Lawson piloted supercars including an Aston Martin Vulcan, Porsche GT3, and Shane van Gisbergen’s Bathurst-winning Chevrolet Camaro Gen3, with fans enjoying hot laps and charity auctions. The Vulcan laps alone raised $32,650, boosted by support from Shaw and Partners Financial Services.
The day served as a heartfelt tribute to Scott-Gallagher, a close friend of Highlands CEO Josie Spillane, who lost her battle with breast cancer in May 2025 at just 44.
“Yesterday was about more than just racing. It was a powerful tribute to Louise, whose vibrant spirit and kindness touched so many lives,” Spillane said.
“Liam’s generosity in giving us his time helped us raise crucial funds for Breast Cancer Foundation NZ, ensuring her legacy continues to drive real change. We’re overwhelmed by the community’s support and the joy on every face.”
Lawson, who has been an ambassador for the Tony Quinn Foundation since 2021, said he was blown away by the support at the event.
“I can’t believe how many people were here, and how much money was raised,” he said.
“I’ve known Josie and Tony a long time, and was so happy to come and help — and drive the Vulcan, of course!”
Lawson will next headline Round 2 of the Repco NextGen NZ Championship at Hampton Downs, taking place at the Allied Petroleum Hampton Downs International from January 9–11. He will be an off-track drawcard, with autograph sessions and fan interactions, before returning to Europe for Formula 1 pre-season preparations.
“Having him at Hampton Downs in January will be great for local fans to meet our only F1 driver and wish him well before he heads back to Europe for the new season. It will also add another layer to what is already shaping up as an incredible event,” Spillane said.
The Hampton Downs weekend will be Lawson’s only motorsport-related appearance in January before Formula 1 testing begins, adding extra significance for local fans and aspiring young drivers.
Lawson has a strong personal connection to the Toyota single-seater pathway, having contested two seasons of the series — then known as the Toyota Racing Series — in 2019 and 2020. He claimed the title in 2019 with M2 Competition, winning five races and the New Zealand Grand Prix, before finishing runner-up the following year.
Since then, Lawson has progressed through Formula 3 and Formula 2, earning his Formula 1 debut in 2023. His return to Hampton Downs comes as the next generation of Toyota Formula Regional drivers look to follow a similar pathway, including 2025 series champion Arvid Lindblad, who joins the F1 grid this season.
The January event will also feature Round 2 of the Bridgestone GR86 Championship, the NZ Porsche Racing Championship, and the multi-class GTRNZ Series, with all sessions broadcast live across Sky Sport NZ, Fox Sports, and Kayo in Australia, and online via YouTube.
Lawson heads into 2025 off the back of his first full Formula 1 season, where he scored 38 points and finished 14th in the world championship. He has since been re-signed by Racing Bulls for 2026, where he will be joined by Lindblad.
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