As the 2024/25 season looms on the horizon, Ben Mathews is ready to make a significant move in his racing career. Mathews, who will now be racing under the number 77M in the Sprintcar class, has spent the past nine years honing his skills in F2 Midgets and Open Grade Midgets.

Based in Matamata and registered with Baypark Speedway, Mathews will be joining the ranks of Sprintcar drivers, promising a season filled with new challenges and opportunities.

We caught up with Ben to learn more about his transition, his goals, and what fans can expect from him this year.

A Big Jump into Sprintcars

The decision to shift into Sprintcars was a culmination of several factors, according to Mathews. “It really just happened,” he says. “Sprintcars offer more room for taller drivers, which is a definite plus. Midgets are becoming increasingly expensive, and the timing felt right.” The move is a team effort, with Mathews actively seeking out sponsors and funding to support his new endeavor. “We had been talking to teams about the class and the costs involved. Once we sold off all our Midget gear, we decided to go for it. We even got a call from Cooper Motorsport offering us a car, which set everything in motion.”

Mathews and his team chose to purchase the ex Dean Cooper 2NZM Sprintcar minus the engine, which is a Maxwill currently being built in Australia. “I’m excited to see what we can do with it,” he says. “The transition means we’ve had to learn quickly, adapting everything from the trailer setup to the car itself. We’re in ‘sponge mode,’ soaking up all the advice we can get from seasoned professionals.” , “Steve Warrington (Pickens) ,Jason McIndoe (Thomas), Dean and Lance Cooper have all offered advice”

Leaving Midgets with Unfinished Business

While Mathews is thrilled about the move to Sprintcars, he acknowledges that he has some unfinished business in the Midget class. “I wouldn’t say I’ve completed everything I wanted to achieve,” he admits. “I’ve had some podiums and wins, but it’s a highly competitive field. Racing against some of the best, like Hayden, Brock, and Brad, it’s never easy to come out on top. Of course, I wish I had done more, but I’m excited about the change.”

A Packed Season and the Thrill of Ruapuna

Looking ahead, Mathews is enthusiastic about the season’s lineup, especially the chance to practice in his new Sprintcar. “I’m really looking forward to our first practice session,” he says. “We’ll be covering the usual North Island meetings with a focus on central tracks. I have a soft spot for Ruapuna Speedway—the hospitality there is unmatched.”

Baypark Speedway was the obvious choice for Mathews to register this season. “The venue is excellent, and the track keeps improving. Plus, it’s just 40 minutes away from home, which makes it convenient for our sponsors and family. Our time at Western Springs was great, but being closer to home is a big advantage.”

The Appeal of Sprintcars and Unique Event Formats

The growing popularity of Sprintcars at Baypark Speedway is no surprise to Mathews. “Wing cars are just an animal,” he explains. “The size, the noise, the way they launch off the line—it’s a spectacle that fans can’t get enough of, especially on big tracks with multiple lanes.”

Mathews is also a fan of the different event formats used for Sprintcars, such as the World of Outlaws (WOO) style. “I love it!” he says enthusiastically. “It ramps up the excitement and definitely enhances the show for the fans. The standard two heats and a feature can get a bit repetitive, so I’m all for trying new things to keep the energy up.”

Improving Speedway in New Zealand

Having grown up around Speedway, particularly at Western Springs, Mathews has seen firsthand what works and what doesn’t. “There’s a lot more consistency needed in Speedway NZ rulings,” he says. “And from a fan’s perspective, it needs to be more of a show, not just a series of races. Look at the success of events like WOO and High Limits—they’re more than just races; they’re experiences.”

Racing Against the Best

With the Sprintcar class being highly competitive, Mathews is looking forward to going wheel-to-wheel with some of the top drivers. “Daniel Thomas and Jamie Larson are both super-fast and clean drivers. It’s going to take me some laps to keep up with them, but that’s the goal. Fast guys make you faster if you pay attention and learn.”

A Family Affair and Strong Support System

Racing has always been a family affair for Mathews. “We’ve been doing this for a long time, starting with karting when I was about eight,” he shares. “Our family has been involved at every race meeting, and that’s what makes it work for us. We’ve had to learn everything from the ground up, and our fantastic sponsors and long-time supporters have been crucial to our success.”

The Mathews racing team relies heavily on a core group of supporters, including his mom, who is always at the track, and long-time friends like Gerald Barlow and Ben Connell. “If there’s anyone with Sprintcar or Midget experience who wants to join the crew, we’ve got a spot for them,” Mathews says.

The Importance of Sponsors

Sponsorship plays a vital role in keeping Mathews racing. Key sponsors like Repco NZ, McPherson Tree Care, and Hanes Transport have been instrumental in his career. “Repco has been with us for four years, which is amazing. Companies like McPherson Tree Care not only sponsor us but also contribute to the crew, helping out on race days and beyond,” Mathews explains. “Hanes Transport supports me by giving me time off work for races, which is crucial since I drive a Scania up and down the country. Our relationship with sponsors like Burnside Contractors in Christchurch has also been fantastic, providing us with vehicles, wash bays, and even workshop space.”

Another long-standing partnership that has greatly supported Mathews over the years is with AB Installations and Tiger Turf. “How many years! They’re a mainstay supporter. Thanks to Andy and Blair, it’s been a ride. Andy connected with us right from the get-go at Western Springs about 10 years ago. He was running the blackboard, gridding cars up, acting as a flag man—doing it all. His trade involves installing complex Tiger Turf projects across New Zealand and overseas. Through Andy, we linked up with Blair and the team at Tiger, and this sponsorship deal became a great combo. It’s a long-standing partnership we truly value.”

Goals for the Season

As for his goals this season, Mathews has a clear focus. “First, I need to beat 9M,” he laughs. “I’m getting grief about it, so it’s time to step up. More realistically, I want to get comfortable with the Sprintcar driving style and start finding my mojo by mid-season. A heat win would be a good start—or even just a solid lap at first!”

Reflections and Advice

Looking back, Mathews offers simple but valuable advice to his younger self: “Take a deep breath.” His love for the sport and excitement for what lies ahead is evident. As Mathews and his team prepare to take on the Sprintcar class, one thing is clear: this season promises to be filled with action, excitement, and the relentless pursuit of success.

Favourites and Aspirations

When it comes to his favourites, Mathews doesn’t hesitate. His favorite track is Baypark, and his favorite event is Ruapuna Speedweek, a nod to the unmatched hospitality and thrilling competition. Although he’s made the jump to Sprintcars, Midgets remain his favorite speedway class. “There’s just something about them,” he says. As for his favorite driver, Mathews admires Kaylee Bryson for her skill and determination on the track. And when it comes to overseas events, the Kings Royal at Eldora Speedway holds a special place in his heart. “It’s one of those iconic events every driver dreams of being part of,” he admits.

As the season approaches, Ben Mathews is not only embracing a new chapter in his racing career but also staying true to the roots and values that have brought him this far. With family, fans, and sponsors rallying behind him, the future looks bright for this determined and talented driver.