Tom Bewley steps up 

From karting prodigy to one of New Zealand’s most promising young drivers, Tom Bewley’s rise has been nothing short of remarkable. Hailing from Havelock North, he began racing at just six years old, quickly earning a reputation as a fierce competitor. His early years were decorated with North and South Island karting titles, and he even represented New Zealand at the prestigious ROK Cup Finals in Italy.

After dominating the karting scene, Bewley transitioned to cars, competing in the Toyota 86 Championship. His talent was undeniable. He clinched the 2023/24 New Zealand title, a victory that opened the door to his next big opportunity: the coveted Team Porsche New Zealand Scholarship for 2025.

The scholarship propelled Bewley into the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Australia with Team Porsche New Zealand and Earl Bamber Motorsport. In his debut season, he wasted no time making an impact. Four race wins, multiple lap records, and a third-place finish overall underscored his adaptability and skill behind the wheel.

Now, after a standout year in Sprint Challenge, Bewley steps up to the ultimate stage in Australasia’s Porsche racing ladder: the Carrera Cup Australia Championship. Competing in the premier one-make series, he faces a new mountain, but his confidence is unwavering.

“I’m really looking forward to being back with Team Porsche New Zealand and Earl Bamber Motorsport after a good year in Sprint Challenge,” says Bewley. “I’m looking forward to being in Carrera Cup and learning new tracks and tougher competition.” 

Bewley joins an elite group of Kiwi drivers who have used the scholarship as a springboard to international success. Among them is Callum Hedge, who captured the Carrera Cup Australia title in 2023 before moving to the US to compete in Indy NXT.

With his relentless drive and proven talent, Tom Bewley is poised to continue New Zealand’s proud motorsport legacy. His Carrera Cup debut promises to be one of the most exciting storylines of the 2026 season.

“It’s amazing to see Tom Bewley’s progress as a driver,” says Earl Bamber, owner of Earl Bamber Motorsport. “He’s had a strong start racing Porsche and reminds me of a young Matthew Payne and what he’s gone on to achieve. We’re super excited to see what he can do in the top tier of Porsche one-make racing in Australia.”

“I’m looking forward to being in Carrera Cup and learning new tracks and tougher competition.”

Tom Bewley 

A proven pathway for Kiwi talent

Now entering its sixth year, the Team Porsche New Zealand scholarship programme has become a benchmark for developing racing talent. The programme has produced champions like Matthew Payne, Ryan Wood, and Callum Hedge, and in 2023, Team Porsche New Zealand claimed both championship titles.

The initiative benefits from the mentorship of Earl Bamber, a two-time 24 Hours of Le Mans winner and former Porsche factory driver. His experience and dedication to nurturing Kiwi talent remain the cornerstone of the programme’s success.

About Team Porsche New Zealand

Launched in 2019 by Porsche New Zealand and Earl Bamber Motorsport (EBM), the scholarship programme supports young Kiwi drivers competing in Australia. It offers a clear pathway through the Porsche Motorsport Pyramid, including opportunities in Carrera Cup Australia and Carrera Cup Asia.

Managed by EBM in Brisbane, the programme leverages Earl Bamber’s leadership and global racing experience to provide invaluable mentorship to the next generation of New Zealand motorsport stars.