Jack Groenewald’s stint at the Elite Motorsport Academy set off last month, marking a key pit stop in his journey toward becoming a world-class racer.
Inspired by watching his dad’s own racing, Jack’s passion for motorsport took hold early. He began go-karting at age five, moved into speedway, and by age 12 he was competing in the Formula First championship.
Now a 16-year-old student at Hauraki Plains College, Jack has just completed his rookie season in Formula Ford, where he was named Rookie of the Year and placed third overall in the championship.
He’s also been named in the 2025 class of the Elite Motorsport Academy, a world-renowned development programme for motorsport competitors in New Zealand, whose alumni include Shane van Gisbergen, Hayden Paddon, Mitch Evans, Brendon Hartley, Richie Stanaway, and Marcus Armstrong.
The 12-month academy kicked off with a week-long camp in Dunedin, which Jack said included classes on nutrition and fitness, and helped prepare him for overseas travel for future racing seasons.
It’s all to help him reach his goal of competing in the Castrol Toyota FR Oceania Trophy and one day, Formula One.
“My greatest achievement would be [being the] North Island Quarter Midget Championship Winner in 2021. Getting Rookie of the Year in 2025 was awesome to achieve too because I was up against a strong field of cars and drivers,” he said.
Jack named Hampton Downs as being his favourite track to drive, and ranked Kiwi NASCAR competitor Shane van Gisbergan, and Aussie Oscar Piastri – currently leading the 2025 Formula One season by nine points – among his top drivers.
He thanked his mum and dad, as well as his sponsors, for helping him hone his talent on track.
DETAILS: If anyone is interested in getting in touch or sponsoring Jack, email jackgr1208@gmail.com
BY KELLEY TANTAU
