From First Ride to Champion: MiniGP Builds NZ’s Next Racers

• Nathan Chappell first rode at a MiniGP Academy NZ Have a Go session in February 2025, then won the 110cc Auto class in his first racing season.
• The 2026–27 Kiwibike Insurance Cozy NZ MiniGP Series adds dedicated Saturday training sessions for newcomers.
• The season’s first championship round is at Karting Manawatū on 19–20 December; spectators can attend free.

Young Kiwi riders are turning first-time training sessions into championship success, while the 2026–27 MiniGP series brings more opportunities to get involved.

In February 2025, Nathan Chappell climbed aboard a motorcycle for the first time at a MiniGP Academy NZ Have a Go session. Before the year was out, he had worked his way through the Academy’s training programme and won the 110cc Auto championship in his first season of racing.

That’s a pretty remarkable progression, and a good illustration of why junior racing programmes like MiniGP matter. For youngsters wanting to try road racing, there’s a big difference between being thrown straight into competition and having somewhere to learn the basics first.

The Kiwibike Insurance Cozy NZ MiniGP Series is preparing for its 2026–27 season with new sponsors, additional formal training and a calendar that takes the action to kart circuits around the country. The aim is to give young riders a way into the sport, then help them move forward at their own pace.

From beginners to the starting grid

The Academy’s non-competition class is aimed at newcomers, including children under seven, while the racing classes progress from 110cc Auto machines through junior and senior 160s, 190 Senior and an SS150 class aligned with NZSBK. Entry ages are guidelines, with the organisers making the final call based on a rider’s ability and experience.

There’s a strong emphasis on coaching before competition. Last season, every rider who progressed to a formal race assessment passed and was able to move into racing, according to the Academy. That’s an encouraging outcome, even if the more important measure is the confidence and control those riders develop along the way.

Nathan wasn’t the only success story. Kane O’Doherty also completed the Academy’s three formal training levels before contesting his first official series, then went on to win the 160cc Junior class. Two newcomers, two championships — and plenty of encouragement for families wondering how their own children might get started.

Two newcomers, two championships — and plenty of encouragement for families wondering how their own children might get started.

Taking the next step

The pathway doesn’t stop at the kart track. Riders associated with MiniGP Academy NZ have already stepped up to larger circuits through the Victoria Motorcycle Club’s TSS Motorcycles Race Series. Among them were Kane O’Doherty, Marc Chappell, Maddox Parker, Ronin Bull, Rory Ballantyne, Tiare Howe and Alex Hackling.

The supplied results credit Alex with second in the Supersport 150 Cup, Marc with the MiniGP 160 Cup and Rookie of the Year, and Maddox with a podium. It’s valuable experience for young riders learning to race in a different environment.

Some are already testing themselves overseas, too. James Drought finished runner-up in the 110cc class of the MiniMoto Australia Series and represented New Zealand at the Ohvale Guangzhou Super Cup in China in August, where he finished 15th in the 110cc 4S class. Felix Tupuse, another MiniGP graduate, contested the final MiniMoto Australia round and finished fifth in his class.

None of that guarantees a future Grand Prix star, of course. But it does show that riders starting out on small bikes in New Zealand can find opportunities to compete further afield.

More chances to get involved

For the new season, MiniGP Academy NZ is introducing dedicated Saturday formal training sessions. They’re intended to give beginners time in a controlled environment to learn essential skills before deciding whether they want to race.

Kiwibike Insurance and Cozy NZ have come aboard as series sponsors, while parents and other volunteers continue to play a major role in making the events happen. Without that sort of support, grassroots motorcycle racing simply wouldn’t function.

There’s also a good reason to come along even if you haven’t got a youngster racing: spectator entry is free. Watching the next generation of riders learn their craft could be a pretty entertaining way to spend a weekend.

You don’t have to have a young rider in the family to enjoy seeing the next generation learn their craft.

The season gets an early outing at the Wellington GP on 29 November, followed by the opening championship round at Karting Manawatū on 19–20 December. Further rounds follow at Hastings, Tokoroa and Taranaki, with a fifth round still to be confirmed.

New Zealand road racing needs more than the stars we already know. It needs youngsters discovering the sport for the first time, people prepared to coach them and somewhere safe to develop their skills. MiniGP Academy NZ is helping provide all three.

For class information, training and entry details, visit MiniGP Academy NZ.

2026–27 NZ MiniGP Series calendar

Date	Event
29 November 2026	Wellington GP — Karting Wellington (pre-season event)
19–20 December 2026	Round 1 — Karting Manawatū
6–7 February 2027	Round 2 — Karting Hastings
20–21 February 2027	Round 3 — Karting Tokoroa
13–14 March 2027	Round 4 — Karting Taranaki
TBC	Round 5 — venue and date TBC

For further information about the series, training sessions and how to get involved, head to www.minigpacademynz.com.