NIFF Scholarship Car
In 2020, the NIFF Club along with an enthusiastic group of investors, bought a Class 1 Van Diemen which contests the NIFF Series and the National Championship. The package includes a refreshed car, trailer, parts and spares package.
Each season a Scholarship Recipient is picked by the NIFF committee to use the car for the season. This driver is picked based upon his or her performance, aspiration, budget and the ability for them to build a team around them to fund and maintain the car. They take the car away and treat it like their own, do the best they can, learn about the car and return it at the end of the year in at least the same condition if not better.
NIFF Scholarship drivers are people who may not have the opportunity or funds to buy a Formula Ford, but have financial backing to run the car. There is a fee associated with using the package which consists of the 01 Van Diemen, trailer, spare engine, spare suspension and wheels, ratios. The only thing you need to supply is a budget to run the season, your tools, expertise and passion. This fee helps maintain the car and funds projects like a new floor, Motec dash and data system and the latest is new Ohlins shocks.
Our 2023-24 recipient was Toby McCormack who went on to win the 2024-25 NIFF series and third overall in the NZFF Championship.
If you think you might be the next Scott Dixon, Shane Van Gisbergen, Brendon Hartley, Earl Bamber, Mitch Evans or Liam Lawson to name a few, contact us now!
The scholarship car (if available) can also be offered for lease at NIFF rounds and test days.
What do I require?
To drive the Formula Ford, you will require either a NZTA Learners, Restricted or full car license or a MSNZ Clubsport or higher race license. You need to be 12 years or older to apply for a MSNZ license and details of this can be found at www.https://motorsport.org.nz/licences/
You will also need to join NIFF or any other car club if you get a MSNZ license.
You will require your own safety apparel including a Frontal Head Restraint (FHR). Karting apparel and most Kart helmets do not meet the specification required to drive a race car. Hampton Downs hire suits, boots, gloves and FHR's but you will need a Full Face SA or FIA Rated Motorsport helmet.
Chicane Racewear hire suits and sell all required race apparel.
To find out more please contact Shane Drake on 0274 739406, email ceo@chicane.co.nz
