London based online FX, CFDs and spreadbetting broker CMC Markets Plc (LON:CMCX) has announced it has stepped on board as lead sponsor for 17-year-old motorsport racing prodigy Peter Vodanovich, as he gets set to take part in the 2018-19 Toyota 86 Championship season.
Currently in Year 13 at St Kentigern College in Pakuranga, Vodanovich is one of New Zealand’s youngest and fastest rising motorsport talents, having embarked on his racing career in mid-2017.
While most other racers traditionally start out behind the wheel of a go-kart, Vodanovich took a more unorthodox route – learning to race via a PlayStation simulator, from when he was 15 years old.
After securing a number of simulated wins, Vodanovich transitioned to real-life track racing – and within his debut year had picked up multiple accolades, including Scholarship Winner of the Ssang Yong Racing Series, as well as titles at the 2K Cup and the BMW E30 Series Rookie Season.
In May 2018, Vodanovich was one of eight Race and Rally competitors invited to join the prestigious Elite Motorsport Academy, an annual programme exclusive to the top rising racing drivers in New Zealand.
For CMC Markets, the sponsorship marks an extension of their commitment to support ambitious young Kiwis in achieving their goals, which has included a 12 year partnership with Variety – The Children’s Charity, as sponsors of the Gold Heart Scholarship programme.
Chris Smith
Chris Smith, General Manager at CMC Markets New Zealand, said:
Peter is a brilliant example of a young Kiwi who has shown exceptional passion and drive in reaching his ambitions. To have achieved so much in such a short period is to be congratulated. We wish Peter all the best for the 2018-19 Championship season, and look forward to being part of his journey.
Peter Vodanovich added:
Since I began this journey just over a year ago, everything has really been a dream ride. I’m incredibly humbled and grateful for CMC Markets’ support, and through my successes, I hope I can be an inspiration and show that with determination and passion, anything is possible.
Taking place over seven races between November 2018 and April 2019, the Toyota 86 Championship helps upcoming race drivers sharpen their skills, and gives them the opportunity to compete on some of New Zealand’s leading race circuits and the winner gets a chance to compete in the Australian series in 2019.