From Grandstand Childhoods to Championship Glory – Chris Cowling Speaks from the Heart

When you talk about royalty in New Zealand speedway, the Cowling name rumbles through the pits like a V8 on full song. Chris Cowling isn’t just a Super Saloon and Saloon champion—he’s a product of one of the most iconic families ever to grace our dirt ovals. His father, the legendary Maurice Cowling, was a New Zealand champion in both Midgets and Super Saloons. His brother Steve? Another national champ. And Chris? He’s carved his own legacy, right here at Baypark.

But it’s not just about trophies for Chris—it’s about the track that built him.

“We didn’t race at the original Baypark like Dad did,” Chris reflects, “but we grew up there.” He talks about those childhood nights when the thunder of engines echoed under the grandstands, where he and his brother would chase each other while their father made history out on the clay. “The smell of methanol, the lights, the packed crowd—it was magic.”

The new Baypark Speedway may look different, but Chris reckons the soul of the place hasn’t changed. “It’s more modern, sure—bigger, flashier—but the passion’s still the same. It’s still the heart of Tauranga motorsport. It still feels like Baypark.”

And that’s exactly why the current uncertainty around the future of the speedway has hit so hard.

“To even think about losing it? It’s gut-wrenching,” Chris admits. “This isn’t just a track—it’s our way of life. My family has lived and breathed speedway, and Baypark has been part of our rhythm every summer. The idea that it could just disappear… it’s not just sad—it’s wrong.”

He’s not alone in feeling this way. For generations, Baypark has been more than a place to race. It’s been a gathering ground. “It’s where families bond, where mates are made, where our kids learn life lessons through speedway—discipline, teamwork, respect. Baypark gave us that. And it’s helped shape some of the best drivers this country has ever seen.”

That includes Chris and his brother. Starting out as humble crew members in the Cowling pit bay, they eventually jumped in the driver’s seat. “We weren’t flash when we started,” Chris laughs, “but we had the home track advantage. Baypark was our classroom.” Facing off against some of New Zealand’s toughest competition on those Saturday nights sharpened their racecraft and toughened their resolve. “Baypark made us contenders.”

Now, the Cowling name has come full circle. From Maurice tearing up the old Baypark, to Steve and Chris dominating at the new one—it’s more than just family history. It’s a living legacy. “Baypark is where we became who we are.”

So what does Chris want the powers-that-be—and the wider Tauranga community—to understand?

“Speedway is part of this region’s identity. It’s not just about putting on a show once a week. It’s about what it gives back—hope, drive, connection. For young people, it’s something to dream about. For families, it’s something to belong to. For fans, it’s a heartbeat.”

And with champions like Chris Cowling raising their voices, it’s clear this community won’t let that heartbeat fade quietly.

“We need to protect this place. Not just for us—but for the next kid playing under the grandstand, dreaming of racing under the lights.”