Gilchrist to ‘step up’ with scholarship
Brock Gilchrist has landed a fully funded season driving a McLaren 570S GT4 in the GT NZ Championship after becoming the first recipient of the Giltrap Motorsport Junior Scholarship.
The 20-year-old Kiwi, pictured, landed the prize that will put him behind the wheel of a $375,000 McLaren for the competition that starts in Taupo in November.
The Giltrap Group says the goal of the inaugural scholarship was to give New Zealand’s “brightest young motorsport talent” the best possible opportunity to shine.
Owen Evans, Giltrap Motorsport team boss, adds Gilchrist is the “perfect candidate” for the race seat and was chosen from among 38 young applicants.
“Brock is the Toyota 86 champion, and he won it in style, taking on seasoned competitors with international experience in a one-make series,” explains Evans.
“At 20, we feel he is ready to step up to car racing, because he’s not only proven that he’s very quick, but he’s also got a reputation for looking after the race car; an important factor in endurance racing,”
In association with McLaren Auckland, the scholarship will ensure Gilchrist has the most professional support available in New Zealand motorsport, including pit crew, management and media training.
Race-proven equipment from SP Tools will assist the team in preparing the McLaren 570S GT4 during the 15-race season.
SP Tools have committed to a long-term partnership with the programme as part of its ongoing commitment to supporting New Zealand motorsport. The company joins Smeg as a foundation partner of the Giltrap Motorsport Junior Scholarship.
Gilchrist joins a long list of drivers that have been supported by the Giltrap organisation – including Danny Sullivan, Denny Hulme and Bruce McLaren – and the scholarship announcement came at the gala opening on October 26 of Garage 66, the company’s motorsport garage and museum.
2023-24 GT NZ Championship
November 17-19, 2023: Taupo International Motorsport Park
January 26-28, 2024: Manfeild Circuit Chris Amon
February 9-11, 2024: Euromarque Motorsport Park, Ruapuna
February 16-18, 2024: Highlands International Motorsport Park
March 15-17, 2024: Hampton Downs International Motorsport Park
