A kick start from NAPA Auto Parts

A new NAPA Auto Parts initiative is helping grass roots racers

Motor racing is a sport like no other and in 2021, NAPA Auto Parts launched an exciting new initiative to open pathways for Australian and New Zealand grass roots competitors. The NAPA Know How Motorsport Academy is an online portal designed to offer tuition, tools, resources and monthly prizes to any motorsport entrant that is striving to be the best they can be – on and off the track. Led by Supercars driver Bryce Fullwood, as the mentor for the program, the NAPA Know How Motorsport Academy is free to all racers aged 13 and up. The Academy offers insights into the world of driving, race craft and analysis, commercial, media and sponsorship, plus detailed information on health and nutrition. The criteria for drivers looking to join the academy is simple – they must have a strong desire to succeed in the sport – no matter if they are a teenaged karter with eyes on racing in Formula 1 or the Repco Supercars Championship or a national or state-based circuit racer, rally, speedway or drag racing driver, who takes their motorsport seriously and is looking for an edge over their rivals. In 2021, a lucky selection of drivers across Australia and New Zealand that were hand selected by the program’s mentors received a $1000 kick start when they were accepted into the academy. On top of this, one lucky academy member will win an all-expenses paid trip to a Supercars race and will join Bryce Fullwood for an insightful experience. In the first six months of the program, over 200 participants registered to be part of the Academy, and Bryce says that he has been excited by the different types of drivers who are participating and looking for that extra edge. “The NAPA Know How Motorsport Academy is an awesome initiative and one that I’m really proud to be a mentor for,” Bryce said. “Motorsport can be a really tricky game to succeed in and the aim of the academy is to help drivers and teams navigate their way through some of the hazards and get the most of their careers. “For those who gain access to the portal, they’ll find information from me about race day preparation, goal setting and your support network. There’s also plenty more about sponsorship, media, health and nutrition – all play an important role in creating a strong, long-lasting career in the sport. “It’s not just for young karters who are just starting out. The NAPA Know How Motorsport Academy is open to all drivers and teams that have the mentality and drive to make the most of their time in the sport. It’s a great initiative and I feel anyone will be able to get something out of it.” If you meet the criteria and are accepted into the academy, you will get full access to the portal, including video tutorials and downloadable content. To apply to the NAPA Know How Motorsport Academy, visit www.napaparts.com.au/academy (Australia residents) and www.napa.co.nz/academy (New Zealand residents).