Baypark Speedway

08/07/2025

https://bayparkspeedway.co.nz/ross-ashby-racing-through-the-baypark-eras-one-mans-story-of-speed-loyalty-and-legacy/

"We're excited to announce that we're uploading all our 'Message to Tauranga' stories from the past 8 weeks to our website, which we now have back and are gearing up for the upcoming season!

Easily find all 17 stories by visiting the news section on our website at www.bayparkspeedway.co.nz."

Ross Ashby is more than just a driver – he’s a keeper of Baypark’s legacy. From the grassroots grit of Read more

05/07/2025

Congratulations to our Baypark Speedway representatives who received awards last night at the annual Speedway New Zealand Awards; you have done us proud and it is well deserved.

Todd Hemingway CCM - Chris Cowling Motorsport and Brendan Pratt.

03/07/2025

From NZ Champion Todd Hemingway

🚨FUNDRAISER NIGHT!🚨
I’m on a mission to get to the Brisca F1 Stock Car World Final in the UK 🇬🇧 – and I need your help to get there!

We’re throwing a Fundraiser Night at World’s End Bar & Restaurant, and it’s going to be a good one.
🎟️ Tickets are just $20 each – grab yours now by email or simply private message me and come along for a great night supporting a young Kiwi taking on the world!

We’re also on the hunt for raffle prizes or sponsorship, so if you or your business can donate something (big or small), it would be hugely appreciated.

Let’s make this dream a reality – see you there! 🙌

03/07/2025

"Get ready for the ultimate showdown at Baypark Speedway!

🏁 Join us for the most thrilling Midget Car race in New Zealand this season, featuring two nights of non-stop action on January 16-17th, 2026.
Witness the quest to crown New Zealand's finest Midget Car racer. Don't miss out on this epic championship battle!"
🇳🇿🏁🇳🇿🏁🇳🇿🏁🇳🇿🏁🇳🇿🏁

01/07/2025

🏁Baypark Speedway: The Beating Heart of Tauranga Faces an Uncertain Future🏁
🔸The soundtrack to summer nights for decades has always been Baypark Speedway🔹

As Tauranga City Council weighs options that could see the speedway close, the local community is speaking out. For three dedicated fans—Melissa Edwards, Lance Somervell, and Melissa Jane—the possibility of losing Baypark is not just sad. It’s unthinkable.

This is our final message to Tauranga. Thanks to everyone who took part in this series, and took the time to get their voices heard

🔸This place has become part of our family’s life.

Melissa Edwards, a devoted Speedway supporter, knows firsthand how deeply the venue is woven into local lives. For her family, Baypark isn’t just an event on the calendar—it’s therapy, community, and joy.
“Baypark Speedway means a lot to our family,” she says. “Our 16-year-old daughter Taylah, who has autism, lives in Speedway! She’s one of the first fans at the gate ready for opening, and she heads straight to the pits.”
Melissa describes what the place means for Taylah’s sense of belonging.
“It’s become part of our family’s life. She’s built strong relationships with drivers and staff there. If Baypark were to close, it would be deeply upsetting. It’s not just about watching cars go round a track—it’s about the people, the acceptance, and the smiles on her face when a driver comes and sits near her or gives her a shout-out over the commentary.”
She remembers so many of those special moments: “There have been MANY memorable moments. Taylah just lights up. You can’t replace that.”

🔹Motorsport is in our blood.

Lance Somervell grew up with racing in his DNA. He remembers the old Baypark, long before the modern facility was built.
“Motorsport has always been part of my upbringing,” he says. “Our family travelled all over NZ, competing and spectating in all sorts of two- and four-wheeled sports. I have great memories of the original Baypark—sitting on a blanket, eating hot chips while watching stock cars.”
He was gutted when the old track closed the very year he got his driver’s licence. When the ‘new’ Baypark opened, it became a magnet for mates, who’d surf all day and catch racing at night.
“Now I continue that tradition and take my kids. My teens can meet up with their mates and walk around, get food, watch racing, even help someone’s Ministock team in the pits. As parents, we know they’re not cruising around town getting into trouble on a Saturday night.”
For Lance, Baypark isn’t just a racetrack; it’s social glue.
“Baypark is a safe, family-friendly venue that provides non-stop entertainment. As a business owner, we even got to partner in small ways with drivers and teams, so we had a real vested interest. We met great people and made friends we’d never have met except via Baypark Speedway.”

🔸This place is home.

Melissa Jane describes Baypark as part of her very identity.
“This place has been home for me since the blue-chip era,” she says. “Since rugby was played on the grass, right through to now seeing it filled with water and tarmac—not to mention the most entertaining, thrilling dirt-track racing New Zealand has to offer.”
She talks about how generations of her family have shared the experience.
“It’s brought my Nanan, my Mum, Aunty, and cousins along throughout the years. I’ve been extremely privileged to have shared a sport with them that I love and adore. I want Baypark Speedway to continue for many years to come. I’ve not only created incredible memories but also special friendships through the years.
“This place is a home to so many; my family is just one. If Baypark Speedway closes, I lose the chance to continue making those friendships and memories with family—but we also lose our home.”
Her partner is heavily involved, too.
“He runs within the F2 class and has been both an A-Grade midget and F2 midget driver for the past 12 years he is the current Aotearoa champion—which wouldn’t have happened without this track and its team. The F2 class is growing, with amazing support from the promotions team. It’s only going to get bigger. If Baypark closes, our choices are extremely limited for a fast, thrilling racetrack. Baypark needs to stay!”

🔹Can Tauranga afford to lose this?

All three fans are united: the answer is a resounding no.
Melissa Edwards points to Tauranga’s rapidly growing population and cost-of-living pressures.
“No, because the cost of building another facility would be ridiculous,” she says. “Especially when council rates are already extremely high. It’s central to Tauranga, Mount Maunganui, and the surrounding areas. You can’t just replace it.”
Lance Somervell is even more emphatic.
“Tauranga cannot afford to lose Baypark,” he says flatly. “If the site were to be repurposed, we would never get a speedway again. The urban spread, the over-inflated land values—it’s just not viable to build another one.
“With hundreds of houses going up every year, we need exciting options for things to do. Not everyone wants to walk around the Mount or go to a museum. And if we want to encourage socially acceptable car enthusiasts, we can’t get rid of this huge asset.”
Melissa Jane sums it up in three words: “Simple answer... No.” She points out Baypark’s extraordinary versatility.
“It’s beyond versatile. Where else in New Zealand is there a central hub for families where you can have dirt racing, drifting, Jet sprints, Pacific festivals, and even bring back a rugby field if we wanted? That’s five different activities in one venue. Tauranga cannot afford to lose the revenue from all of these.”

🔸Memories That Define a Community

Each of these fans has personal highlights they hold dear.
Melissa Edwards cherishes seeing her daughter’s joy.
“Taylah loves getting shoutouts over the commentary, and it’s happened many times about her favourite drivers,” she says. “Seeing the smile on her face when they come and sit with her—that’s priceless.”
Lance remembers competing himself in a demolition derby at Baypark.
“Being in the thick of the action, on the clay oval I’d watched so many great racers compete on—it was a sensory overload. The noise, the crunch of cars hitting me, the thrill of seeing the fans in the grandstands. That’s something any fan can do. And it’s so easy because we have a home track right here in Tauranga.”
For Melissa Jane, it’s the people who made it special—especially one unforgettable driver.
“The fact you’ve asked me to choose just one memory is cruel,” she laughs. “But for me, Graeme ‘Skinny’ Colson is the fondest. I’ve never met such an amazing man on and off the track. From winning features to doing celebratory donuts, to climbing the fence like a madman for the chequered flag. I was 10 years old the first time I saw him do this, and I was there for his last race. It will be with me forever.”

🔹It's More Than Just a Racetrack

For these fans, speedway isn’t just entertainment; it’s a key part of Tauranga’s identity, culture, and economy.
Lance says Baypark is “a visual icon standing proud” at the gateway to the Mount.
“It’s a locator beacon. It’s one of the premier speedways in all of New Zealand. Every season, hundreds of Auckland-based racers travel to compete here because of the high calibre of racing. All these teams spend money on fuel, food, and accommodation.
“Tauranga also has many businesses that build speedway cars, sell parts, or sponsor drivers. Without a track here, they’d go under—or move to other cities.
“Car culture is woven through every generation here. Without Baypark, we’d lose not just racing but drifting, car shows, and freestyle motocross events. Crowds don’t want to travel out of town for those. And all the hospitality businesses that benefit? They’d feel it too.”
Melissa Edwards agrees.
“It brings money into the city. Drivers and fans visit shops, supermarkets, and accommodation. There are a lot of rev heads around here, and they all know the local drivers. It’s a huge boost for Tauranga.”

🔹A Message to the Council:

Don’t Take This Away all three have clear, heartfelt messages for Tauranga City Council.
Melissa Edwards pleads on behalf of families like hers.
“Please don’t take Baypark Speedway away from the fans. There’s not much for our kids here when it comes to motorsport. Taylah and other kids on the autism spectrum don’t have many places to go where they feel included. This would hurt many families like ours.”
Lance Somervell urges council to see the big picture.
“Baypark is underutilised for automotive activities. I don’t know if its BVL holding the reins so tightly, but speedway isn’t allowed to run enough meetings.
“It’s a hub for legitimate petrolhead events and needs to stay exactly where it is. My old man used to say, ‘If a kid is addicted to motorsport, they can’t afford booze or drugs.’ Someone needs to focus on and expand upon the positives of Baypark Speedway, instead of trying to get rid of a multi-generational resource recognised nationally as a top-shelf venue.”
Melissa Jane’s message is blunt and emotional.
“How would you feel if someone came along and took away the passion you’ve grown up loving? How would you feel taking away the chance for children to enjoy the sport their parents did? How would you feel taking away generations’ worth of memories—with more to come?”

🔹Conclusion: A Community Worth Listening To

Baypark Speedway isn’t just a track. It’s family. It’s history. It’s a rare place of belonging in an increasingly busy, impersonal city.
For Melissa Edwards, Lance Somervell, and Melissa Jane, it’s simple: Tauranga can’t afford to lose Baypark Speedway. Not now. Not ever.
As the Council debates its future, they hope those in charge will remember it’s not just about land use or dollars. It’s about people. It’s about community. It’s about home.

30/06/2025

🏁Holly Williams: Fighting for the Heart of Baypark Speedway🏁

Baypark Speedway is more than just a clay oval—it’s a place where rivalries burn brightly, and generations gather under lights for that unmistakable roar of engines on a summer night.
Few know that better than Holly Williams, one of New Zealand’s most respected female Sprintcar drivers and a true fan favourite at Baypark. As a lifelong racer who grew up at the track, Holly speaks passionately about why this venue deserves its place at the centre of Bay of Plenty’s sporting culture.
“Baypark Speedway has been around since 1967, it's where generations of families have been brought up, and fans look forward to a Saturday night at Baypark Speedway. It’s more than just a track—it’s a place where talent is found, families come together, and our sport’s legacy is built. As one of the few female drivers in the field, I’m proud to represent Baypark and believe it deserves its place as a key part of the Bay of Plenty’s sporting and cultural identity.”

For Holly, the history is personal. It’s not just nostalgia, but a living legacy she feels every time she puts on the helmet and straps in. She knows that this place has shaped not only her career but the dreams of countless young drivers and the loyalty of fans who return season after season.

Yet now, the mood has turned sombre. Even considering the possibility of closure hits hard.
“Honestly, the idea of losing Baypark is heartbreaking. It’s been such a cornerstone in my journey—not just where I race, but where I’ve grown, built relationships, and pushed myself to new limits. Baypark is one of the best open-wheel venues in New Zealand, and to think we might lose this is very sad for our speedway community and fans.”
She doesn’t sugarcoat the risk. For Holly, losing Baypark wouldn’t just mean fewer races on the calendar. It would mean ripping out the heart of a vibrant, dedicated community that rallies around the sport.

Holly also sees Baypark as having transformed in recent years—modernising, improving the fan experience, and reconnecting with the community in meaningful ways. She believes it’s proof of what can be achieved when you invest in the sport and the people who love it.
“Baypark has come together in the last couple of years in terms of bringing the fans back to watch our sport. I think adding bits like the fan zone is a great way for drivers to interact with the public and give them someone to cheer on and come back again and again. For years, it’s been the go-to destination for generations of families who live and breathe speedway. Lifelong friendships are formed in the pits and stands, and where we all come together for the love of the sport. It’s more than competition—it’s our second home during the summer.”

That connection to the fans is vital. Holly knows that drivers don’t just race for trophies, but for the crowd that cheers them on, the families who fill the stands, and the kids who dream of one day racing there too.
It’s a bond that runs deep for Holly personally as well. She’s keenly aware of how the track has shaped her, not just in skill behind the wheel, but in character.
“Since starting my speedway journey at 12 years old in Ministocks, Baypark has helped shape me into a confident and resilient driver. Although its still a work in progress!! The calibre of competition and the support of the people here have constantly challenged me to raise my game.”
That mix of tough competition and community spirit has made her the driver she is today—one who is fiercely proud of the venue that raised her.

It’s also why she’s unafraid to speak directly to those who hold Baypark’s future in their hands. She knows what’s at stake.
“To decision-makers, young racers, and our loyal fans: Baypark isn’t just a venue—it’s a legacy. If we lose it, we risk losing a space that inspires our young drivers dreams and our fans their Saturday night thrill. Let’s protect what brings so many of us together and gives Tauranga a proud place on the motorsport map.”

For Holly Williams, the case is clear. Baypark Speedway is more than dirt, walls and grandstands. It’s a living, breathing part of Tauranga’s identity—one she’s determined to defend. And in her words lies the heartfelt rallying cry of an entire speedway community that refuses to see the lights go out on the place they call home.

27/06/2025

🏁Todd Hemingway: Built by Baypark, Racing for Its Future🏁

In the world of New Zealand speedway, few names shine as brightly right now as Todd Hemingway—the current New Zealand Superstock Champion, and the only reigning national titleholder proudly registered to Baypark Speedway. But for Todd, the track isn’t just a place where he races. It’s where it all began.

“Baypark isn’t just a track to me—it’s where I grew up,” Todd says. “I started racing here when I was 12, but my connection to the place goes back even further. In the early days, my grandad Ross Decke was the promoter of the original Baypark before it closed in 1995, and some of my earliest memories are riding around the track in the water truck and grader with him.”

That early exposure to speedway life laid the groundwork for everything Todd would become. “Baypark has shaped me as a racer, but more importantly, it’s shaped me as a person,” he reflects. “It’s a place where people from all walks of life come together over a shared passion. It still plays a massive role in the Bay of Plenty, not just as a sport, but as part of the region’s heartbeat. We need to protect that.”

That call to protect Baypark carries more urgency than ever, with the venue’s long-term future currently under threat. For Todd and his family, whose roots in the sport span decades, it’s more than just a potential closure—it’s personal.

“It’s honestly heartbreaking,” he admits. “My family has poured decades into this sport, and Baypark has been at the centre of that. To think about it being taken away feels like losing a part of our identity—not just my family’s, but the whole speedway community’s. This isn’t just a place we race. It’s where legacies are built, friendships are forged, and kids grow into champions. If Baypark goes, it’s not just a loss of a facility—it’s the loss of something deeply rooted in our history and future.”

Todd knows first-hand just how powerful that journey can be—from fan to competitor, from the stands to the start line. “Baypark is the kind of place where a young kid watching in the stands one season ends up on the track a few years later,” he says. “I’ve grown up surrounded by families who live and breathe this sport. Generations cheer from the grandstand, wrench on cars in the pits, and give their all on the track. It’s a place where you can go from fan to family.”

Asked what kind of driver he’s become, Todd’s answer circles back to the track that built him. “I wouldn’t be the driver—or the person—I am today without Baypark,” he says. “From day one, this place has taught me about grit, respect, and how to carry myself both on and off the track. I’ve been lucky to grow up in a racing family, and to race alongside some incredible talent. But the weekly battles at Baypark, the roar of the crowd, the nights spent fixing broken cars under pressure—that’s what molds a real driver. Winning the NZ Superstock Championship was a dream, but the foundation was built right here, lap after lap, season after season.”

And now, as a champion and role model to the next generation of racers, Todd has a message not just for the fans—but for the city leaders holding Baypark’s future in their hands.
“Speedway is part of who we are in Tauranga. It’s a sport that teaches discipline, resilience, and heart. It brings families together on Saturday nights and gives young people a place to belong, to compete, to grow.
To the next generation of racers—don’t let this be taken from you. To the fans—keep turning up and making your voices heard.
And to the leaders of this city—I ask you to see Baypark not just as dirt and concrete, but as a cultural cornerstone. This place builds people. It builds community. And it deserves to be protected.”

26/06/2025

🏁A Legacy in Motion: Mark Decke on Baypark’s Past, Present, and Future🏁

Mark Decke. A seasoned racer, proud president of the Bay of Plenty Speedway Association, and part of a three-generation dynasty of champions, Mark has seen Baypark grow from a dirt hill into one of the country’s premier motorsport venues. Now, as the future of Baypark Speedway hangs in the balance, he’s speaking up—not just as a president, but as a racer, a fan, and a proud Tauranga local.
“The old Baypark was a lot smaller, so contact was more exciting for Superstock,” Mark recalls, having raced at both the original Raceway and the current stadium. “The new track—when the clay got put down—you can fit 30 Superstocks. My father was the promoter of the old Baypark. I started as a tractor driver, and he bought me my first Superstock.”

Reflecting on both venues, he says what we’re comparing are two very different eras of both the sport and the country. “In the 80s and 90s, Speedway was one of the biggest things to do for families. It was cheap, good fun for parents and kids. Now, big cities have endless options—but Speedway itself has evolved, too. It’s now a professionally run sport, and Baypark is just one of over 20 tracks under the Speedway New Zealand banner, with hundreds of competitors nationwide. There’s a lot more investment—from organisations and from the teams who show up to race every weekend.”

For Mark, the sport has always been about more than racing—it’s about family. His legacy is living proof. “When Ross, my dad, took over as promoter, there were no grandstands—just a dirt hill. By the end of it, there were grandstands all around the track. Dad worked well with all the drivers and knew he had something magic. But he also saw the bigger picture—he understood the fan experience, and the driver experience too. Good promoters are often people who’ve been on the other end. They understand it deeply.”
That understanding built a legacy. “Dad raced Super Saloons and proudly started what’s now three generations of Decke family racers who’ve stood on the national podium. He got 3NZ in 1974, I got 3NZ in Superstocks in 1993, and now my nephew, Todd Hemingway, is the current 1NZ in Superstocks. Speedway runs deep in our family—and I assume it’ll keep going strong for years to come.”

But now that legacy is under threat.
“If Tauranga were to lose speedway, it would be the start of losing speedway's all around New Zealand,” Mark warns. “Different councils have different ideas. It’s always going to be a fight, because councils change—but that’s why locking in long-term security for any venue is so important. People need to vote for councils, especially in election years. Rally people together.”

He’s clear about the wider impact speedway has—not just in spirit, but in economic terms. “Speedway injects huge money into the local economy—from motels and cafés to mechanics and tyre shops. At Baypark, we’re lucky—we have strong meetings all season long, not just one-offs. Even in the off-season, teams are spending on parts, gear, and repairs. It doesn’t stop. Compared to other sports that rely on merchandise alone, speedway spreads its value wide.”

Over the years, Baypark has meant different things to different people, but it’s always been a home for the community.
“Baypark has at least four generations of speedway drivers. The old saying is true: once you're born into speedway, you never get out of it. It’s addictive—racing or not.
Live streaming is a big opportunity to help the sport grow, too. It brings speedway into homes across the country and can hook a whole new generation. Some of us grew up trackside, but today, more people are discovering the sport through streams and social media.”

As for his journey, Mark’s proud of the laps he’s done—but even prouder of what he’s built. “I started back in Streetstocks in 1988. But my greatest achievement now is building MD Motorsport. Having two top cars and contenders racing side by side across New Zealand is a huge deal to me. I’ve been part of great memories, like the Baypark Busters and teams racing. I’ve made lifelong friends. Being president of the Bay of Plenty Speedway Association is something I’m proud of, but MD Motorsport has been a dream in the back of my head for years. Now, one of my cars carries the 1NZ. That’s my proudest moment.”

One thing Mark firmly believes is that open-wheel and stock car classes can co-exist. He thinks Baypark has already proven it.
“That’s the coolest thing about Baypark—we’ve led the way for years now. Speedway needs variety. Mixing it up brings in different crowds. Not everyone likes the same thing. Add in things like fireworks, and you’ve got a show. Baypark has drawn in new fans for generations, from the old raceway to now. If we can just get through this hurdle, there are exciting things in the works that could make Baypark greater than it’s ever been.”

And finally, as both a leader and a lifelong speedway man, Mark shares a heartfelt message for Tauranga’s leaders, fans, and young racers:
“Speedway matters because it brings families together. It connects generations. It creates memories that people carry for life. It’s a sport built on heart, both in the stands and on the track. It brings something exciting and different to our cities. It supports businesses, creates community, and gives people something to look forward to. Fans don’t just come to watch—they come to be a part of something. That’s the magic. That’s why we need to fight to keep it.”

25/06/2025

🏁Driven by Loyalty: Kerry Remnant’s Lifelong Ride with Baypark🏁

Kerry Remnant—known to fans far and wide as “The Captain”—is one of the rare few who can speak with real authority on the evolution of Baypark Speedway.
A Superstock legend with a long and decorated career, Kerry has had the unique privilege of racing at both the original Baypark Raceway and the current Baypark Speedway.
With more than 30 years in the sport, his memories are deeply etched in both the grassroots and the grandstands of New Zealand’s speedway scene.
“To me, trying to compare the two venues is like comparing chalk and cheese,” Kerry says. “The original Baypark Raceway was true to the origins of every NZ speedway of its era, from grass seating areas and the dirt/gravel pits to the old wooden buildings and the ‘fan van’ for all your favourite driver stickers and merch. No meeting was complete without kids with candy floss and hot chips meeting up with their mates and running amok everywhere.”
It’s a picture that instantly evokes a simpler, but no less thrilling, time in Kiwi motorsport. But in 2001, everything changed.
“Thanks to Bob and a lot of hard work behind the scenes from a dedicated speedway committee, we saw the flash new stadium built, which was well ahead of its time. An enormous state-of-the-art stadium with individual seats and impressive corporate boxes overlooking the track. The huge concrete pits with power and running water were welcomed by drivers and their crews. Suddenly, there was a new level of professionalism in the sport and a leap in the presentation of both the race cars and the drivers.”

Baypark had gone from long grass and gravel to one of the finest facilities in the country. “Having raced all the SNZ tracks in NZ and 8 UK tracks during my career,” Kerry adds, “Baypark is still, in my opinion, well ahead of most.”
But now, that very future hangs in the balance.
“Having had both the old and the new Baypark on my doorstep for the past 24 years has allowed me to witness the impact it has made on both the local community and businesses alike. The amount of kick back for both Tauranga and Mount Maunganui is massive—from race days to repairs and parts, to shopping, eateries and accommodation; it’s huge.”
And for Kerry, the connection to this place runs even deeper than racing. “Being in the mechanical trade in Tauranga for 35 years, the amount of trade that has come through from the speedway community is phenomenal, creating alliances both professionally and personally. The community sees you on the racetrack, and either from the sponsors on your car or by word of mouth, they track you down and become your new best friend! To lose this kind of goodwill and camaraderie around the city and wider community would be huge.”
He’s quick to point out that for many, Baypark is much more than just a venue. It’s a home.

“Fittingly, everybody has a different story or opinion on what Baypark has meant to them over the years. To me, it has been my life, my driving force, and I would have it no other way. You’ll hear drivers say it's in their veins; a part of who they are, and it’s so true.”
The memory of his start is vivid. “Back in the beginning, I was one of those kids running amok in the tussocks/long grass and playing behind the back of the open stands, only reappearing when my favourite classes (Stockcars and Saloons back then) were coming out to race. In those early years, I met many kids and adults who would become lifelong friends and allies, including my partner, Paula Hutton.”
That love for the sport turned competitive quickly. “Then later I graduated to being on the tools in the pits with the family A Grade Stockcar and doing demolition derby’s with (and meeting my future) tough competition—the likes of my good mate Ross Ashby.

Moving on from there saw me get the occasional drive in the family-owned car of 66m Craig Pierce & 99m of Mark Decke—a car which I'd been a part of the maintenance of through my work. Later, when Craig moved on, it just seemed a natural progression for me to take over driving the car.”
Through it all, one thing has never changed: the heart of the sport. “The things that remain the same between these two eras are firstly the family and friends that all come together solely for the love of the sport. And then, as a driver, the one thing that has never changed is the competition. The desire and drive to succeed are still strong, creating some great battles on the track.”
And succeed he has. But Kerry remains humble. “As a driver over the years, I think I’ve been a quiet achiever and just let the results speak for themselves—from my early days at Baypark, to the years away, and now to more current times. Not having a huge financial backing through most of my years of racing has kept me very grounded.”
He knows he hasn’t done it alone. “I’ve been lucky to have hugely supportive crew members over the years who have spent countless hours swinging spanners in the shed with me. The hard yards have paid off and now 30+ years later the results keep coming, which is a tribute to all their hard work and dedication.”

As for the future of Baypark, Kerry has a message for the people making decisions—and the next generation of racers and fans watching it all unfold.
“Sadly, I think the Council of the last 15 odd years has not had much in the way of firsthand knowledge of what the speedway ACTUALLY means to the local community and the outside drivers, their teams, and our race fans and families. They have appeared to push their agendas with the facility, striving for the sometimes ‘unrealistic penny’ which has led to the financial results not working in their favour.”
“But as a community, I think Tauranga and Mount Maunganui are somewhat lacking in the family entertainment department, so keeping Baypark running is extremely important. If the promotion team can take over the reins to keep speedway alive and running here in the BOP and push it to its potential, it could thrive.”

From a young boy running through the grass banks of the original track to a respected veteran of the Superstock ranks, Kerry Remnant’s journey mirrors the evolution of Baypark itself—resilient, passionate, and proudly local.
And for as long as there’s a race to be run in Tauranga, you can bet “The Captain” will be there—helmet on, car tuned, and heart firmly in it.