A Star in the Fast Lane: Buddy Kofoid’s Journey to Baypark Speedway

Michael “Buddy” Kofoid is no stranger to high-speed thrills and packed grandstands. Hailing from California, the young racing prodigy has carved out an impressive career in the fiercely competitive world of sprint car and midget racing. With a résumé that boasts back-to-back USAC National Midget Championships and numerous victories on dirt tracks across the United States, Buddy has become a household name in motorsport circles.

This summer, Kiwi fans are in for a treat as Kofoid brings his undeniable talent to Baypark Speedway, one of New Zealand’s premier racing arenas. Known for his fearless driving style and laser-sharp precision, Buddy is set to ignite the track in what promises to be an electrifying display of skill and speed.

Lets Chat with Buddy Kofoid!

Can you share a bit about your background and what inspired you to start racing?

My parents both grew up around motorsports and when I was younger we would go to sprintcar races. .

My dad had a friend whose son raced an Outlaw Go Kart so my dad got one for me to try and I started racing those when I was 5.  My hero was always Stever Kinser growing up so all of my go karts looked like the old Stever Kinser cars with the white body, silver wing and red 11. 

I raced those until I was 10 or 11, raced a limited 360 Sprint Car for Dan Simpson in Nevada and a family car in Oregon with my dad from 11-13. Then I had to go back to go-karts for a while in California because of my age and until the tracks in California felt comfortable with letting me race.

I had proven I could do it and had won several races in Nevada and Oregon, so Placerville Speedway and Ocean allowed me to race at 14. I raced again for Dan Simpson and Gary Silva and did well in California but was wanting to do more so I talked to Carson Macedo about what I could do to get out to the midwest.

He put me in touch with the Linder’s and I drove for them for a couple of years until I got the call from Toyota and Keith Kunz that they wanted me to come drive midgets for them.

What are your impressions of New Zealand, and are there any specific sights or experiences you’re excited to explore while you’re here?
I always love coming back to NZ, I have been a few times now so I have been lucky enough to see and do a lot over here. It will just be nice to see people I haven’t seen since my last trip.

As you prepare for the Midget World Series, what excites you the most about the competition?

Getting back there to race against the locals as well as the international guys and trying to beat them all!

You have raced at all 3 tracks that are part of this season’s Midget World Series as you know all are very different, this season there is some quick turnarounds with long races and travel involved, how do you prepare yourself for it and do you have a specific strategy or mindset going into the series?

I usually prepare by trying to get as much rest as I can in between, watch some videos of prior races at the tracks I am going to and just spend time with my team. 

You have raced at Baypark Speedway, Which is New Zealand’s largest track, Tmez described it as a gladiator colosseum arena, How would you describe Baypark Speedway to someone back home?

TMez isn’t wrong, it is like a big arena, 360 degrees of grandstands.

This being the final season at Western Springs for the iconic venue, what does that mean to you knowing you are heading back?

Always cool to race there no matter the circumstances. That is one place I would really like to say I won at.

Quickfire

Favourite Food – Shepherds Pie

Favourite Drink Vitamin Water

Favourite thing to do outside of Speedway? Playing video games, shooting my guns and driving my car.

Favourite events to race at? High Bank Nationals, Knoxville Nationals and Kings Royal

World of Outlaws Sprintcar star Buddy Kofoid will be racing both Midget World Series events at Baypark on the 28th and 3oth of December.