Introduction: 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 former New Zealand Champion Sam Waddell, 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 Sam’s racing journey, triumphs, and what it takes to be a true champion.
Age: 26 Birthplace: Tauranga Living: Hamilton
Years Racing: 12
Home Track: Baypark
Best Feature finish: 1st
Classes Raced: Ministocks, Karts, Super Saloons
Sponsors: JWL Investments, Brokers United, Fastmaster, Sidebite media.
Q1: Every great journey begins with a single step when did you start racing and how did you get into it?
I began racing in Ministocks at 14. I always wanted to race but my dad was to busy to run a ministock. The Late Nellie Irvine convinced him to buy me a car and I ran it out of Nellie’s workshop and the rest is history.
Q2: What classes have you run over the years?
I started in Ministocks then spent a few years Karting before racing Super Saloons
Q3: In the world of racing, success comes in many forms. What are you most proud of in your racing career?
Winning the New Zealand Super Saloon title after attending almost all of them since I was born. As well as becoming the third generation to win the North island Super Saloon champs and the South Pacific Super Saloon champs after my Dad and Grandad.
Q4: What titles have you received while racing?
New Zealand super saloon champion, North Island super saloon champion, South Pacific champs, Xtreme series champion, Super cup Champion.
Q5: What is your all-time favourite track to race at and why?
Cromwell because of how fast and flowing it is. Always provides a great surface and great racing.
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?
Try to stay as fit as possible. Generally like to get back in the kart in the off season to keep the mind and body going.
Q7: What do you hope to achieve this season?
Everyone’s goal is to win the New Zealand champs which is our top priority. Other than that, it’s to be as fast and consistent as possible to be in contention to win races.
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?
We had a roll over in our last meeting, so the car had a full rebuild. No major mechanical changes but a few changes to the body etc to comply with new rules brought in this season.
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?
The Sheer speed of how fast things happen and how quickly things can go wrong.
Q11: What is your favourite race on the NZ race calendar?
Got to be the New Zealand champs.
Q12: Legends inspire legends. Who do you admire most in motorsport and why?
Growing up around the sport I have always admired and watched many drivers over the years. However, I can’t go past my dad and what he has achieved and passed on to me. I have also admired what Mark Osborne has done when he entered the class and his style of driving. Chris Cowling is also another that I admire. We are close competitors and race hard but always have a laugh off the track. What he has achieved last season is something special.
Q13: What do you think of the changes and the way direction the speedway is moving at Baypark?
I think Baypark is heading in the right direction and the track prep by Rodney is making competitors wanting to come back and race. We have the best facilities in the country and its important that they are made the most of.
Q15: Behind every successful racer is a dedicated support team. Tell us about your support team.
I can’t say enough about Shane “Bald” Simmonds and the amount of time he puts into our program is second to none. Along with Mason the effort that the two of them put in all year wrong is a credit to them and our success comes down to their work in the shed and ensuring the car is in the best condition each time it hits the track. Also, my Mum and Dad or their investment into our team allowing us to do what we do.
Q16 Final Words: What would you like to say to your fans and the wider Speedway community?
Thank you for your support, it doesn’t go unnoticed. Get down and support your local dirt track.
