- Talented open-wheel star gains invaluable experience ‘Down Under’
- US racer peaks with podium finish in Formula Regional Oceania finale
- Atlanta native hailed ‘most-improved driver’ in fiercely-disputed series
Shawn Rashid underscored the rapid progress he is making as a rising star of the international single-seater scene in New Zealand’s Castrol Toyota Formula Regional Oceania Championship, claiming a podium finish on the last weekend to earn the series’ most-improved driver accolade.
Having only been competing since 2022 – with no prior background in karting, unlike the majority of his peers – Rashid is still giving away significant experience to his rivals, but the American is increasingly picking up the pace as he continues to climb the ladder.
In a field overflowing with global talent – representing no fewer than nine different nations – Rashid was in the thick of the action throughout his adventure ‘Down Under’ with MTEC Motorsport. Taking the chequered flag inside the top ten more often than not, the Atlanta, GA native wound up ninth in the overall standings amongst the 19 high-calibre protagonists, saving his best until last by racing to the rostrum in the fifth and final event at Highlands Motorsports Park.
That weekend comprised the prestigious 69th New Zealand Grand Prix – one of only two FIA-sanctioned grands prix outside of Formula 1 – and just a day after ascending the podium steps, Rashid produced another stellar showing to finish fourth in a contest previously won by motorsport royalty Stirling Moss, Jack Brabham, Bruce McLaren and Jackie Stewart.
His performances and results over the course of the campaign clearly turned heads, as the 29-year-old Purdue University Industrial Engineering graduate was officially proclaimed most-improved driver in the fiercely-disputed Toyota-backed series.
As a ‘winter warm-up’ in a milder southern hemisphere climate, his participation in Formula Regional Oceania was a resounding success, and has given Rashid plenty of cause for optimism as he now turns his attentions towards his principal programme for 2025.
“What a whistlestop tour, and what a blast!” he enthused. “It was a very busy five weeks, but they went by so fast! First of all, I have to say it was a real privilege to discover New Zealand for the first time. It’s such a cool country with incredible scenery, and some very old-school, abrasive, low-grip circuits to get used to.
“I didn’t go in with any specific expectations, and the first weekend at Taupo was a learning curve. I struggled with the start in race one and then got run off the road in race two, but we pulled it together to take a top ten finish in race three as I increasingly figured out how to get the best out of the car – which was very different to anything I’d driven before – and adjusted my driving style accordingly.
“I carried that improvement into the second event at Hampton Downs, where we were competitive from the outset and right in the mix. That was a fun track to drive, and we showed consistent top five pace in the races which enabled me to move up the order – at one stage, gaining three positions in one corner!
“The weather turned when we got to Manfeild Circuit Chris Amon, but despite battling torrential conditions at times, we had another very solid weekend that included an enjoyable charge through the field to eighth.
“Next, we went to Teretonga Park Raceway, which is an awesome track, and while that was a tougher weekend, the finale at Highlands Motorsports Park delivered a real milestone moment for me.
“We made it all the way through to the final part of the knockout qualifying session and after finishing sixth in race one, I got a mega launch from third on the grid in race two. I thought I might actually be able to grab the lead on the first lap, but I had to go to the outside and there was just no way round. Still, we were quick again, which allowed me to drive away from the guys behind and focus on managing everything to bring home the podium. That was a fantastic feeling!
“To then finish similarly strong with fourth place in the Grand Prix itself was a brilliant result as well, and overall, competing in the Castrol Toyota Formula Regional Oceania Championship was hugely valuable and a great success. There were ups-and-downs along the way, as are inevitable in this sport, but I feel like I developed consistently from the first session to the last, and that as my confidence increased inside the car, I raised the bar with every event.
“Massive thanks to MTEC Motorsport and all the engineers and mechanics who put in an enormous effort throughout – it’s an amazing team, and everybody brought such positive energy to the project. It was nice to spend the winter actually racing and honing my skills, and it was an honour to be named most-improved driver. Now, I want to take that momentum with me and put to use everything I’ve learned. I can’t wait to reveal my plans for the season ahead!”
“The objective for Shawn in Formula Regional Oceania was first and foremost to gain further experience,” added the Oxford-based racer’s manager, former British Touring Car Championship Independents’ title-winner, Rory Butcher. “In that respect, it was very much mission accomplished – and the improvement he made along the way was tremendously encouraging to see.
“To go from having no knowledge of the car, the tracks or the style of racing in the series to finishing on the podium in the final event demonstrated phenomenal progress and highlighted Shawn’s capacities as a quick learner – qualities that will stand him in good stead as he increasingly moves forward with his career. Another step up the ladder beckons in 2025. All will be revealed in the coming weeks…”