NAPA Auto Parts, Australia’s newest name in Automotive Aftermarket parts, has today revealed a new initiative for future racing stars and grassroots motorsport competitors.

NAPA Auto Parts has a formidable pedigree in global motorsport, with its sponsorship of Alexander Rossi in the IndyCar Series and Chase Elliott in the NASCAR Cup. Locally, the brand supports Walkinshaw Andretti United and is leveraging this global and local knowledge to provide the grass roots motorsport community with access to the best ‘know how’ available. 

The NAPA Know How Motorsport Academy is an online portal designed to offer tuition, tools, resources and monthly prizes to any motorsport entrant that is striving to be the best they can be – on and off the track.

Led by Walkinshaw Andretti United Supercars driver Bryce Fullwood as the mentor for the program, the NAPA Know How Motorsport Academy is free to all racers aged 13 and up.

The criteria for drivers looking to join the academy is simple. They must have a strong desire to succeed in the sport, whether they are a teenaged karter with eyes on racing in Formula 1 or the Repco Supercars Championship, or they could be a national or state-based circuit racer, rally, speedway or drag racing driver or team owner who takes their motorsport seriously and is looking for an edge over their rivals.

The Academy will offer insights into the world of driving, race craft and analysis, plus detailed information on health and nutrition, commercial and sponsorship, plus the media.

A lucky selection of drivers across Australia and New Zealand will be hand selected by the mentors who run the program and receive a $1000 kick start when they join the academy.

On top of this, one lucky academy member will win an all-expenses paid trip to the season-ending Gold Coast Supercars street race, where they will be embedded into the WAU race team and allowed unrivalled access to the team including track walk, debriefs and race day privileges.

“The NAPA Know How Motorsport Academy is an awesome initiative and one that I’m really proud to be a mentor for,” said Fullwood.

“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.

“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.”

“We are really proud to bring this motorsport initiative to life and encourage all grass roots competitors to sign up,” said Head of Sponsorship, NAPA Auto Parts Asia Pacific, Mitchell 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.”

“NAPA is famous for its incredible motorsport commitment here and overseas, in particular in the IndyCar series with Alexander Rossi and NASCAR with Chase Elliot. 

“Locally our partnership with Walkinshaw Andretti United has really opened the door to provide this exclusive access to the best in the business for all grass roots competitors.”

To register your interest in NAPA Know How Motorsport Academy, visit www.napaparts.com.au/academy (Australia residents) and www.napa.co.nz/academy (New Zealand residents). If you meet the criteria and are accepted into the academy, your local NAPA branch will connect with you to provide full access to the portal, including video tutorials and downloadable content.

The portal will continue to have new content added, ensuring that members will continue to learn and grow as their racing journey continues.