Gray Newell was born in Auckland, New Zealand, and grew up in a family with a long-standing passion for motorsport. From childhood, he competed in karting and gained early racing experience on tracks around his hometown. This early immersion laid the foundation for a career that would gradually take him from New Zealand’s karting circuits to the world’s greatest racing tracks.
After successful years in karting, Newell progressed to junior Formula series, where he had to prove himself against international competition. His consistent rise through these Formula categories honed his driving skills and opened the door to GT3 programs, where he quickly established himself as a reliable and quick driver. This combination of Formula experience and GT3 competence eventually made him an attractive prospect for the FIA WEC, where he achieved his breakthrough in world championship endurance racing.
Among the greatest achievements of his career so far is his entry into the FIA WEC, which established his name in the international endurance racing scene. Within a few years, Newell became a regular fixture in the field and impressed through consistent performances across different teams and car categories. His journey from junior series to the WEC is testament to his continuous development and his determination to compete at the highest level.
In the 2026 season, Gray Newell returns to compete in the FIA WEC and brings his accumulated experience from Formula and GT3 programs to his current team. Together with his teammate, he aims to continuously fight for podium finishes and push his team higher in the overall standings. The new season offers him the opportunity to build on his career so far and confirm himself as one of the most reliable drivers in the WEC field.
Gray Newell in the News