From Cricket Pitches to the Racetrack: Grace Hayden’s Bold New Chapter in Motorsport
Grace Hayden, a familiar face to nearly 900,000 followers across Instagram and TikTok, is making a significant career pivot, swapping the cricket crease for the roar of engines. The 23-year-old has officially joined the Fox Sports broadcast team for the Shannons SpeedSeries, a prestigious competition showcasing high-octane GT cars from renowned manufacturers like Porsche, Ferrari, and Mercedes. This move marks a striking departure from her established presence in the world of cricket and horse racing.
Hayden’s journey to this new role has been nothing short of dynamic. She first captured the attention of millions of cricket enthusiasts through her extensive coverage of the Indian Premier League (IPL) for Star Sports in India, and also featured prominently in broadcasts of Australia’s popular Big Bash League. Her talent for engaging audiences and her natural on-camera presence were quickly recognised.
Her foray into the sports media landscape began with horse racing. Hayden landed her initial significant opportunity as Channel Seven’s Oaks Day ambassador in 2022. This role served as a springboard, leading to further work with Seven’s dedicated racing team. She also secured a leading presenter position with Racing X, a digital platform based in Hong Kong, further broadening her international sports reporting experience.
This new role with the Shannons SpeedSeries sees Hayden immersed in the thrilling world of motorsport. She’ll be part of a seasoned broadcast team, joined by Bathurst 1000 winner Nick Percat, and experienced motorsport presenters Greg Rust and Chris Stubbs. Their collective expertise promises to deliver comprehensive and engaging coverage of the competition.
Ben McMellan, CEO of SRO Motorsports Australia, expressed his enthusiasm for Hayden’s appointment. “Bringing in Nick Percat and Grace Hayden will inject new life into the series with fresh ideas, and it will go a long way in assisting the Shannons SpeedSeries’ growth,” he stated, highlighting the anticipation for the fresh perspectives the new talent will bring to the series.
The SpeedSeries competition itself is a high-calibre event. It features a range of powerful GT cars, bringing together some of the most exciting names in automotive performance. The series aims to provide thrilling racing action for fans, and Hayden’s involvement is expected to broaden its appeal to a wider audience.
Beyond her professional life, Grace Hayden is also in a high-profile relationship. She is currently dating Wilson Statham, the son of prominent Queensland cotton magnates Danielle and David Statham. The couple made their relationship public at the Randwick races in 2024 and have been seen together on several occasions, including a public outing at a Sydney pub a month later. Wilson’s parents are the driving force behind Sundown Pastoral Company, a vast family-owned cotton and cropping enterprise that spans an impressive 70,000 hectares across Queensland and northern New South Wales, underscoring the Statham family’s significant agricultural influence.
Interestingly, Grace Hayden, the daughter of cricketing legend Matthew Hayden, never initially envisioned a career in sports media. She admits that life has taken an unexpected turn. “I never thought life would take me in this direction,” she revealed. “I was always super sporty. (I) tried every sport growing up, and I’ve always loved being in front of the camera.” This innate passion for both sport and performance has clearly served her well.
Her father’s illustrious cricket career played a pivotal role in shaping her interests, particularly her fascination with India. “He used to bring home spices and we would cook Indian food together,” she recalled. This early exposure blossomed into a deeper connection. “Then I started visiting myself for the IPL and embraced the fashion, the people, the energy. It’s different from Australia, but it feels like home.” This personal connection to India undoubtedly contributed to her success in covering the IPL.
Hayden’s career trajectory demonstrates a remarkable ability to adapt and excel across different sporting disciplines. Her move into motorsport is a testament to her versatility and her growing influence in the sports broadcasting arena. With her engaging personality and growing expertise, Grace Hayden is poised to make a significant impact on the Shannons SpeedSeries and the wider world of motorsport television. Her journey from the cricket field to the racetrack is a compelling narrative of ambition, talent, and a genuine love for sport in all its forms.
