MICHAEL Masi will take on a key role with New Zealand’s premier motorsport series this summer.

Masi will serve as event director for the Repco NextGen NZ Championship, which includes the Castrol Toyota Formula Regional Oceania Trophy that serves as a stepping stone to Formula 1.

The role will see him responsible for overseeing the team of Motorsport New Zealand officials and working closely with the championship’s operations team to ensure the safe, fair and professional delivery of each round, per a statement from MSNZ.

“New Zealand has an abundantly rich and proud heritage in the sport,” Masi said.

“I’m very much looking forward to working in partnership with, and supporting MotorSport New Zealand, Toyota New Zealand and the Repco NextGen NZ Championship to continue building upon and developing the continual improvement of the sport for all participants and stakeholders.”  

Along with his formal role with the championship, Masi will also serve as a consultant to MSNZ and apply his wealth of experience to its rules, regulations and operational processes.

His key observations and recommendations will go towards creating a new officials training and development framework within New Zealand motorsport.

“Michael’s experience at the highest levels of global motorsport will help us sharpen our systems, elevate our championships, and support our officials,” Deborah Day, president of MSNZ, said.

“His appointment is an important step in our broader strategy to modernise, develop capability, and set the sport up for long-term success.”

The role brings Masi back into the orbit of the CTFROT series, a series that has helped launch several current and recent F1 drivers towards drives in the world championship.

“Michael has been a tremendous supporter of the Castrol Toyota FR Oceania for many years, and his dedication was instrumental in helping us secure the first allocation of Super Licence Points back in 2018,” Nicolas Caillol, motorsport manager for Toyota New Zealand, said.

“His arrival will further strengthen the MotorSport New Zealand Official team and undoubtedly deliver significant benefits to the sport, both for our competitors and the wider motorsport community.”

The four round series gets underway on January 8-10 at Hampton Downs.