Ex-Method 1 race director Michael Masi has joined the NZ Championship forward of the beginning of the 2026 season, MotorSport New Zealand has introduced.
Masi will oversee a variety of nationwide sequence in New Zealand because the occasion director, with a concentrate on “guaranteeing the secure, honest, {and professional} supply of every spherical”.
Along with his major obligations within the NZ Championship, he’ll work intently with MotorSport New Zealand to “observe the game’s guidelines, rules, and operational processes in motion and supply knowledgeable 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 improvement framework for officers.
Masi’s appointment on the NZ Championship and his broader position at MotorSport New Zealand has come simply three months after he stepped down because the chairman at Supercars Fee, a job he had held since mid-2022.
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,” mentioned 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 growing the continuous enchancment of the game for all individuals and stakeholders.”
Michael Masi, Supercars Fee Chairman
Picture by: Mark Horsburgh, Edge Photographics
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 automobile 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.
The NZ Championship encompasses a wide range of single-seater, touring automobile and sportscar sequence. Method Regional Oceania, the forerunner to the Toyota Racing Collection 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 world motorsport will assist us sharpen our techniques, elevate our championships, and help our officers,” mentioned 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.”
NZ Championship CEO Josie Spillane added: “Michael is an unimaginable addition to our summer time and matches completely with our ambition to offer a World Class improvement championship for our opponents and New Zealand MotorSport.
“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.”
We wish to hear from you!
Tell us what you want to see from us sooner or later.
– The Autosport.com Crew
