"My dream is to be a race car driver, and this is the perfect next step to becoming a professional race car driver," said the 20-year-old after being confirmed scholarship winner.

The 2021 Kartsport New Zealand Sprint Champion has made a quick impression since graduation to cars, finishing third in a closely fought Toyota 86 Championship in his his sophomore season, "It's a jump from an 86. It's a lot faster. I'm very thankful that I've driven a Porsche a few times, which is also quick. So, I think I'll be able to fit right in and hit the season and hit the first round running."

Giltrap Group Motorsport General Manager Hamish Miller says, "William's a great young man who showed all the qualities we were looking for in a scholarship winner. Aside from his talent on track, he demonstrated a hunger to learn and a genuine desire to keep developing the skills needed to achieve his goals. That's exactly what we want to see from the winner of such a prestigious scholarship that carries one of motorsport's greatest brands."

The Blenheim racer will be looking to repeat the success of Brock Gilchrist, who dominated the GT4 class in last year's GTNZ Championship. While Exton is following in Gilchrist's racing boots, he won't be inheriting his car; instead, Giltrap Group has invested in McLarens all-new Artura GT4 for the programme's second iteration.

"In only its second year, we were overwhelmed by the number and quality of the applications received for the McLaren Junior Scholarship. The success of Brock last season has confirmed the unmatched value of this opportunity for a young racer," says Miller.

As an official Giltrap Group driver, Exton joins Liam Lawson, Shane van Gisbergen, and Matt Payne in sporting the famous black-and-white logo.

With the support of SP Tools, Castrol and McLaren, the Junior Scholarship was introduced as a genuine next step for talented young racers, offering a top-level car and a professional team environment. The project aims to prepare our most promising drivers to take on the world.

Team Manager Owen Evans says, "This is a rare opportunity for any young driver. Because it is fully funded, the only thing we need William to bring is talent; Giltrap Group provides a top car and team that is focused on providing him with the best package to win the GT Championship GT4 class for the second year in a row."

Gilchrist's success since is winning proof of the programme's potential, as he followed up his GMJS drive with an impressive runner-up finish in his debut season in the Australian Michelin Sprint Challenge, followed by a double podium on his Carrera Cup Asia debut.

Exton will make his debut in the SP Tools McLaren at the opening round of the Summerset GT New Zealand Championship at Taupo Motorsport Park on 22 November.