Name: Mark Aldcroft 

Position: Speedway New Zealand Senior Official, Assistant Referee

Years in Speedway: 12

Home Track: Baypark Speedway

How did you get involved in speedway?

Through my father. Growing up he was the track steward at Baypark, that’s where Saturday nights in summer were spent. When I was old enough I jumped at the opportunity to get involved and have loved every season ever since. 

Have you worked at any other tracks?

Through my current role as a SNZ Senior Official I travel a fair bit around the country working at various tracks from the likes of Dunedin, Greymouth, Woodford Glenn and Ruapuna in the South Island to Wellington, Meanee, Huntley, Rotorua, Kihikihi, Waikaraka and Western Springs in the north. 

What is your role?

As a senior official I am allocated to different championship meetings each year. My role is to oversee the running of the championship event from a racing rules standpoint. I deal with any racing rule breaches ether on track or after the race. 

As an assistant referee, I am able to take a step back and work under our track referee, reporting any rule breaches I see back to them. However I am also able to step into the track referee role if required, as they often have to step out of the tower to deal with incidents from earlier races. 

What do you love about speedway?

The passion, dedication and talent involved in every class. To get to be a small part of that is awesome. 

Have you won any awards in your role?

I’ve been lucky enough to be a finalist for Senior Offical of the Year 2 of the last 3 seasons but have been beaten out by some of the best SNZ have to offer. 

What is your favourite class?

Any of the saloon based classes. A lot of the championship events I have officiated at have been in the Super Saloons, Saloons or Modifieds and the talent on display from all of those classes is insane. 

Are you involved with any other sports? 

My winters are spent on the hockey field. Playing Premier club hockey and coaching as an assistant for the Tauranga Under 18s Mens side and Head Coach for the Otumoetai College 1st 11 boys. 

Who do you look up to in speedway?

My dad, he was the reason I am involved in the sport and the reason I have so much passion for what I do.