Well that’s a wrap for the KartSport New Zealand 2025 Donkey Grill Trophies National Schools Championship, held at KartSport Bay of Plenty!

A huge thank you goes out to our overall sponsor Donkey Grill Trophies, as well as our incredible class sponsors:

• Cadet: Streamline Pressure Washing
• Vortex Mini Rok: D & B Construction
• Rotax Max Junior: Financial Independence
• DVS Junior: Poolwerx
• Rotax Max Light: Natural Stone Imports

It was a great pleasure having you all on board — your support of karting and our future stars is always appreciated.

Congratulations to all our podium finishers, and just as importantly, to every driver who competed. It was a tough weekend with challenging weather conditions — nothing’s worse than swapping from wets to slicks and back again on race day! But you all achieved something special by racing in a national event. Without you, the event wouldn’t happen.

A heartfelt thanks to our amazing Race Officials — Eddie, Ron, Johnny, Adam, Aaron, Bella, Haylee, Jen, Wayne, Ricky, Bruce, John, Todd, Robert, Jared, Graham, Jo, Jenni, Jenny, Jeanette — and of course James, our convenor, who was literally running around doing just about everything! Race Control kept him flat out — thanks James for your efforts.

To the team behind the scenes at prizegiving: Shay, Rachel, Julz, Jas, Donovan, and Shay’s parents Lou & Steve — your efforts for the dinner were absolutely awesome. It’s no small feat cooking and serving for so many people, and you nailed it! Extra kudos to Shay for jumping in the deep end on Friday to handle the kitchen and prep for the dinner — you’re a legend for making sure everyone was fed.

A big thanks also to the Russell family, who kept the drivers and crew fuelled on Saturday — hugely appreciated!

To Wayne on the gate Friday, and Aaron & James for running the bar at day’s end — thank you. We all know how good it feels to have a well-earned beer and debrief after a big day at the track.

Race Control – the “Four J’s”: Jo, Jenni, Jenny & Jeanette — what a crew! It gets hectic in RC, but we worked as a team and did our best. Thanks ladies, always a pleasure.

And finally, to our commentator — you continue to amaze us with your passion, energy, and connection to the drivers. Your commentary brings the event to life and is always a highlight. Thank you.

Last but not least, a massive shoutout to Dan and the KartSport BOP Committee. It wasn’t an easy lead-in to the event, but you pulled it all together and delivered an awesome weekend. We truly appreciate your hard work and dedication.

We hope you all got home safely, dried out your gear, cleaned those karts, and dusted off your helmets.

See some of you at Top Half Round One at BOP, and once again — THANK YOU for supporting the 2025 KartSport New Zealand Donkey Grill Trophies National Schools Championship.

Jo Adlam

Race Secretary