Who said Kiwis couldn’t fly?
On Sunday, Shane van Gisbergen secured his second-straight Bathurst 1000 victory, joining the elite ranks of those who have etched their names in motorsport history in this part of the world. Well, as if he hadn’t achieved that already, especially after a Nascar win on debut in July.
New Zealand, a nation renowned for its natural beauty and adventurous spirit, has also left an indelible mark in the world of motorsport. From the pioneering days of Bruce McLaren to the recent triumphs of van Gisbergen, the Kiwi motorsport heritage stands as a testament to the country’s love for speed and excellence.
McLaren, a name synonymous with Formula 1 success, with sheer grit, determination and Kiwi ingenuity, Bruce McLaren shaped his dreams into the juggernaut that is McLaren Racing. Fast-forward to the present era, and the legacy lives on through a new generation of Kiwi racers. Van Gisbergen, Liam Lawson, Scott McLaughlin, and the old head Scott Dixon represent the contemporary face of New Zealand’s motorsport prowess.
Lawson’s rapid rise in Formula 1 has caught the attention of fans and experts alike. In just his third race of deputising for injured AlphaTauri driver Daniel Ricciardo, the 21-year-old earned his first two points with a ninth-placed finish at the Singapore Grand Prix. Lawson’s talent and performances reflect the rich lineage of Kiwi drivers – the likes of McLaren, Denny Hulme, and Chris Amon – who made their mark on the most famous global racing scene.
