Currently competing in the NZ Formula First Championship, 17-year-old Mullany will contest the F4 category which uses identical cars run by well-known motorsport team, KCMG. These F4 single-seaters feature an all-new hybrid-system similar to what is in use in Formula 1 at present.
Kahia has experience in a range of race categories including Formula First and SsangYong Utes domestically and Asian Formula BMW andFormula 4 South East Asia. Now the talented 23-year-old has been confirmed to compete in the Touring Car category at the FIA Motorsport Games, which uses the worldwide TCR format. Kahia will be driving an Audi RS3 LMS run by experienced Belgium team, Cometoyou Racing.
“We are fortunate to have an abundance of talent in New Zealand so selecting the drivers wasn’t an easy choice,” says Wayne Christie, MotorSport NZ President. “Ultimately we see both these young men as up-and-coming stars and this offers them an opportunity to get a taste of international racing and competition on a level playing field.”
Mullany, a student at Western Springs College, is excited and ready for the challenge. “I am feeling very positive about this event and am very excited to be able to compete at such a level of racing that's recognised worldwide. The chance to compete and get a good result at the FIA MotorSport Games gives me the chance to hopefully be recognised by teams higher up in the motorsports ladder.”
Kahia, who is currently working as a Parts Assistant at Giltrap Audi, echoes Mullany’s words. “I’m very much looking forward to driving the TCR car and to compete at Vallelunga in Rome. The track looks awesome, with some fast, flowing sections so it will be a real challenge but something that I am looking forward to. The whole event is going to be fantastic and great to be part of and it will let us showcase our skills on a world stage on level footing.”
Additional competitors may join ‘Team New Zealand’ with MotorSport NZ in ongoing discussions regarding possible entrants for other categories of the 2019 FIA Motorsport Games.