Former Formulation 1 race director Michael Masi has joined the Repco NextGen NZ Championship forward of the beginning of the 2026 season, MotorSport New Zealand has introduced.
Masi will oversee a spread of nationwide collection in New Zealand because the occasion director, with a concentrate on “making certain the protected, honest, {and professional} supply of every spherical”.
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Along with his major duties within the NZ Championship, he’ll work intently with MotorSport New Zealand to “observe the game’s guidelines, laws, and operational processes in motion and supply skilled suggestions to make sure they continue to be best-practice and fit-for-purpose”.
Additional, he’ll assist contribute to the governing physique’s new coaching and growth framework for officers.
Masi’s appointment on the NZ Championship and his broader position at MotorSport New Zealand come simply three months after he stepped down because the chairman at Supercars Fee, a task he had held since mid-2022.
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He’ll stay a board member at each Karting Australia and Southern Australian Motorsport.
“New Zealand has an abundantly wealthy and proud heritage within the sport,” stated Masi. “I’m very a lot wanting ahead to working in partnership with, and supporting MotorSport New Zealand, Toyota New Zealand and the Repco NextGen NZ Championship to proceed constructing upon and creating the continuous enchancment of the game for all members and stakeholders.”
Michael Masi, Supercars Fee Chairman
Michael Masi, Supercars Fee Chairman
Masi beforehand served as F1’s race director on the FIA however was dismissed following the controversy surrounding the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the place his dealing with of a late security automotive interval and procedural choices drew criticism. After leaving the race director position in 2022, he remained briefly on the FIA earlier than parting methods fully.
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The NZ Championship encompasses a wide range of single-seater, touring automotive and sportscar collection. Formulation Regional Oceania, the forerunner to the Toyota Racing Sequence the place a number of present F1 drivers raced early of their careers, serves because the championship’s flagship class.
“Michael’s expertise on the highest ranges of worldwide motorsport will assist us sharpen our techniques, elevate our championships, and assist our officers,” stated MotorSport New Zealand president Deborah Day.
“His appointment is a vital step in our broader technique to modernise, develop functionality, and set the game up for long-term success.”
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“Michael is an unbelievable addition to our summer time and matches completely with our ambition to supply a World Class growth championship for our rivals and New Zealand MotorSport,” added Repco NextGen NZ Championship CEO Josie Spillane.
“The method working with MotorSport New Zealand and Toyota to facilitate his addition as occasion director showcases what occurs when the important thing stakeholders collaborate to drive the game ahead positively.”
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