Zeal Jones Racing

Zeal Jones Racing is a professional auto racing team founded by Zeal Jones, a 19-year-old rally driver from South Auckland, New Zealand. Competing in Category 1 of the New Zealand Rally Championship, the team is backed by Smiths and Sons and drives a Skoda Fabia R5. Zeal Jones Racing is a proud member of the Elite Motorsport Academy and the Winmax Junior Driver Program. At Zeal Jones Racing, we are passionate about bringing the thrill of rally racing to our fans. Our team is dedicated to pushing the limits and achieving the ultimate rally experience. Join us for the ride of your life!

Our Journey So Far

2013 - 2020

ZEAL JONES RACING FOUNDED

Zeal started his career in Karting like many young racers at the age of 9 slightly later than usual. He climbed the Junior Categories through rigorous island and national championships. Zeal's finesse was often found in the wet weather conditions which announced his driving style for rallying.

2021 - Present

TEAM EXPANSION AND GROWTH

In 2021, the decision was made to go Rallying. Despite a successful Formula Ford test it was evident to go down this path with Zeal's father's connections and Zeal's driving style. Zeal Jones Racing experienced significant growth and expansion with a new home base. Thus starting with the build of Zeal's old 1993 Subaru Impreza. The car was originally stolen and recovered and Zeal received the car from Speedhub Motorsport to rebuild into rally spec. During lockdown, the majority of the car was built and finished towards the end of 2021. With a delayed debut in 2021 due to covid, Zeal debuted the 1.6 Litre Naturally Aspirated Front Wheel Drive car at Bothwell Loop Rallysprint that year. He went on to campaign that car in the NZRC, till the middle of the season when an engine upgrade was made to 2.0 Litre Turbo Front Wheel Drive. This was proven successful finishing 3rd 2wd at Rally New Zealand and finishing 3rd in the NZRC Rally Challenge 2wd class. With a growing fan base and a reputation for excellence, the team attracted new ideas and expanded its operations to a 4WD team. Most recently in 2023, Zeal Jones Racing launched an attack at the NZRC Rally Challenge title and NZRC Junior Championship. He was successful in defying the odds in the final round winning by 1 point. However, losing the Junior Championship by one point despite winning 3 of the 5 rounds.

Academys

Zeal is proud to be a part of the 2023 Class Elite Motorsport Academy. Zeal was fortunate enough to win the Bruce Mclaren Trophy at the Elite Motorsport Academy camp week and is striving for the overall title which is decided in May.

Zeal has been a part of the Winmax Junior Driver Program for 2 consecutive years running under the guidance of Hayden Paddon. "It is a privilege to be guided in the direction by someone with the highest calibre in the sport and supported by the most trusted brake pad Winmax."