Header Image: Paddon Racing Group
Young speedway drivers across New Zealand are being encouraged to put their names forward for the 2026 Winmax Junior Driver Scholarship, as Winmax Brake Pads and Paddon Racing Group renew their partnership for another season.
The scholarship, designed to identify and support the country’s most promising young motorsport talent, provides selected drivers with mentorship from Hayden Paddon alongside season-long product support from Winmax Brake Pads.
While previous recipients have come from rally and circuit racing backgrounds, the program is open to competitors from all disciplines, including the depth of emerging talent within New Zealand’s speedway ranks.
The success of the 2025 intake underlined the value of the initiative.
Zeal Jones progressed to the international stage in Japan’s Morizo Challenge Cup, claiming podium finishes and a race win before securing a factory drive with TOYOTA GAZOO Racing.
Will Kitching delivered a dominant domestic campaign, winning both the National and South Island Mazda Racing Series titles with a consistent run of victories and podiums.
Bryn Jones completed a clean sweep of the NZRC 2WD Championship, winning all six rounds in 2025 before confirming a move to Europe in 2026 to contest the Peugeot Rally Cup Iberia.
Paddon said the program continues to focus on drivers who show both performance and professionalism.
“Thanks to our strong partnership with Winmax Brake Pads, I get the opportunity to help grow some of the best talents in the country,” he said. Last year, it was fantastic to see the difference in all three drivers’ skills and approach at a new level that I hope will carry them far in the future.”
Apply by entering your details in this link and adding a small CV of goals for 2026, championship entered, aspirations for the future and why you would be a great Winmax ambassador.