My Story
2015
KartingIt all started in 2015, not with a grand plan, but with a dad looking for something fun to do with his son while Mum was busy studying. When my brother joined, two competitive kids on the same track meant the stopwatch came out fast. I became obsessed with going faster, turning lap after lap. The fire was already lit.
2016
KartingTook my first steps into racing through club days, gradually building confidence and dropping lap times. By year's end, my dad and I decided 2017 would mark the transition to proper series competition.
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2017–2018
Karting: Real CompetitionThis was the year things got serious. I entered my first Goldstar Championship in Cadet Rok and set the Kartsport Taranaki lap record, a record that still stands today. I claimed the 2018 championship and earned my first international experience at the City of Melbourne titles in Australia.
2019–2021
Formula FirstAfter a Formula First test with Sabre Motorsport impressed the team owner, I committed to cars. I won the 2021 Formula First Winter Series at Manfeild, proof I was ready to step up, despite COVID-related disruptions along the way.
2022–2023
Formula FordWon the Formula Ford Winter Series on debut. The North Island Championship went all the way to the wire, decided on the very last lap of the very last race, finishing runner-up. My first NZ FF Championship attempt yielded 6th.
2024
The Year That Wasn'tRather than turning up underprepared, we made the hard call to sit the season out. Budget constraints and mechanical issues prompted strategic rest, and ultimately valuable regrouping time before the championship year.
2025
NZ Formula Ford ChampionSeven wins from 14 races. A 50% win rate. 10 podiums. Clinched the title with a race remaining, finishing 131 points clear and claiming the Morrie Smith Memorial Trophy.
2025
Rodin Cars Formula Ford to Formula 1 ProgrammeSelected as championship winner for the Rodin evaluation at Mt Lyford. Tested a McLaren 570s GT4, F4 and F3 car. Named top graduate, earning a European trip, simulator time and F4 testing with Rodin Motorsport.
2026
GT4 Australia · Miedecke MotorsportSigned with Miedecke Motorsport, Ford's factory GT4 team, to campaign the 2026 Monochrome Australian GT4 Championship in a Ford Mustang GT4, sharing with Cooper Cutts.
Testimonials
Glenn Mason
Director, Syndicate Motorsport
“It’s been a real pleasure working with Blake Dowdall this season. From day one he’s impressed us both on and off the track. He’s calm, composed, and smart in his approach — taking feedback on board, learning quickly, delivering consistent performance. Off track he’s been just as valuable: humble, hard-working, driven for the right reasons, and never afraid to do the jobs that don’t get the spotlight. We’ve been extremely impressed and are excited to see where his journey takes him next.”
Bryan Hartley
Motorsport Mentor · Father of Brendon Hartley (F1 / WEC)
Photo: Brendon Hartley — Bryan doesn’t like the camera very much!
“Blake has shown himself to be one of the young drivers with huge potential — from the kart track right through to Formula Ford. Of particular note is his ability to provide quality, detailed feedback on the car and setup to the crew, and he does this in a considered and respectful way. Blake is always enthusiastic and has been his own driving force behind his motorsport pursuits. I wish him all the very best for his next step.”
Stuart Moulding
Sponsor & Owner, Civiltrain.nz
“We have partnered with drivers including Scott McLaughlin, Chaz Mostert and Andre Heimgartner, and we are careful with who we pick to represent our brand. Blake is a natural fit — we only back winners. We only back drivers who show talent, but more importantly fit with our values. Lookout for this up and coming star: he’s blindingly quick and not afraid to send it.”
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