Rianna O’Meara-Hunt: A Kiwi Racer’s Ascent

Kiwi Driver Eyes F1 Academy as Path to Le Mans Dream

Donington Park, UK – New Zealand racing sensation Chloe O’Meara-Hunt is accelerating her pursuit of a historic motorsport goal: becoming the first Kiwi woman to compete in the grueling 24 Hours of Le Mans. However,the path to the iconic endurance race is shifting,leading her to focus on securing a coveted spot in the F1 Academy for 2026.

O’Meara-Hunt, recently selected for the Aston Martin driver academy in early 2024, acknowledges the intensifying competition as she climbs the ranks.”It’s been a year of connecting with people and businesses to build this dream,” she stated, recognizing the need for strategic partnerships to fuel her ambition.

Initially envisioning a direct route to Le Mans, O’Meara-Hunt’s outlook evolved late last year with the emergence of F1 Academy as a potentially faster track. Several teams have expressed interest, but a crucial prerequisite remains: gaining substantial single-seater racing experience.

“My eyes got opened to the idea of F1 Academy last year in about November,” O’Meara-Hunt explained. “I had a few teams show interest but I need to get the single seater experience before they can say, ‘yeah, you’re in’.”

This month, O’Meara-Hunt will undertake vital test sessions at Donington Park, a legendary UK circuit, aiming to demonstrate her capabilities and attract further sponsorship. The backing of sponsors is critical to funding the necessary testing and progress required to compete at the F1 Academy level.

O’Meara-Hunt’s determination reflects a broader trend within motorsport: the increasing prominence of dedicated pathways like F1 Academy for emerging female talent. Launched in 2023, the series provides a platform for women drivers to hone their skills and compete for opportunities within the Formula 1 ecosystem.

Her journey also underscores the evolving landscape of motorsport, where adaptability and a willingness to explore alternative routes are essential for success. While Le Mans remains the ultimate objective, O’Meara-Hunt is embracing the challenges and opportunities presented by F1 Academy.

“Kiwis can do very cool things in sport, and we’ve proven that for a very long time,” she affirmed, embodying the spirit of innovation and resilience that defines New Zealand’s sporting legacy.

O’meara-Hunt’s story is a testament to the dedication and ambition required to break barriers in a traditionally male-dominated field, and her progress will be closely watched by motorsport fans both in New Zealand and around the globe.

This story was originally published at Newsroom.co.nz and is republished with permission.

What specific karting championships did Rianna O’Meara-Hunt compete in to earn her national titles?

Early Motorsport Beginnings & Karting Success

Rianna O’Meara-Hunt, a rising star in the world of motorsport, hails from New Zealand and has quickly become a name to watch in both national and international racing circuits. Her journey began,as many top drivers’ do,in karting. Starting at a young age, she demonstrated a natural talent and competitive spirit, quickly progressing through the ranks.

Early Karting Years: Rianna competed in various karting championships across New Zealand, consistently achieving podium finishes and race wins.This foundational experience honed her racecraft, car control, and understanding of racing strategy.

national Championship Titles: She secured multiple national karting titles, establishing herself as a dominant force in the junior categories. These early successes laid the groundwork for her transition to more advanced racing disciplines.

Developing Fundamental Skills: Karting provided invaluable experience in areas like overtaking, defending, and adapting to changing track conditions – skills crucial for success in any form of motorsport.

Transition to Formula Racing: Formula First & Beyond

Recognizing her potential, Rianna transitioned from karting to formula racing. This move presented new challenges, requiring her to adapt to the increased speed, downforce, and complexity of single-seater race cars.

Formula First: Her initial foray into formula racing was in the Formula First category,a popular stepping stone for young Kiwi drivers. She quickly adapted, showcasing her ability to learn and improve rapidly.

Toyota 86 Championship: A significant step in her career came with participation in the Toyota 86 Championship, a highly competitive series known for developing future stars. This series exposed her to a larger audience and more challenging competition.

Gaining Experience: The Toyota 86 Championship provided Rianna with crucial experience in race management, working with engineers, and understanding the nuances of a professional racing team.

W Series & International Recognition

Rianna’s talent didn’t go unnoticed internationally.Her performance in New Zealand caught the attention of W Series, an all-female single-seater racing championship designed to provide opportunities for female drivers to progress their careers.

W Series Entry: In 2022, Rianna secured a full-time seat in the W Series, becoming one of the few new Zealanders to compete in the championship. This marked a pivotal moment in her career, offering a platform to race against some of the world’s best female racing drivers.

Notable Performances: Throughout her time in W Series, Rianna consistently demonstrated her speed and skill, achieving several top-ten finishes and showcasing her potential for podium contention.

Increased Visibility: W Series provided Rianna with significant media exposure, raising her profile and attracting potential sponsors and opportunities.

Challenges and Overcoming Obstacles in Motorsport

Like any aspiring racer,Rianna has faced challenges throughout her career. Motorsport is a demanding and expensive sport, requiring dedication, resilience, and a strong support network.

Funding Challenges: Securing adequate funding is a constant hurdle for young drivers. rianna has actively sought sponsorship and explored various fundraising avenues to support her racing ambitions.

Competition: The level of competition in motorsport is incredibly high. Rianna has consistently faced talented and well-funded rivals, requiring her to push her limits and continually improve.

Physical and Mental Demands: racing is physically and mentally taxing. Rianna prioritizes fitness and mental planning to ensure she is at her best on race day.

Future aspirations & Career Goals

Rianna O’Meara-Hunt remains focused on achieving her long-term goals in motorsport. She is determined to continue progressing through the ranks and ultimately compete at the highest levels of the sport.

Supercars Ambitions: A potential future pathway for Rianna could be a move into Australian Supercars, a popular and competitive touring car series.

International GT Racing: Another avenue for exploration is GT racing, where she could leverage her skills and experience in high-performance sports cars.

Continued W Series Participation (if revived): Should the W series resume,Rianna would undoubtedly be a strong contender for the championship title.

Inspiring the Next Generation: Rianna is passionate about inspiring young girls and women to pursue their dreams in motorsport, serving as a role model and advocate for greater diversity in the sport.

Rianna O’Meara-Hunt: Key Stats & Achievements

| Achievement | Year | Series |

|—|—|—|

| Multiple National Karting Titles | Various | New Zealand Karting Championships |

| Toyota 86 Championship Competitor | 2019-2021 | Toyota 86 Championship |

| W Series Full-Time Driver | 2022-2023 | W Series |

| Top-Ten Finishes | 2022-2023 | W Series |

Supporting Rianna: Sponsorship & Fan Engagement

Fans and potential sponsors can support Rianna’s racing journey through various channels.

* Social Media: Follow Rianna on