Scott McLaughlin will mentor a young Kiwi go-kart racer as part of a new scholarship program launched by Shell V-Power Racing Team partner, Repco.

The program will see the aftermarket automotive retailer assist up-and-coming racers in Australia and New Zealand in conjunction with DJR Team Penske.

McLaughlin has personally chosen 11-year-old Tom Bewley to be the first member of the program, with team-mate Fabian Coulthard to do likewise for another youngster.

“It was only through the assistance of big companies like Repco that I was able to make it all the way through to become a full-time race car driver. Support like this is massively important,” said McLaughlin.

“Being able to mentor Tom as he navigates the world of motorsport, as well as having Repco assist him with funding, will hopefully make a big difference to this talented kid. I’m really looking forward to working with him.”

Wayne Bryant, Executive General Manager for Repco Australia, added, “Motorsport, and assisting young drivers to earn their racing stripes, is part of Repco’s DNA.

“Repco is a brand that is synonymous with Motorsport across the globe, but particularly in Australia and New Zealand.

“With this scholarship, we want to assist the next generation of racers to make their way through the ranks in what can be a difficult and expensive process.

“If this program assists us to unearth the next Scott McLaughlin or Fabian Coulthard, then we will consider it a massive success. We will watch Tom’s progress with great interest.”

Bewley is the son of former Australian Super Touring Championship racer Dwayne, who drove one of the Fastway Peugeots in the two-litre series in the 1990s.

The Hawke’s Bay youngster is excited to be taken under the wing of the 2018 Supercars champion, McLaughlin.

“I love racing, but I know it’s a hard thing for my mum and dad to keep me on the track,” he said.

“With this Repco scholarship, and the great advice from Scott, I feel more confident and prepared than ever.

“Thank you very much to Repco for helping to make my dreams come true. This is going to be awesome.”

McLaughlin is presently the patron of KartSport New Zealand and made a return to competition in the National Sprint Championship meeting at his former home track of Hamilton in Easter of this year.