Castrol reveals New Zealand Grand Prix ambassador shortlist
The shortlist for the Castrol ambassador at the New Zealand Grand Prix has expanded to seven drivers.
Castrol will select one Kiwi driver for a fully-funded drive in the New Zealand Grand Prix. (Bruce Jenkins)
Initially targeting five drivers, Castrol has expanded the shortlist to seven due to the quality of the 66 applicants.
Any driver with NZ residency or citizenship could apply for a fully-funded drive in the 2022 Grand Prix.
Callum Crawley, Josh Donohue, Billy Frazer, Jordan Michels, Kaleb Ngatoa, James Penrose, and Peter Vodanovich have all made the list.
The selected driver will be announced on December 15 after a round of one-on-one interviews.
"The judging panel was overwhelmed with the quality of the entries," said Castrol Brand & Product Manager Jan Willink. "Even after expanding the shortlist, it proved difficult to narrow that list down to seven drivers."
"What’s clear is that New Zealand’s young driver talent pool is incredibly deep, and we saw dozens of strong applications from young drivers who are all worthy of a spot on the grid at the Grand Prix.”
"The judging panel was impressed with the outstanding quality of so many applications, with an incredibly high level of thought and creativity across the board."
"That kind of dedication is of course one of the things every sponsor is looking for in a brand ambassador."
"While unfortunately – just like the Grand Prix – there can only be one winner, there were several drivers outside the shortlist that are only missing a little experience before they’re ready for the next step up."
The New Zealand Grand Prix takes place at Hampton Downs on February 11-13.
