McElrea Racing | Ayrton Hodson

Ayrton Hodson

Porsche Sprint Challenge Australia - 'Pro' #28

Ayrton started his racing career on the dirt in Ministocks in New Zealand in 2018. In 2021 he advanced to Six Shooters then all the way to the fearsome V8 Sprintcars in 2023 winning his first Sprintcar Feature in only his 12th Sprintcar meeting.

He started on tarmac in Toyota 86s finishing with 1 Podium and 4th Rookie, he then moved up to a BMW Z4 winning the Class 4 North Island and New Zealand Endurance Championships.

He also did the 6 Hour race at Highlands where he put a Mercedes GT4 on pole, then he stepped up to a Porsche 991.1 competing in the South Island Endurance series taking 1 podium on his way to 3rd in the Class 2 Championship.

Ayrton then made the move to the NZ GT Championship where he won the opening race of the championship at Taupo and finished 3rd overall for the round. Ayrton has joined MR to compete in the 2024 Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge as a Porsche Michelin Junior driver.

Background...

What is your Motorsport background?

Speedway: Ministocks 2018- 2021, Six Shooters 2021- 2022, V8 Sprint Car 2023-24.
On tarmac in 2023: Toyota 86- Toyota Gazoo Racing 86 Championship, BMW Z4 - North and South Island Endurance Series, Porsche 991.1- South Island Endurance Series, NZ Summerset GT Championship, Mercedes AMG GT4 - Highlands 6HR. Also tested FT40, FT50 and FT60 Toyota Racing Series car.

Any other personal interests or achievements you would like to share?

I represented NZ at the Ultimate Frisbee U20 World Champs in Poland last year, after winning the National Secondary Schools title.
I'm really proud to be a member of this years NZ Elite Motorsport Academy. The academy has taught me so much and anyone who fits the criteria should definitely apply for this years programme.

What is your favourite Motorsport moment?

Getting on top of the wing after winning my first Sprint Car Feature or denting the roof of the Porsche after winning in Taupo.

What is your all time favourite race car?

There’s some great cars around the world but right now my favourites are the 991.2 and the Sprintcar.

What is your favourite circuit?

Favourite Circuit has to be Highlands Motorsport Park in Cromwell NZ, nothing like having 4 wheels off the ground going over the bridge. Favourite dirt track is Bay Park Speedway in Tauranga NZ.