PENINSULA resident Mathew Basso has secured the Wolfbrook Motorsport Foundation Scholarship after winning races, taking podium finishes and earning runner-up honours in the Australian Rookie Championship.
Basso, who is 16 years old, will be setting off to New Zealand next month to drive in the Bridgestone Toyota GR86 Championship.
The Woodleigh School student has just returned from the Gold Coast 500, where he finished his debut season in the Aussie Racing Cars Championship with second overall for the weekend and first in the Rookie class.
“The Gold Coast was such a fun way to finish the season, even with the crazy weather! To come away with another podium and finish second in the Rookie Championship was pretty special,” said Mathew.
“I’ve learnt so much this year, especially racing against some really experienced drivers. The team at Corish Motorsport has been amazing, and I’m really grateful to everyone who’s helped me get here.”
Basso raced in his #81 Ford Mustang and finished runner-up in the Rookie Championship, despite missing the opening round because he was too young to compete.
His rookie season included multiple podium finishes, two race victories, and an outright round win at The Bend Motorsport Park, where he also claimed Rookie Round honours.
Basso began racing at eight years old and has since become a Victorian State Champion and four-time Australasian Kart Champion.
Since moving into car racing, he has competed in Formula Vee, Formula Ford and Aussie Racing Cars, balancing a demanding racing and training schedule with his Year 10 studies.
Earlier this year, he competed in the New Zealand Formula Ford Championship, finishing fifth overall in his rookie season and securing his first international podium.
Now, thanks to the Wolfbrook Motorsport Foundation, he will return to New Zealand to compete in the Bridgestone Toyota GR86 Championship with James Marshall Motorsport.
The scholarship, established by Wolfbrook Director Steve Brooks, provides NZ$50,000 towards championship running costs, which helps young drivers overcome financial barriers.
“I’m absolutely stoked and so grateful to Steve Brooks and everyone at the Wolfbrook Motorsport Foundation for believing in me,” said Basso.
“To have this opportunity to race in New Zealand again is amazing. It’s a completely different car and another big learning curve, but I can’t wait to get started, work with James Marshall Motorsport and hopefully be racing up the front.”
Alongside his racing achievements, Basso has built a following on social media and shares his experiences across TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook.
He has over 100,000 followers across his social media platforms and is introducing motorsport to a new generation of fans.
Basso acknowledged those who have helped him on his journey, including the support of local businesses such as Tyrepower Mornington, whose backing has helped him continue competing at a national level while pursuing overseas opportunities.
“I’m really proud to represent the Mornington Peninsula, my school and everyone back home who’s supported me along the way,” said Basso.
Basso’s championship campaign will begin at Taupō International Motorsport Park on 13–15 November 2026, before continuing across New Zealand’s leading motorsport circuits over the summer.
First published in the Frankston Times – 10 November 2026