Sharp scores $100k boost
The Tony Quinn Foundation has announced rising Kiwi single-seater star Louis Sharp has been awarded a $100,000 grant to support his upcoming campaign in the Castrol Toyota Formula Regional Oceania Trophy.
Sharp, pictured, joins a list of previous foundation grant recipients who have competed in the championship, which includes Callum Hedge, Liam Sceats and Zack Scoular.
Josie Spillane, group chief executive officer of Tony Quinn’s Motorsport Parks in New Zealand, says Sharp was the first participant in the Hampton Downs NZ Racing Academy when it started in 2021 and also a Highlands Young Gun.
“He’s remained a proud ambassador for the parks, stayed in touch and is always prepared to give back – he’s got an X-factor on and off the track,” she adds.
“We are delighted to now announce him as an ambassador for the Tony Quinn Foundation. It’s a rare achievement and he’s very deserving of it.”
Greg Murphy, a foundation trustee, says the announcement is recognition of Sharp’s achievements and potential.
“We’ve been watching Louis for some time and you don’t get to Europe and have the support he’s had without being a special talent,” Murphy explains.
“David Dicker [of Rodin Cars] has done an immense job supporting him so far, and this is a chance for the Tony Quinn Foundation to also play a part in helping him take the next step.
“We see him as a Kiwi with the potential to make Formula 1, and that’s exactly the kind of talent the foundation is here to support.”
Sharp, 18, says he is looking forward to contesting the Formula Regional Oceania Trophy and has dreamt of doing so since his karting days.
“I am super excited to be returning home and racing in New Zealand’s premier championship. This series has been on my bucket list since I was very young, so to have the opportunity with the help of the Tony Quinn Foundation is a dream come true,” he adds.
“To be competing in my first New Zealand Grand Prix is another dream come true. So many great Kiwi drivers have raced in it and gone on to do amazing things, so I am really looking forward to it.”
He notes the campaign will also provide invaluable preparation before his European return.
“Having the whole off-season spent racing in such a competitive environment with some of the best up-and-coming drivers from around the world is the perfect preparation before heading back to Europe to continue my path towards F1.”
Sharp was a New Zealand karting champion before stepping into cars at 13, debuting in Formula First at Manfeild.
From there he progressed through the NZ Formula First Championship and into the South Island Formula 1600 Series, where he fought for the title and established himself as a front-runner.
In 2022, he moved to the UK to contest the British Formula 4 Championship and scored a podium on debut at Brands Hatch, won two races across the year and finished fourth overall.
He also contested a one-off Formula 4 UAE round that season and took the chequered flag in both races.
In 2023, he represented the Rodin Carlin team in the British F4 competition and clinched six victories and 14 podiums on his way to being crowned champion.
He stepped up to the GB3 Championship the next year and notched up five wins before winning the seres.
This year, he raced for Rodin in the FIA Formula 3 Championship and also represented New Zealand at the Race of Champions in Sydney, Australia. His best F3 result was a fourth-place finish at Imola and a double points haul in Monaco.
Sharp is targeting a return to the F3 grid in 2026 after he has competed in the Formula Regional Oceania Trophy, which starts at Hampton Downs Motorsport Park on January 9-11.
