Mark Decke. A seasoned racer, proud president of the Bay of Plenty Speedway Association, and part of a three-generation dynasty of champions, Mark has seen Baypark grow from a dirt hill into one of the country’s premier motorsport venues. Now, as the future of Baypark Speedway hangs in the balance, he’s speaking up—not just as a president, but as a racer, a fan, and a proud Tauranga local.

“The old Baypark was a lot smaller, so contact was more exciting for Superstock,” Mark recalls, having raced at both the original Raceway and the current stadium. “The new track—when the clay got put down—you can fit 30 Superstocks. My father was the promoter of the old Baypark. I started as a tractor driver, and he bought me my first Superstock.”

Reflecting on both venues, he says what we’re comparing are two very different eras of both the sport and the country. “In the 80s and 90s, Speedway was one of the biggest things to do for families. It was cheap, good fun for parents and kids. Now, big cities have endless options—but Speedway itself has evolved, too. It’s now a professionally run sport, and Baypark is just one of over 20 tracks under the Speedway New Zealand banner, with hundreds of competitors nationwide. There’s a lot more investment—from organisations and from the teams who show up to race every weekend.”

For Mark, the sport has always been about more than racing—it’s about family. His legacy is living proof. “When Ross, my dad, took over as promoter, there were no grandstands—just a dirt hill. By the end of it, there were grandstands all around the track. Dad worked well with all the drivers and knew he had something magic. But he also saw the bigger picture—he understood the fan experience, and the driver experience too. Good promoters are often people who’ve been on the other end. They understand it deeply.”

That understanding built a legacy. “Dad raced Super Saloons and proudly started what’s now three generations of Decke family racers who’ve stood on the national podium. He got 3NZ in 1974, I got 3NZ in Superstocks in 1993, and now my nephew, Todd Hemingway, is the current 1NZ in Superstocks. Speedway runs deep in our family—and I assume it’ll keep going strong for years to come.”

But now that legacy is under threat.

“If Tauranga were to lose speedway, it would be the start of losing speedway’s all around New Zealand,” Mark warns. “Different councils have different ideas. It’s always going to be a fight, because councils change—but that’s why locking in long-term security for any venue is so important. People need to vote for councils, especially in election years. Rally people together.”

He’s clear about the wider impact speedway has—not just in spirit, but in economic terms. “Speedway injects huge money into the local economy—from motels and cafés to mechanics and tyre shops. At Baypark, we’re lucky—we have strong meetings all season long, not just one-offs. Even in the off-season, teams are spending on parts, gear, and repairs. It doesn’t stop. Compared to other sports that rely on merchandise alone, speedway spreads its value wide.”

Over the years, Baypark has meant different things to different people, but it’s always been a home for the community.

“Baypark has at least four generations of speedway drivers. The old saying is true: once you’re born into speedway, you never get out of it. It’s addictive—racing or not.

Live streaming is a big opportunity to help the sport grow, too. It brings speedway into homes across the country and can hook a whole new generation. Some of us grew up trackside, but today, more people are discovering the sport through streams and social media.”

As for his journey, Mark’s proud of the laps he’s done—but even prouder of what he’s built. “I started back in Streetstocks in 1988. But my greatest achievement now is building MD Motorsport. Having two top cars and contenders racing side by side across New Zealand is a huge deal to me. I’ve been part of great memories, like the Baypark Busters and teams racing. I’ve made lifelong friends. Being president of the Bay of Plenty Speedway Association is something I’m proud of, but MD Motorsport has been a dream in the back of my head for years. Now, one of my cars carries the 1NZ. That’s my proudest moment.”

One thing Mark firmly believes is that open-wheel and stock car classes can co-exist. He thinks Baypark has already proven it.

“That’s the coolest thing about Baypark—we’ve led the way for years now. Speedway needs variety. Mixing it up brings in different crowds. Not everyone likes the same thing. Add in things like fireworks, and you’ve got a show. Baypark has drawn in new fans for generations, from the old raceway to now. If we can just get through this hurdle, there are exciting things in the works that could make Baypark greater than it’s ever been.”

And finally, as both a leader and a lifelong speedway man, Mark shares a heartfelt message for Tauranga’s leaders, fans, and young racers:

“Speedway matters because it brings families together. It connects generations. It creates memories that people carry for life. It’s a sport built on heart, both in the stands and on the track. It brings something exciting and different to our cities. It supports businesses, creates community, and gives people something to look forward to. Fans don’t just come to watch—they come to be a part of something. That’s the magic. That’s why we need to fight to keep it.”