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Welcome to Whelan Motorsport – website for John Whelan born and bred in Dunedin.
John is a rising star in New Zealand motor racing. He won the 2007/2008 MTA National Formula Ford Championship in his second year in this very competitive and closely fought series. It has been the gateway to a professional career for drivers such as Scott Dixon, Jonny Reid and Shane Van Gisbergen.
John then moved into the Toyota Racing Series in 2008/2009 which is the premier open wheel category in New Zealand powered by E85 bio fuel.
Although only 22, John has shown a maturity beyond his years in both his approach to his driving and in his ability to deal with the media. In 2008, John applied for the 2008 Elite Motorsport Academy run by The Motorsport NZ Scholarship Trust and graduated in 1st place from the intensive week long course.
For the 2009/2010 season, two south islanders at opposite ends of their career spectrum have teamed up to compete in the New Zealand V8 Championship field. John and Mataura motorsport stalwart Ian Tulloch struck a deal late last month for the talented youngster to pilot the multiple-time Australian and New Zealand Super Truck champion’s Ford Falcon BA race car. A 20 lap test at Christchurch’s Ruapuna Raceway was enough to convince both parties that it was going to be a mutually beneficial arrangement. “Ultimately, I want to make it into the Australian V8 Supercars and the New Zealand series is what will give me the best path to that opportunity,” he said.
Tulloch, better known as Inky, has had more than 30 years racing, including three NZV8 seasons. “I was looking for a young driver that has showed real potential and could make the grade in unquestionably the most competitive motorsport environment in New Zealand,” he said.
To compete successfully at this level requires a professional approach by both the driver and the team. If you would like to be apart of a professional team and help John to his success, as a sponsor or a supporter please contact John. Details on the contact page.
