Driver Profile: Elias Dykstra

• Class: Superstocks
• Racing Number: 5M (NI1)
• Current North Island Superstock Champion
• Residence: Tauranga
• Registered to: Baypark Speedway
• Years Driving: 7 Seasons
• Race Team: Sons of Oropi Racing
• Sponsors: RBM Engineering, Pollock Cranes, Vertical Horizons, Mount Metal Recyclers, Made Whole Active, Auto Electrical, Trailparts, Advantage Tyres, Marsh Engineering, Ashby Engineering, Fread Engineering, RocknRubble, McCabe Holdings, BOC Gas, Ace Performance

Elias Dykstra, racing under the number 5M, has been making waves in the Superstocks scene for the past seven seasons. Based in Tauranga and registered to Baypark Speedway, Elias has been racing with the Sons of Oropi Racing team, backed by a loyal group of sponsors including RBM Engineering, Pollock Cranes, and Mount Metal Recyclers, among others.

Known for his fearless driving and dedication to the sport, Elias recently sat down with us to talk about his racing journey, his thoughts on the future of Superstocks, and his plans for the upcoming season.

The Unexpected Victory

Last season was a milestone for Elias and his team when he became the first registered M driver in Superstocks to win the North Island championship (NI1) in over 40 years.

(Ian Carlyle 98m won in 1983/84 & Craig Taylor 51m in 1984/85)

“Winning the North Island championship was completely unexpected,” Elias recalls. “I did it in a car loaned to me by the Pollock Cranes race team, with Thomas Hurunui as our chief crewman. Initially, I struggled with the car, fighting it throughout an entire meeting before the North Islands. But once we figured things out, everything just clicked.”

The victory was a defining moment for Elias and his team. “Despite a few hiccups in qualifying, finals night went perfectly. We had incredible luck, and the crew kept me focused on avoiding trouble. Winning that championship meant the world to my team and my family,” he shares. Crossing the final chequered flag was emotional for Elias, especially knowing his father, who passed away in 2020, couldn’t be there to share the moment. “Seeing the beaming faces of my crew when I got back to the trailer made it clear just how much it meant to all of us,” he says.

A Racing Legacy

Elias’s journey in Superstocks racing is deeply rooted in family tradition. “I’ve only ever raced Superstocks,” he explains. “My dad used to race stockcars and then Superstocks out of Palmerston North when I was a kid. When we moved north in 2009, the car was sold, and we stepped away from the sport. In 2016, my brother Blake and I got back into racing, sharing a Superstock car.”

For Elias, the number 5M carries personal significance. “My dad raced as 55p, so my number is a nod to him,” he says. This connection to his father continues to drive him on and off the track, making every race a tribute to his family’s legacy in the sport.

The Season Ahead

As one of the most followed classes in New Zealand, Superstocks racing boasts a packed calendar. Elias has his eyes set on key events this season. “My top five meetings are always the three teams’ racing events—the Huntly Invitational, Palmy ENZED Teams, and Auckland Teams Nationals—along with the 240s in Rotorua and wherever the New Zealand championships are held,” Elias reveals. “This season, my main focus is on the three teams’ meetings, the North Islands, and the 240s. With a second baby on the way, I might skip the NZ champs in Nelson to avoid added stress.”

Despite the busy schedule, Elias makes time for his local track, Baypark Speedway. “Registering with Baypark was mainly about representing our sponsors at a local track. Many of our sponsors are local, everyday folks, not big nationwide brands, so racing locally is important. Plus, being part of a team where all the drivers are local and can meet regularly is a big advantage.”

Speedway’s Unique Camaraderie

When asked about his role models in the sport, Elias’s answer reflects the camaraderie that sets Speedway apart. “I respect anyone who can keep their car on the track,” he says. “Our racing style is unique—we can battle fiercely on the track and then share a beer and a laugh afterward. That kind of camaraderie is rare in motorsport, and anyone who embraces it earns my respect.”

This sense of community is a cornerstone of Elias’s racing philosophy. It’s not just about the competition but also about the relationships built in the pits and on the track. “We can bash the guy parked next to us and shake hands after. That’s what makes Speedway special,” he adds.

The Future of Superstocks

Looking ahead, Elias sees opportunities for improvement in the Superstocks class. “I think the flat outside tire rule needs to be reconsidered,” he suggests. “I understand why it was implemented, but it’s impacting championships significantly. With the use of one-way radios, we could have a system where drivers either slow down safely or get pulled off if they try to maintain race pace. Fans want to see strategic moves, even with a flat tire, so making this adjustment could enhance the sport.”

Exciting Times Ahead: The Superstock Thunder Tri-Series

Elias is particularly excited about the introduction of the Superstock Thunder Tri-Series, a collaboration between Gisborne, Wanganui, and Baypark Speedway. “Each track offers a different experience, with varying surfaces and styles. It’s a big commitment, but I hope to make all three rounds,” he says. “This collaboration should help boost car numbers at each venue and make for some great racing. It’s always exciting to face off against a big-car field.”

Behind the Scenes

The commitment required to race at the Superstocks level is immense, both in time and money. “I try not to think too much about the costs, but to be moderately competitive, you’re looking at around $15,000 to $20,000 a season, assuming no major breakdowns,” Elias estimates. “Some drivers probably spend twice that, but the costs can vary.”

In terms of preparation, Elias’s dedication is unwavering. “The hours you put in depend on how much you want to win and your budget. After a wash, I spend at least four hours a week checking and maintaining the car after a damage-free meeting, which rarely happens. On average, I’d say it’s about eight hours a week, but it can go up to 20, especially after team meetings. Sometimes it feels like 40 hours!” he laughs.

Favourites

• Track: Gisborne Speedway, with its impressive banking and surface. “It’s unreal, bloody fast!” Elias exclaims.
• Person to race: “Anyone who can hold a line. I enjoy driving slowly in front of Todd Hemmingway,” Elias says with a grin.
• Event: The Palmy Teams event, whether as a driver or spectator. “It’s a whole weekend gig, not just a couple of hours of racing,” he shares, emphasizing the camaraderie and excitement that surrounds the event

Advice for Aspiring Drivers

For those dreaming of following in his footsteps, Elias offers some sage advice. “Know what you’re getting into. Spend time around cars and drivers, and learn as much as possible before talking about getting behind the wheel. Make sure you can handle things yourself, as no one wants to help someone who can’t help themselves. And find a partner who doesn’t check the bank account too often!”

As Elias Dykstra gears up for another thrilling season, his story is a testament to the dedication, hard work, and community spirit that define Superstocks racing. With the roar of engines, the thrill of the race, and the camaraderie of his team and fellow drivers, Elias continues to carve out his legacy on the dirt tracks of New Zealand.