Rodney Wood, a renowned former New Zealand Sprintcar champion and track mastermind at Baypark Speedway, continues to extend a helping hand even during the off-season. Wood, who played a pivotal role in the track’s developments and improvements last season with the support of Speedway Racing Limited, remains committed to making a positive impact in his community.

When disaster struck the Hawkes Bay region, Rodney Wood wasted no time rallying support from the Tauranga community, the racing family and the wonderful people from The Good Neighbor, Together, they gathered donations to aid those affected by the calamity. Showing exceptional dedication, Wood and his daughter Rosie personally traveled to Hawkes Bay, towing a Sprintcar trailer filled with essential supplies and machinery. Their mission was to assist in clearing the silt and debris around people’s homes and provide much-needed support.

Beyond his remarkable relief efforts, Rodney Wood’s contributions go beyond the racetrack. Many are unaware of the substantial time he devotes to ensuring Baypark Speedway boasts an exceptional racing surface like no other. However, what sets him apart is his selflessness.

In recent times instead of receiving payment for their track expertise, Rodney Wood and Karl Hanlon donate it to various charitable causes, offering crucial support to organizations in need. Hanlon is a member of Rodney’s track prep team, another worker who has put in valuable time and effort to better Baypark Speedway.

Both Wood and Hanlon have chose to support and donate to several deserving causes.

Among the beneficiaries of their generosity are

TECT Helicopter, St. Johns, Hawkes Bay Disaster Relief, Cyclone Gabrielle Appeal, Mt Maunganui Surf Lifesaving Club, Tauranga Women’s Refuege and The Good Neighbour.

Through donations, these organizations will be able to continue their vital work, making a lasting difference in their respective fields.

The community greatly admires Rodney Wood for his unwavering dedication and compassionate nature. As a local race car champion, he has become a source of inspiration and pride. The gratitude for his tireless efforts to uplift the community knows no bounds. The people express their heartfelt appreciation to Rodney Wood for all that he does, acknowledging him as a true role model and a beacon of hope.

Story: Macau Johnson

Photos: Blissful Photography, The Write Angle and James Selwyn Photos