The Tony Quinn Foundation (TQF) today announced the expansion of its competitor fund to support young drivers across all development categories in the Repco NextGen NZ Championship, reinforcing its unwavering commitment to nurturing the next generation of motorsport talent across New Zealand.
The expansion of funding for young drivers comes following confirmation from Formula Ford that the TQFs sponsorship of the category was no longer required following the signing of new major partner, Rodin Cars. TQF warmly welcomes Rodin’s increased involvement for Formula Ford.
“We are genuinely delighted that Rodin is stepping up its support of Formula Ford,” commented Josie Spillane, a Trustee for The Tony Quinn Foundation. “It is a category that absolutely deserves strong backing, and we know that increased investment at this level will make a real difference. Formula Ford has always been, and continues to be, a critical steppingstone for the young men and women who dream of building a career in motorsport.
“At TQF, our purpose has never been about supporting structures – it has always been about supporting people. The unexpected decision by the National Formula Ford Championship committee to decline $70,000 in sponsorship for their drivers has given us cause to reflect, and what we’ve concluded is that there is an even bigger opportunity to make a difference.
“There is exceptional talent coming through across the development categories in the Repco NextGen NZ Championship, and with a strong Championship series, the time feels right to extend our support to more kiwi drivers.
“We want to make sure that our support reaches the drivers directly. We want to make sure that the young racers working so hard to compete have a place to turn, and that our support reaches them directly. That is what TQF was founded to do, and that is exactly what we intend to keep doing.”
Since its establishment in 2021, TQF has been proud to support Formula Ford as a category, contributing approximately $250,000 through prize cheques, pole position awards, and travel funds – investments made in the belief that development categories represent one of the most vital pathways for emerging racing talent in this country.
Rather than stepping back, TQF has chosen to step forward – widening its focus to ensure that promising young drivers across the Repco NextGen NZ Championship categories, including Formula Ford but expanding beyond the open wheel category, have access to the same level of support and opportunity.
The new TQF Development Driver Fund will be open for applications from drivers aged 20 and under who are competing in the following categories as part of the Repco NextGen NZ Championship:
Formula Ford
Mazda
TA2
GT New Zealand (GTNZ)
To be eligible, a driver’s category must be competing in four or more rounds of the Repco NextGen NZ Championship. Full details regarding the application process and criteria will be announced shortly.
This new input of young driver support comes in addition to existing TQF funding for the Castrol Toyota Formula Regional Oceania Trophy (CTFROT) – to the tune of $70,000 – and the $52,000 provided in support to competitors competing in the Bridgestone GR86 Championship.
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