🚦 Driver Spotlight: Blake Skinner 🚦

For Wellington's Blake Skinner, motorsport isn't just something he watches - it's something he lives and breathes.

Returning for his third IORK campaign, Blake has already shown flashes of serious speed, claiming two heat wins during the 2025 championship. 

While the podium ultimately eluded him last season, those performances proved he has what it takes to run at the front against some of the country's best rental kart racers.

Working as a Vehicle Accessory Fitter, Blake's passion for all things automotive extends well beyond race day. Whether he's working on project cars, keeping up with Formula 1 and the World Endurance Championship, or putting in laps on the simulator, motorsport is never far from his mind.

Inspired by Formula 1 World Champion Max Verstappen, Blake brings a competitive mindset to every event he enters. His karting journey began through a love of cars and Formula 1, and that passion continues to drive him as he chases stronger results each season.

Having raced at tracks throughout New Zealand, including Daytona Adventure Park, X-Karts, ACE Motorsport, and KartSport Rotorua - his favourite circuit - Blake continues to build valuable experience wherever he races.

His goal for 2026 is simple: stand on the IORK podium. After showing race-winning pace last season, he'll be looking to turn that speed into consistency and challenge for top honours in the highly competitive 85–99.9kg category.

With two heat wins already to his name and plenty of unfinished business from last year, Blake has all the ingredients to be one of the drivers to watch at IORK 2026. 

We're looking forward to seeing if he can convert his proven pace into a podium finish this season 🙌

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Commentator Notes

• 22 years old from Wellington.

• Returning for his third IORK appearance.

• Scored two heat wins during the 2025 championship.

• Competes in the 85–99.9kg category.

• Works as a Vehicle Accessory Fitter.

• Motorsport enthusiast with a passion for Formula 1, WEC, sim racing, and project cars.

• Inspired by Max Verstappen.

• Favourite track is KartSport Rotorua.

• Goal for 2026 is to secure his first IORK podium.

• Has already shown race-winning speed; consistency could be the key to a breakthrough result.