There’s nothing quite like the Demo Derby. It’s been a part of New Zealand speedway culture for decades – a mad, muddy celebration of chaos and carnage. But if there’s one place that does it bigger, louder, and prouder, it’s Baypark Speedway.

Back in 2002, just a year after the gates opened to this now-iconic stadium, Baypark made history. 123 derby cars were registered for one wild night of action – a number still unmatched by any other track in Aotearoa. The whole thing took a whopping 45 minutes to wrap up, and we held the Guinness World Record for most demolition derby cars in a single event – until 2019, when a Canadian event pipped us by just two cars. That historic Kiwi showdown was won by a 17-year-old named Shaun Wood. Not bad for a teen with a steel bumper and nerves of steel.

Fast forward to 2015 – Baypark was at it again, pulling in 70 entries and delivering another all-out brawl that lasted 32 minutes. This time, it was Shane Morgan, now a stockcar regular, who took home the honours.

In recent years, the numbers may have dipped – but the heart has never faded. In fact, the last three derbies have seen female drivers rise to the top. Kat Entwisle, daughter of speedway legend Colin, claimed victory in 2019 just before the COVID break. In 2022 and 2023, smaller fields of 14 and 18 cars still put on a cracker of a show – and once again, it was the ladies who drove off with the trophies.

But make no mistake – 2025 is shaping up to be a comeback year. With a week to go, we’re are over 30 entries, and the buzz is real. Cars might be harder to come by these days – scrap dealers are paying cash, and the old paddock specials are few and far between – but the passion is as strong as ever.

And the lineup? Electric.

Among the crowd favourites is stockcar driver Bryce Carter, who’s trading in the hits for a Holden combo and a good laugh. Sprintcar star Cole Wood is keeping it classic, bringing the famous 41 to the derby ring – and his whole crew’s joining in! Expect some tag-teaming with Callum Berkett and Gary Wood – maybe even a team finish?

Flying the flag for the women this year is Shelly McGunniss, daughter of 1980s Baypark Midget racer Wes. She could team up with Stacey Collins, and you can bet they’ll be pushing to keep the girl-power streak alive.

Then there’s the return of the P&R Automotive crew – with Mark “Sparkles” Spalding, Sean Young, Tony Rodgers, and Henry Pierce all gunning for a top-four sweep. But they’ll be up against some diesel-spanner-wielding chaos-bringers from the Kaimais – Zane, Rhys, and Ryan – who are ready to ruin their day, one smash at a time.

Lone wolves like Mike Low (a past winner with a knack for survival), Josh Bailey-Montgomery (a truckie with defence driving in his blood), and Michael Fowler (an ops manager who’ll need to “operate” under pressure) are all taking on the field solo.

And last but not least, representing the voice of Baypark itself, is our very own Timmy Tim Ferguson. Usually behind the mic, this time he’ll be behind the wheel, flying the flag for the crew, the crowd, and all the mad fans who love a bit of destruction.

So what can you expect?

Smash! Crash! Mayhem! Laughter, roars, team tactics, underdog wins – and memories made under the lights. Whether you’re in it for the woos, the wild hits, or the wheels coming off (literally), this is one night you won’t want to miss.