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 Campbell Stewart,
a young but seasoned speedway racer with a passion for the sport that’s second to none. Part of BSL Racing for the second season, In this exclusive interview, we delve deep into Campbell’s racing journey, triumphs, and what it takes to be a true racer.

Age: 22 Birthplace: Taranaki Living: Taranaki
Years Racing: 10 Home Track: Originally Stratford Speedway but now Baypark Speedway
Best Feature finish: 1st Classes Raced: Ministocks, Midgets, TGR Toyota 86’s series, Mini Sprints, USA Micro Sprint
Sponsors: Chemical Guys, Eastern Group, Buckley Systems, BSL Racing, Lucas Oil,
Easy Steel, Esslinger Engineering

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

I actually began when I was 4 years old racing around on a four
wheeler at our local motorbike track while watching my Dad out there. And a few years
later ( more than a few ) after enjoying racing on the dirt we got involved in speedway!
Q2: What classes have you run over the years?

I have competed in Ministocks, Midgets,
Mini Sprints and USA Micro Sprints in the speedway circles. But also got the
opportunity to compete in the TGR Toyota 86 series with some very intelligent circuit
racing people.

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

I have been very fortunate to bring some very cool trophies home
with me across all of the disciplines I have been a part of. But I think what I am most
proud of and happy about is the people I have met and the experiences I have had so
far. From all walks of life and all across the world I have been very lucky to work with
some really cool people who have poured a lot into the sport we all love.

Q4: What titles have you received while racing?

Between Ministocks, Mini Sprints, Toyota 86’s, Micro Sprints and now Midgets there have been many and all with great teams and great sponsors. One I really want is a Feature Win in the midget class.
Hungry for that.

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

On dirt, Ruapuna has been a happy hunting ground. And as for circuit racing, I couldn’t look past Highlands Motorsport Park in Cromwell.

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?

We have been using the gym most days and targeting motorsport specific
movements. Also just keeping sharp using a simulator and racing anything I can! I am
actually going for a pre-season rally drive which will be cool.

Q7: What do you hope to achieve this season? To build on last year and bring some
more trophies home will be the goal.

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?

Being open-minded to new ways is important I think. And focusing on the basics. But also just enjoying
yourself, we are all here because we love this sport which I think is important not to
forget.

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?
No major changes are coming. Same car as last year for the most part. Just updating a
few bits and pieces.

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 lucky you would feel just to be out there honestly. I know as a driver just how lucky I am to be
competing so there is that sense of accomplishment even before the races start.

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

Any event with a packed crowd brings an epic atmosphere!

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

Four time Formula 1 World Champion Sebastian Vettel would be one of my favorites. Pretty
big fan of F1 and he always comes across as a genuine guy who stands up for what he
believes in but can also dominate the race track. If you look at my helmet, it’s inspired
by his helmet design.

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

I think what they are doing there is amazing. One of the best if not the best
facilities in New Zealand and is always a good place to race. Our home track and I love
it here! I’m glad we can be here for a long while yet!

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?
I have been lucky to have had many sponsors and people behind me making it all
possible to make it to the racetrack.

Our main sponsor Chemical Guys are new to us this year and I cannot wait to showcase their brand to our speedway community! They are top notch and leading the way in the Automotive Cleaning market. All sorts of soaps, degreasers, buffers, polishers plus everything else they have. Check them out and
support those who support us!

All of our other partners for this season include

Eastern Group, Buckley Systems, BSL Racing, Easy Steel and Esslinger Engineering.

All of these businesses play a critical role in our racing team and I could not be happier to
represent them for this whole season

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

All of this would not be possible of course without my family, my partner
and the whole BSL Racing Race Team. Bill, Calvin, Lee, Dave ,my Dad and Nathan are
keeping the Number 21m Midget out there and I couldn’t thank them enough for giving
their time to support and help me. Very proud to be with these guys. Thanks Team!

Q16 Final Words: What would you like to say to your fans and the wider Speedway
community?
Just a big thank you for coming to support not only me but all of the drivers out there
racing. We all love your support and it wouldn’t be a show without the fans. This
speedway community has made me the person I am today so I am always grateful to be
in this spot.
Also make sure you come down and check out the cars before the races start, come say
hello. I promise we are not scary!

Let’s go racing!!