Driver: Adam Davis

Car Number: 86M

Resides: Auckland

Previous classes: Karts, F2 Midgets

Currently races: Sprintcars

Sponsors:

Vehicle construction and maintenance

Limited R and R Powersports

Jackson Road haul

Adam Davis’s journey from F2 Midgets to Sprintcars has been an exhilarating leap, marking a season filled with learning, growth, and a deep appreciation for the speedway community at Baypark.

Reflecting on his inaugural season in the Sprintcar, Davis describes it as a “massive learning curve,” one that he and his team approached with enthusiasm and determination. “Our primary goal was to bring the car home in one piece each night and finish all races,” he noted. This goal was largely achieved, leading to a satisfying season where the team found both joy and valuable lessons on the track.

The growing competitiveness in Sprintcar racing at Baypark, with up to 30 cars registering to race on some nights, has been a significant adjustment for Davis. “It was a shock to the system,” he admits, comparing the field size to what he was accustomed to in the F2 class. The transition to a larger, faster car required not just physical adjustments but also a shift in mindset. “It’s like starting at the bottom of the totem pole again,” he reflected, acknowledging the experience and skill of his competitors.

Despite the frustrations that come with limited track time, especially on a tight budget, Davis remains committed to slowly climbing the ranks.

Looking ahead, Davis has set his sights on the North Island Championships, which will be held at Baypark this year. Although budget constraints may limit the number of events he can do, he views it as an invaluable opportunity to gain experience with new race formats and procedures, particularly the challenge of time trials. “Coming from F2 Midgets, I never got to experience time trials, so that’s another big learning curve to overcome,” he explained.

The switch from F2 Midgets to Sprintcars was not a decision made lightly. “It’s a massive jump between the two classes,” Davis remarked, pointing out the differences in aerodynamics, size, and speed. The transition highlighted just how distinct the Sprintcar experience is. “The speed difference is like night and day,” he said, recalling his initial laps in the Sprintcar. Despite the challenges, some fundamentals from the F2 Midgets do carry over, but as he emphasized, “it is night and day between the two.”

When it comes to the setup, Davis and his team are still in the early stages of learning, running a Chev-powered Spike chassis this season. “We’re getting used to the horsepower and aerodynamics,” he mentioned, noting that this season is about gaining familiarity with the new engine and chassis package.

The different race formats used at Baypark, especially with events like the Piston Cup, are a topic of much debate. “Different formats can be very opinionated,” Davis said, expressing that the effectiveness of a format can vary depending on a driver’s experience. For someone still gaining seat time, qualifying formats that hinge on a single time trial can be particularly challenging. However, he also recognises the importance of experiencing these formats to improve. A format he’d like to see more of involves a marble draw for heat grid positions, where consistency throughout the night determines the winner, rather than a single race at the end.

In discussing his favorite tracks and events, Baypark and Harrisville top the list, with the Easter Sunday Winged Thunder at Harrisville being a yearly highlight. Internationally, the Chili Bowl stands out for its incredible Midget racing. When it comes to favorite drivers, both locally and internationally, Brynn Jackson in the F2 Midgets and Kyle Larson take the lead, admired for their clean racing and immense talent, respectively.

Davis’s journey into speedway began with go-karting and frequent visits to Western Springs as a kid, which ignited a passion for motorsport. After years in karting, he spent four seasons crewing for Leyton Kendall in midgets before taking the wheel himself. “The feel of going sideways at speed was awesome,” he shared, and it was this thrill that propelled him into Sprintcars.

The support system behind Davis is a tight-knit family unit, with parents, uncle Dean, and friends like Matt and Alan playing crucial roles. Each brings their unique skills, from spanner work to car setup, contributing to the team’s success on race days. “We have a lot of fun as a team,” he said, highlighting the importance of this support network.

“My crew is a tightly-knit family unit with Mum and Dad always supporting both at the track and at home. Uncle Dean has been with us from the very beginning, offering tremendous support whenever needed—whether it’s working on the spanners, assisting with car setups and repairs, or ensuring everything’s in place with the push quad. Matt, a close friend and colleague, shares a deep passion for motorsport. He’s versatile, adept at wrenching one moment and welding and fabricating race parts the next. Alan, our setup specialist, brings years of invaluable speedway experience, having worked with crews like Kevin Hyde, Kerry Jones, and BSL Racing. Mark, our Tauranga-based team member, excels on both the spanners and the quad bike, ready to lend a hand wherever it’s needed”

As the new season unfolds, Davis’s goals remain focused on learning, growth, and enjoyment. “Our biggest goal is to finish as many races as possible,” he stated, determined to make strides within the Sprintcar class.

Finally, Davis expressed deep gratitude for his sponsors, all of whom are New Zealand-owned businesses. “We couldn’t have done any of this without our partners’ dedication and commitment,” he emphasized, urging fans to support these local businesses.

With another season at Baypark on the horizon, Adam Davis is ready to take on new challenges, continue his development, and share the excitement of Sprintcar racing with fans. “See you all trackside soon,” he concluded with anticipation for the racing ahead.