Mornington Peninsula’s rising motorsport talent Mathew Basso has capped off an impressive international campaign, finishing 5th overall in the 2026 NAPA New Zealand Formula Ford Championship.

Competing in his rookie season, Basso took on a highly competitive field across multiple circuits, continuing to build his reputation as one of Australia’s emerging young drivers.

The championship campaign followed on from his earlier success in the series, where he claimed an international podium — a milestone that helped set the tone for the remainder of the season.

Despite the challenges of adapting to new tracks, conditions and competition, Basso showed consistent improvement throughout the championship, ultimately securing a top-five finish.

“We finished a solid 5th overall in the championship. It was a fun and eventful series, and I’ve learned a huge amount racing in New Zealand,” Basso said.

“A big thank you to Nigel and his Nigel Barclay Project team for their support throughout the season.”

The campaign marked an important step in Basso’s transition from karting into car racing, with the experience gained expected to play a key role in his development heading into future Australian and international opportunities.

His time in New Zealand also highlighted his ability to adapt quickly, work closely with his team, and compete against experienced drivers in a new environment.

“I’m really grateful to my team and everyone supporting me through my rookie season. This experience has helped me grow as a driver and I’m excited for what’s next.”

With momentum building, Basso now turns his focus back to Australia, where he is preparing for upcoming testing and his debut in Aussie Racing Cars later this year.

His campaign is proudly backed by sponsors including Castrol, Click for Health, UNIT, NGK Spark Plugs Australia, Morris Finance, Raceline and Woodleigh School.

The strong championship result reinforces his trajectory as a young driver to watch, with 2026 shaping as a pivotal year in his motorsport journey.