Tauranga-based Sprintcar driver Brody Mathieson, racing under the number 85, has been making a name for himself in the high-octane world of speedway at Baypark. As he heads into his fourth season, Mathieson is looking to build on his experiences and achievements, driven by a passion for the sport and the support of his dedicated team and sponsors.

Reflecting on Last Season: Growth Amid Challenges

Mathieson candidly reflects on the previous season, acknowledging a few setbacks. “I did a fair bit of crashing,” he admits. However, once those initial hurdles were overcome, his performance stabilized, allowing him to finish in the top 10 for club points. For Mathieson, overcoming these challenges has been part of his growth as a driver, helping him to hone his skills and gain valuable experience.

Navigating a Competitive Sprintcar Scene at Baypark

With Baypark Speedway attracting up to 30 Sprintcars on race nights, competition is fierce, and the pressure to qualify for the feature race is high. Mathieson embraces this competitive environment. “It’s really good having big, competitive fields. It makes you get your act together and naturally makes you a better driver,” he says. His record speaks for itself: he hasn’t missed a feature yet, demonstrating his ability to consistently perform under pressure.

Plans for Upcoming Championships

This season brings significant challenges with the North Island and New Zealand Championships scheduled just a week apart. Mathieson’s goal is straightforward but ambitious: “Qualify for the feature in the North Islands, roll it in the trailer at the end of the night, drag it over the hill to Kihikihi, and hopefully survive both nights racing.” A cold beer and a good car wash will cap off what he hopes will be successful race weekends.

From Hydroplanes to Sprintcars: A Natural Transition

Before his Sprintcar career, Mathieson was a dominant force in Hydroplane racing, winning three national titles. He comes from a family with a strong hydroplane racing heritage, which fueled his early involvement in the sport. “Nothing can compare to speed on water,” Mathieson says. However, having conquered his goals in Hydroplanes, he sought a new challenge and found it in Sprintcars. The switch was a natural progression, facilitated by his experience crewing for Greg Kilworth in speedway racing. Mathieson appreciates the team-oriented, family atmosphere common to both sports, which adds to the fun and excitement of racing.

A Glimpse Into the Car and the Crew

Mathieson races a 2020 Maxim with a 410 Wesmar engine, backed by a committed support team. His partner Andrea and their two sons are his biggest supporters, and his father Terry plays a crucial role in car preparation. “The boys like to get involved with anything we let them do and love race night,” Mathieson shares. Friends Ben, Brendan, Jared, and Grant also lend a hand, making his team a tight-knit group.

Thoughts on Baypark Formats and the Piston Cup

Mathieson appreciates the different race formats at Baypark, especially the Piston Cup, which introduces time trials and other elements that shake up the usual race night. However, he doesn’t see a need to split the Sprintcar class into separate grades. “The Piston Cup deal is cool… we need to do it more often,” he says.

Race Day Routine and Goals for the Season

A typical race day for Mathieson starts with toast, a bike ride with his kids, and car preparation. “Load the trailer, either have a swim or a shower depending on the weather, head to the track, unload, have coffee, and something to eat, then we are into it,” he outlines. For the upcoming season, Mathieson is aiming for a heat win, qualifying for all feature races, and potentially achieving a feature podium finish. Despite his modesty, he hopes to gain a better handle on his car setup and acknowledges there’s always room for improvement.

Inspiration and Support

Mathieson draws inspiration from seasoned drivers like Greg Pickerill and Colin Entwhistle, whom he admired as a kid and now races alongside. Their willingness to help other drivers is something Mathieson values and aspires to emulate.

Acknowledging the Sponsors and Inviting Fans

Sponsors play a vital role in Mathieson’s racing endeavors and he is always looking to promote new brands on the car. With support from Dexion Mt Maunganui, Eastwood Kitchens, Mimico, J C Builders, Bay Insurance Brokers, Bay Stump Removal, and Meta Engineering, Mathieson can continue pursuing his passion. He encourages fans to come out, enjoy a night of racing, and visit the pits to say hello and check out the cars. “Bring the family for a good night out,” he says, extending a warm invitation to all.