport by returning as a key sponsor of the New Zealand Formula Ford Championship for the upcoming 2026 season. This significant partnership underscores Ford's long-standing dedication to nurturing emerging talent and supporting the foundational categories of New Zealand motorsport.
The New Zealand Formula Ford Championship has a storied history in New Zealand, recognised globally as a vital stepping stone for aspiring young drivers. Since its inception in 1971, the championship has been instrumental in developing numerous world-class talents, including Formula 1 driver Liam Lawson, Indy 500 winner Scott Dixon, Supercars champion and Nascar driver, Shane van Gisbergen, and former Formula 1 driver Brendon Hartley, among many others. The series is officially recognised as a national championship by MotorSport New Zealand, featuring a competitive platform with a 1600cc Ford Kent engine, emphasizing driver skill and car setup.
"Ford has an unparalleled heritage in motorsport, both globally and here in New Zealand, and we are incredibly proud to reinforce our connection with Formula Ford," said Annaliese Atina, Managing Director Ford New Zealand. "This category is the proving ground for future champions, and our renewed sponsorship for the 2026 season is a testament to our belief in its importance. We are excited to help power the next generation of Kiwi racing stars."
The 2026 New Zealand Formula Ford Championship season promises thrilling action across New Zealand's circuits. The New Zealand Formula Ford Championship will again be contested over four rounds, 15 races, with events planned for both the North and South Islands.
NAPA NZ FORMULA FORD CHAMPIONSHIP Calendar
Round 1: 24-25 January Teretonga Park, Invercargill
Round 2: 31 January - 1 February Levels Raceway, Timaru
Round 3: 14-15 March Hampton Downs Motorsport Park. Waikato
Round 4: 27-29 March Taupo Motorsport Park, Taupo
NZFF organiser Shane Drake commented, "The return of Ford New Zealand as a sponsor is a tremendous boost for Formula Ford. Ford's support provides crucial resources that enable us to continue offering a high-quality, accessible platform for young drivers to hone their skills. Their involvement is a powerful endorsement of the series' role in the motorsport development pathway."
Ford New Zealand has a rich history of supporting various sporting codes and motorsport initiatives across the country, including previous title sponsorships in V8 SuperTourers and support for Rally New Zealand. This latest partnership with the New Zealand Formula Ford Championship aligns with Ford's global motorsport strategy, which includes a return to Formula 1 in 2026, further highlighting the brand's commitment to racing innovation and talent development.
The sponsorship will provide vital vehicle and financial support for the series, helping to ensure its continued success in fostering competitive racing and driver progression. Both organisations look forward to an exhilarating 2026 season and the continued development of New Zealand's motorsport future.
Group Photo Left to Right in front of the Transit Kombi Sport provided by FNZ for NZFF on the South Island:
Laurie Brenssell and Ian Barlow, NZ Formula Ford Championship Coordinators
Tom Clancy - Ford Motor Company New Zealand
Andrew Lepper - Team Hutchinson Ford
Garry Jackson, Long-time Ford Motorsport supporter and fan, retired Ford Motor Company Director. Garry put together the original Ford NZ sponsorship agreement in the early 90s
John Hutchinson - Team Hutchinson Ford. The Christchurch dealership has been a primary sponsor of the South Island Formula Ford series for the past four years.
Nigel Barclay - NZ Formula Ford Championship organiser, South Island
NAPA NZ FORMULA FORD CHAMPIONSHIP Calendar
Round 1: 24-25 January Teretonga Park, Invercargill
Round 2: 31 January - 1 February Levels Raceway, Timaru
Round 3: 14-15 March Hampton Downs Motorsport Park. Waikato
Round 4: 27-29 March Taupo Motorsport Park, Taupo
NZFF organiser Shane Drake commented, "The return of Ford New Zealand as a sponsor is a tremendous boost for Formula Ford. Ford's support provides crucial resources that enable us to continue offering a high-quality, accessible platform for young drivers to hone their skills. Their involvement is a powerful endorsement of the series' role in the motorsport development pathway."
Ford New Zealand has a rich history of supporting various sporting codes and motorsport initiatives across the country, including previous title sponsorships in V8 SuperTourers and support for Rally New Zealand. This latest partnership with the New Zealand Formula Ford Championship aligns with Ford's global motorsport strategy, which includes a return to Formula 1 in 2026, further highlighting the brand's commitment to racing innovation and talent development.
The sponsorship will provide vital vehicle and financial support for the series, helping to ensure its continued success in fostering competitive racing and driver progression. Both organisations look forward to an exhilarating 2026 season and the continued development of New Zealand's motorsport future.
Group Photo Left to Right in front of the Transit Kombi Sport provided by FNZ for NZFF on the South Island:
Laurie Brenssell and Ian Barlow, NZ Formula Ford Championship Coordinators
Tom Clancy - Ford Motor Company New Zealand
Andrew Lepper - Team Hutchinson Ford
Garry Jackson, Long-time Ford Motorsport supporter and fan, retired Ford Motor Company Director. Garry put together the original Ford NZ sponsorship agreement in the early 90s
John Hutchinson - Team Hutchinson Ford. The Christchurch dealership has been a primary sponsor of the South Island Formula Ford series for the past four years.
Nigel Barclay - NZ Formula Ford Championship organiser, South Island
