KEY POINTS:
The company which set motorsport hero Scott Dixon on the fast track to success has gone into liquidation, but only because its job is done.
The syndicate headed by Auckland motorsport enthusiast Peter (PJ) Johnston is concentrating on youngsters hoping to follow in Dixon's slipstream - and the Indy 500 winner is among new investors.
Palmerston North's Brendon Hartley is already benefiting from the group of Kiwi backers, last week competing in a British Formula 3 race.
Brendon Hartley Motorsport has replaced Scott Dixon Motorsport, which went into liquidation last week.
Hartley, 18, now based in England, said it was difficult to find sponsors in the motorsport, particularly in the early days.
"I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for them. To have people who are prepared to help you is amazing."
Hartley has been based in Europe since he was 15, thanks to the syndicate.
This season hasn't gone well in terms of performance. "But I'm looking to turn that around," he said.
Riding the highs and the lows is all part of the business for the Kiwi backers. The investors, who include Johnston, millionaire car dealer Colin Giltrap and motorsport enthusiasts Craig Harris and Nelson Marshall, were repaid the $1 million they put up for Dixon, and an undisclosed return, but say they don't do it for the money.
"We're just trying to help young New Zealanders through into the international world," Johnston said.
"We do it because we are passionate about motorsport and helping a Kiwi."
The young hopefuls they backed all understood the money would be repaid if they ever made it big. "If they don't, we don't mind if we lose our money."
Johnston said enthusiasts could pick kids with "X-factor", such as 13-year-old Mitchell Evans, son of long-time Porsche racer Owen Evans, who won all of his three races at his first Formula Ford meeting earlier this month.
The syndicate is supporting four other youngsters, including one competing in American speedway.
Before they left New Zealand they were put through special training to help them compete internationally.
