By Thomas Miles
Date posted: 15 December 2025
Michael Masi will return to the Event Director role in open-wheel racing for the first time since Formula 1 this summer.
In January Masi will take on the Event Director role for the Repco NextGen NZ Championship.
He will arrive in New Zealand in early 2026 with his first event the Hampton Downs International on January 8-10.
Masi will lead the Motorsport New Zealand officials for the series that hosts numerous categories, led by the Castrol Toyota Formula Regional Oceania Trophy.
This ensures he will return to open-wheel racing for the first time since his time as Race Director for Formula 1 from 2019 to 2021.
Since then Masi returned to Australia as a director and Deputy Chair of Karting Australia, a board member on the South Australian Motor Sport Board and as the Independent Chair of the Supercars Commission.
In addition to his work as Event Director, Masi will also work with MotorSport New Zealand to improve the sport’s rules, regulations, and operational processes, plus help officials.
“New Zealand has an abundantly rich and proud heritage in the sport,” said Masi.
“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.”
Repco NextGen NZ Championship CEO, Josie Spillane is looking forward to welcoming Masi.
“Michael is an incredible addition to our summer and matches perfectly with our ambition to provide a World Class development championship for our competitors and New Zealand Motorsport,” she said.
“The process working with MotorSport New Zealand and Toyota to facilitate his addition as Event Director showcases what happens when the key stakeholders collaborate to drive the sport forward positively.”
MotorSport New Zealand President, Deborah Day said Masi will make a big impact.
“Michael’s experience at the highest levels of global motorsport will help us sharpen our systems, elevate our championships, and support our officials,” said Day.
“His appointment is an important step in our broader strategy to modernise, develop capability, and set the sport up for long-term success.”
Masi’s F1 experience will be a boost for the Castrol Toyota Formula Regional Oceania Trophy, which is a vital stepping stone to the pinnacle of motorsport.
“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 added.
“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.”
Image: Supplied
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