Courtney Duncan of New Zealand wins her 4th FIM Women's Motocross World Championship title in Afyonkarahisar. Photo / Photosport
As 2024 races towards a close, the Weekend Herald has a look at how New Zealand’s top-performing motorsport racers fared.
Would have to be the No 1 result in 2024. He’s become only the 10th New Zealander to get a gig in Formula One. Having waited patiently in the Red Bull Racing wings for his chance, he did what was expected of him this year and has been promoted to the Red Bull Racing team for 2025 alongside Max Verstappen. His ability to withstand pressure and technical feedback make him an ideal fit for the team.
Racing in Formula E for Jaguar TCS Racing, Cassidy demonstrated consistency and astute race craft throughout the 2024 season to just miss out on the title this year and last year. His ability to manage energy and execute overtakes has been pivotal in his multiple race victories this year. Cassidy’s gift is his adaptability to any type of racing machine and will likely add the Formula E title to his TRS, NZGP, Japanese F3, Super GT and Super Formula championships.
Scott Dixon continues to dominate the IndyCar Series, and the six-time champion is still a frontrunner and contender even after 22 years in the series. He has finished the season outside the top 10 only once, and in 2024 was on the podium five times with two wins meaning he won at least one race every year. His reputation as the unflappable “Iceman” and drivers saying “you have to go through Dixon to win a championship” means he’ll always be a contender.
Evans has been a dominant force in Formula E since he first joined the series in 2016 finishing the season on the podium in the past three years. His on-track battles with teammate Cassidy have been a highlight of 2024. Evans’ ability to adapt to different circuits, technical skill and win from anywhere on the grid attitude has made him a consistent title contender. He is genuinely regarded as one of the very best in category and having won the team’s championship in 2024 is odds on to win his first drivers’ title in 2025.
Paddon’s rallying achievements in 2024 have been groundbreaking. In 2023 he became the first non-European to win the European Rally Championship (ERC) and then backed it up by winning in 2024. He’s also the only driver to hold two FIA titles at the same time – ERC and Asia Pacific Rally Championship. Couple that with winning seven New Zealand Rally Championship titles, WRC round winner and PWRC champion puts him well into the mix of being one of New Zealand’s best ever motorsport drivers. His dedication to developing young talent will ensure his legacy will continue to impact New Zealand motorsport.
After dominating Supercars and winning three Bathurst 1000s, van Gisbergen’s successful move to Nascar in 2024 has cemented his reputation as one of the most versatile drivers of his generation. Known for his technical feedback and adaptability to get the most out of himself and a car, he’s made an impact in every category he’s ever contested. His ability to transition seamlessly between different racing disciplines, including rallying, reiterates an unparalleled versatility. He’s probably New Zealand’s best all-round motorsport racer to date and is a pretty handy motocrosser to boot.
McLaughlin’s almost seamless transition from tin-top cars to single-seaters continues to impress and he’s now a definite IndyCar title contender. It’s hard to remember that McLaughlin has no background, let alone pedigree, in open-wheel categories. Even more impressive is that he became the 2024 Indianapolis 500 pole sitter with the fastest four-lap qualifying speed in the history of the event. In 2024 he finished on the podium eight times with three wins to finish the championship in third.
Hartley’s success in the World Endurance Championship (WRC) continues to be a highlight of his career usurping his short time in Formula One. While he and his co-drivers didn’t add to his four (joint most successful driver) WRC world titles and three Le Mans 24 Hour wins, he was a constant threat finishing fourth and fifth respectively with two wins in the WEC. He’s widely regarded as one of the best and most reliable, consistent endurance racers. His technical acumen makes him a valuable asset to any team.
While not winning her fifth FIM Women’s Motocross World Championship in 2024, Duncan remains one of the most dominant and trailblazing figures in motocross. A change of teams for 2024 was just the challenge she needed after being almost unbeatable on the track for seven years (hampered by injury for three of them). She still managed to overcome a number of hurdles to finish the 2024 season on a high to end the year fifth in the championship. Duncan’s success has lifted the profile of women’s motocross in New Zealand and her determination to push the boundaries of what is possible continues to lead the way.
Eric Thompson is a former international motorcycle racer and race mechanic and has written for Motorcycling Weekly, Motorcycle International and Classic Bike in the UK. He has also dabbled in saloon car racing and karting and has reported on motorsport for the Herald since 2006, and in particular New Zealanders racing domestically and internationally.