Portimão · Portugal · 2026
Niko HewsonRepresenting New Zealandin Portugal
From Rotorua to the world stage
Hi, I'm Niko!
I'm 11 years old and I'm from Rotorua, New Zealand.
I recently earned a ticket to the Rotax Max Challenge Grand Final in Portimão, Portugal, where I'll get the chance to race against some of the best young drivers in the world.
"Winning this ticket definitely wasn't easy. I had to battle through four rounds of racing from February right through to August, competing against some seriously talented drivers to secure my place on the grid."
Born Into Motorsport
My go-karting journey actually started with my older brother, Brad. His passion came from watching our Dad race, and Dad raced because my Poppa raced Superstocks. So, if we're being honest, I was pretty much born into motorsport and didn't really have much choice but to jump into a kart at a young age!
I'm not going to lie, it wasn't always my favourite thing. But over time it grew on me, and now I can't imagine doing anything else. If I'm not in a kart, you'll usually find me on my racing simulator or watching just about any kind of motorsport I can find.
The Journey So Far
Over the years I've raced everything from local club days through to national events in both New Zealand and Australia. Every race has helped me learn, improve, and get one step closer to opportunities like this.
Why I'm Asking For Help
Representing New Zealand at a World Final is an incredible opportunity, but it also comes with a pretty big price tag... or at least that's what Mum and Dad keep reminding me!
That's why I'm asking for a little help. Any support, big or small, will help me get to Portugal and make the most of this amazing opportunity.
Thanks so much for taking the time to read my story. It's always a bit awkward asking for help, but right now I need a bit of a village behind me.
Thank you for being part of my journey! 🏁
- Niko
Wheels Up — 3 November 2026, 2:55pm (NZ Time)
Countdown To Departure
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Days
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Hours
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Minutes
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Seconds
All times shown in New Zealand time (Pacific/Auckland). Counting down to the moment Niko and his family take off from Auckland for Portugal.
The Story So Far
From The Garage To Portugal
Early Years
Growing Up At The Track
Weekends behind the fence watching his big brother Brad race and win.
Age 4
First Seat Time
A first kart in the family garage, and an obsession that never faded.
2023
Brad Represents New Zealand
Brad Hewson raced for New Zealand at the Rotax Grand Finals in Bahrain.
2024
First Time Racing In Australia
City of Melbourne at Todd Road and a Golden Power round at Puckapunyal.
2025
Club To National Racing
Stepping up through regional and national competition in Vortex Mini Rok.
2026
2026 Champion & Grand Finals Ticket
National honours in one of the country's toughest karting classes — and the ticket to represent New Zealand at Portimão, Portugal.
Be Part Of The Journey
Follow along, share the story, or support the campaign if you can. Every bit of help gets Niko closer to the grid in Portugal.
Support The Journey