NAPA Auto Parts has revealed an initiative designed to help future racing stars and grassroots motorsport competitors, called the NAPA Know How Motorsport Academy
The academy consists of an online portal that offers tuition, tools, resources and monthly prizes, and is free to enter for racers aged 13 and up.
Walkinshaw Andretti United Supercars driver Bryce Fullwood has been appointed as a mentor for the program.
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A selection of drivers across Australia and New Zealand will be chosen by the mentors who run the program to receive a $1000 kick start when they join the academy.
One academy member will also win a trip to the season-ending Gold Coast Supercars race, where they will be embedded into the WAU team.
More information can be found at the following websites: www.napaparts.com.au/academy (Australia residents) and www.napa.co.nz/academy (New Zealand residents).
Fullwood, 23, is currently in his second season of Supercars Championship competition and is looking forward to being part of the program.
“Motorsport can be a really tricky game to succeed in, and the aim of the academy is help drivers and teams navigate their way through some of the hazards and get the most out of their careers,” he said.
“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 and health and nutrition – all play an important role in creating a strong, long-lasting career in the sport.
“And 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.”
A sister brand to Repco in Australia under the Genuine Parts Company umbrella, NAPA is no stranger to motorsport fans.
The company has high-profile sponsorships in IndyCar (Alexander Rossi) and NASCAR (Chase Elliot) and backed a Bathurst wildcard for Rossi and fellow American James Hinchcliffe in the 2019 Bathurst 1000.
NAPA launched the latest initiative at the Townsville SuperSprint with 16-year-old Junior Sedan speedway racer Jack Menzies announced as the first inductee.
“We are really proud to bring this motorsport initiative to life and encourage all grass roots competitors to sign up,” said NAPA’s head of sponsorship in the Asia Pacific region, Mitch Wiley.
“There are already some great resources in the portal, and we will be adding plenty more over the coming months.
“We will be encouraging all portal users to provide feedback and ask questions each month so we can provide even more practical support.”
