In the world of motorsports, few experiences can match the adrenaline rush of sprinting around a dirt track at breakneck speeds. Today, we sit down with Madison Jones, a young but seasoned speedway racer with a passion for the sport that’s second to none.

In this exclusive interview, we delve deep into Madi’s racing journey, triumphs, and what it takes to be a female speedway racer.

Age: 24 Birthplace: Rotorua Living: Rotorua Years Racing: 1

Home Track: Baypark Best Feature finish: 11th of 17

Classes Raced: F2 midgets

Sponsors: Warehouse Autoparts, Motomuck, O’Connor race engines, Reconz Auto Machinists, Scorpion Racewear.

Q1: Every great journey begins with a single step when did you start racing and how did you get into it?

I’ve always enjoyed watching my sister race, and after having a go in her stockcar one day I decided to get amongst it!

Q2: What classes have you run over the years?

Just F2 midgets!

Q3: In the world of racing, success comes in many forms. What are you most proud of in your racing career?

Being named Rookie of the Year for the 22/23 F2 midget season.

Q4: What titles have you received while racing?

No titles so far!

Q5: What is your all-time favourite track to race at and why?

Whether I do well or crash out, Baypark’s nachos never fail to pick me up, so, probably Baypark. You can also pick up a lot of speed along the straights so it’s incredibly fun!

Q6: Racing isn’t just a seasonal endeavour; it’s a year-round commitment. What are you currently doing in the off-season and how do you prepare mentally and physically for this sport?

I’ve mainly been working hard to save money for the season but I’ve also been working out a bit to make sure I don’t get so out of breath after every race.

Q7: What do you hope to achieve this season?

I’m definitely looking to get more consistent in finishing races.

Q8: Success in racing isn’t just about speed; it’s about character. What characteristics do you think are important to becoming successful in racing?

I think being driven is really important. You have to have the drive to be better and do better each weekend and try to improve on times and how you setup the car each week.

Q9: Race cars are constantly evolving. What is happening with your car in the off-season? Any major changes we should look out for once the season starts?

Scorpion Racewear have done up a wicked design for this season which will hopefully really stand out. We also have O’Connor race engines/Reconz auto machinists working hard to freshen up the engine.

Q10: Speedway racing can be fast and dangerous. What do you think is one thing the fans will never understand until they are behind the wheel of a race car?

How hard it is to react to things. They see the whole track and can sometimes see a crash happening before we do so it’s easy to think someone’s just an idiot but racing is so much harder than I thought it was before I started.

Q11: What is your favourite race on the NZ race calendar?

Easily the Superstock Teams Champs in Palmy!

Q12: Legends inspire legends. Who do you admire most in motorsport and why?

I will always look up to and admire my sister the most. She always tries as hard as she can with everything she does and she’s always right behind me pushing me to be better with everything I do.

Q13: What do you think of the changes and the way direction the speedway is moving at Baypark?

I love the ideas that Baypark are coming up with to get the fans right in it like the Fan Zone. I think Baypark could be the top open wheeler track of the country and I’m really looking forward to seeing what other cool ideas and ways to celebrate speedway they come up with!

Q14: Sponsors are the unsung heroes of racing. Tell us about your sponsors, what kind of business they run, and the support you get from them.

Ronnie and the boys at Warehouse Autoparts are half the reason I can get out racing sometimes! They have most parts and oils I need and if they don’t then they get it really quick and they all know what they’re talking about when giving advice too!                                  

Motomuck have some wicked products for getting the car cleaned before and in between each race.          O’Connor race engines/Reconz auto machinists are touching up the SR20 to get it fresh for the season Scorpion Racewear provide suits, shirt and car designs! They also have a brand new lightweight suit out now!

Q15: Behind every successful racer is a dedicated support team. Tell us about your support team.

My dad is my biggest supporter. He’s incredibly dedicated to giving me the best car he can every weekend and I can’t thank him enough for that. Mum is always cheering the loudest for me and brings the best snacks! Alex is wicked at getting what I need and telling me what I need to do. Alyssa is the best quad bike operator and Zayn and Uncle Michael are really handy on the tools!

Q16 Final Words: What would you like to say to your fans and the wider Speedway community?

Without the tracks getting your support we couldn’t do what we love so thank you for showing up every weekend and please keep doing it!