A Legacy Worth Fighting For:

When you talk to 23-year-old Tylar Browne, a proud F2 Midget driver out of Baypark Speedway, one thing becomes clear immediately — this isn’t just a sport to him. It’s a dream realised. It’s family. It’s history. And now, as pressure mounts around the future of the iconic venue, Tylar’s voice joins a growing chorus of racers and fans urging Tauranga to protect what Baypark represents — not just for today, but for generations to come.

Tylar never raced at the original Baypark Raceway, but that doesn’t stop him from feeling deeply connected to its legacy. “While I never got the opportunity to be part of the original Baypark, the current track still holds a massive place in the speedway scene here in New Zealand,” he says. “It’s one of the most exciting racetracks in the whole country — fast, intense, and full of history. It’s what drew me to race here.”

For Tylar, lining up on the grid under the lights at Baypark is about more than chasing trophies. It’s about following in the footsteps of heroes — including his father. “Putting on a show for thousands of local fans each week is something that simply can’t be replaced. To be part of the next generation here, keeping the fire burning and the dirt flying, is something I’ll never take for granted.”

But that future is now in question. With public consultation underway and the long-term future of speedway at Baypark uncertain, Tylar admits the thought of losing it is heartbreaking. “You’ve already seen it happen — places like Meremere Dirt Track, and now Western Springs, all struggling or gone. If Baypark Speedway is taken away, it’s not just a loss for Tauranga — it’s a massive hit to the future of speedway in this country.”

Tylar doesn’t hold back when he talks about what’s at stake. “Without tracks like Baypark, where do the next generation of drivers go? Where do they learn, grow, and develop into the next Michael Pickens, Hayden Paddon, or Liam Lawson? If we take away the places that help create these pathways, we’re closing the door on the future of motorsport in New Zealand.”

Beyond the driving, the wins, and the late nights in the shed, Tylar says what makes Baypark truly special is the people. “It’s not just the fast-paced racing — it’s the volunteers, the crews, the families. Everyone brings their own story. Every night of racing adds a new chapter to Baypark’s legacy.”

And it’s shaped him too — not just as a racer, but as a person. “Baypark has helped me find the hunger, the drive, and the discipline to be the best I can be. It’s given me the tools to compete in one of the fiercest classes in speedway — the F2 Midgets. It’s not easy. There’s no room for error. But the respect between the drivers, the support from the fans, and the pride we all feel when we roll out onto that track — that’s what makes it different.”

To Tauranga City Council, Tylar has a clear message: “Baypark Speedway isn’t just a patch of dirt. It’s a vital cornerstone of motorsport in this country. It’s a launchpad for careers, a training ground for young drivers, and a place where families bond over something they love.”

He urges decision-makers not to underestimate the value it brings. “If we lose Baypark, we lose more than a venue. We lose a part of our identity.”

And to the fans and aspiring racers watching from the banks, dreaming of one day climbing into the cockpit, Tylar offers a message of hope and determination:

“I was that kid once — on the other side of the fence, dreaming of racing. I worked day and night, and now here I am, living that dream. If you want it, if you’re dedicated and willing to grind for it, you can make it happen. Nothing is impossible.”

With drivers like Tylar Browne leading the charge, it’s clear Baypark Speedway’s legacy is in good hands — but now more than ever, it needs the support of its community to survive.

Because this isn’t just about racing.

It’s about belonging, it’s about heritage, it’s about home.

Stand up for Baypark. Stand up for the future.