LATEST NEWS
Hartley’s F1 ride a Starship show catch
Richard Bosselman
August 29, 2025
Multiple world champ’s Toro Rosso set for annual Auckland performance car extravaganza
THE Formula One car that should have but didn’t lend significant points-earning success to a highly-accomplished New Zealand racer will be on display at a charity car show in Auckland soon.
Kiwi racer Brendon Hartley has plenty of silverware from racing - and in particular holds four titles in the highly-arduous World Endurance Racing championship, whose ultimate event, the Le Mans 24 Hours has also been conquered by the Palmerston North-born driver on three occasions, twice with Porsche and once with his current employer, Toyota.
However, his hope was always to break into F1; and that opportunity came midway through 2017, after he rejoined the Red Bull equip that had dropped him at junior level in 2010.
Hartley had won respect from Red Bull’s motorsport manager Dr Helmet Marko by rebuilding his career in the WEC; when his Porsche team announced it would quit the series at the end of 2017, he was offered a drive with Toro Rosso.
It turned out to be a tough gig; and after 18 months and 25 starts, he was out of the world’s premier single seater class.
However, his efforts in the Honda-powered 2018 car were decent, so it’s fitting that’s the one that will be displayed at this year's Starship Supercar Show, joining a replica version of the Porsche 919 he drove to one of his three Le Mans victories.
The car is now in NZ ownership, thought to be held by an ardent fan and supporter of Hartley during his ascendance.
While the Manawatu driver did not enjoy the best of luck in F1, he was still the first Kiwi F1 points-scorer in 44 years. Also worth remembering is that, seven years later, the team is now called Racing Bulls, with compatriot Liam Lawson behind the wheel.
Hartley has told the show promoter: “I wish I could be at this event, it’s the sort of show I dreamed about going to when I was growing up.
“Still, it’s great to have my F1 car there, and even better that Kiwis will be able to get close to it. As a parent, the work that Starship do means more than ever, so to be able to support such an awesome cause is amazing.”
The third edition of the Supercar Show will be on September 20-21 and promises to be the most valuable yet, with a total collection estimated to be worth well over $100 million.
The ultra-rare cars include a pair of Aston Martin Valkyries, a 1964 Lamborghini 400GT, and the only Ferrari SF90XX in New Zealand.
“Our goal is to create an unforgettable experience for car fans of all ages”, said Michael Giltrap, joint managing director - Giltrap Group, and a son of its founder, the late Sir Colin Giltrap.
“Our collection this time spans almost a century, celebrating every era of high-performance cars, from a 1929 Bentley to the space-age McLaren Speedtail.”
Porsche fans will be able to see the covers come off one of the rarest 911s ever built: the 911 GT2 RS Clubsport 25.
Built to celebrate 25 years of victories at Le Mans and record-setting runs at the Nürburgring, the ‘25’ was designed as the ultimate track day and race car. Only 30 were built, and the Supercar Show will feature the only one in the Southern Hemisphere.
The 521kW Porsche will be joined by the latest and most sought-after road-going 911, the S/T, in a motorsport-themed Stuttgart Showcase being created for the show, which raises funds for Starship hospital.
A new look Hall of Hypercars will showcase some of the world's fastest and most desirable cars, with the always popular including a Ferrari F40.
The 2025 Show introduces a new collection dubbed the Rally Gods. The collection features a celebration of the 1980s, including the late Possum Bourne's first Subaru rally car.
The Supercar Show has raised more than $400,000 for the Starship Foundation since 2021. Find out more at www.supercarshow.co.nz