Driver: Christian Hermansen
Class: Sprintcars
Racing Number: 99M
Residence: Auckland
Registered to: Baypark Speedway
Years Driving: Began racing Ministocks in 2005
Other Classes Raced: Ministocks, Minisprints
Race Team: HLR Racing
Sponsors: Auto Super Shoppes, Fuchs Lubricants, GT Radial, Motomuck, BNT Automotive, Engine Specialties
1. This is your second season in a Sprintcar. How did your rookie season go? What were some highlights and lowlights?
“Mostly highlights, I have to say! We got up to speed pretty quickly, and when you look at the season overall, I’m pretty pleased with the results. I managed to win a feature race in my first season, plus we had a bunch of top 5s and top 10s. It’s a tough, competitive field in Sprintcars right now—there are 25 guys and girls up and down the country fighting for wins—so to have a first season like we did really sets us up well for the second season.”
2. Let’s talk about your team. Harper-Leonard Racing has been a big player in the game for a long time. What does it mean to have the support of Geoff and Suzanne Harper, and to have experienced drivers like Ryan O’Connor by your side?
“I couldn’t do it without Geoff and Suzanne Harper. Getting the opportunity to drive a Sprintcar for HLR is truly a dream come true, and I am so grateful for the chance. We’ve got such a great package—Maxim Chassis, KRE Engines, and Factory Kahne shocks. This year, we’re stepping it up a notch with an incredibly talented driver lineup. Geoff was also my crew chief for much of the year, and having his wealth of experience to rely on made the transition into Sprintcars much smoother. Ryan O’Connor, or ‘Ryno,’ has been fantastic too. He had my back throughout the year and was always available for advice and a helping hand.”
3. What events are you looking forward to this season, and how much travel is planned for the team?
“We’ll be at Baypark for almost all of the meetings, which I’m really looking forward to. We’ve got meetings planned at Western Springs, Kihikihi, and a trip to the South Island. We’ll finish the season off with the Manawatu Champs back home in Palmerston North.”
4. Why did you choose to register with Baypark Speedway?
“It’s a fantastic Sprintcar track—wide and fast. Rodney puts on a great racing surface, and the promotions team always runs a slick show, especially considering the tight curfew they have to work with.”
5. The Sprintcar class has grown a lot in recent years, particularly at Baypark Speedway. What do you think it is about Sprintcars that draws in fans, both new and old?
“They’re just awesome! They’re the fastest cars out there, the racing is incredibly close, and there are some top-tier drivers competing. Baypark really lets us stretch our legs—there’s always two lanes, and it’s nice and wide, which makes for exciting races.”
6. Baypark features different racing formats, like the World of Outlaws (WOO) style, which can be a bit brutal if things don’t go well. What do you think about using different formats? Do they enhance the show?
“I love it! Anything that mixes it up for the fans is a win in my book.”
7. You grew up around Speedway mainly in Palmerston North. What’s one thing you think would improve Speedway in New Zealand overall?
“The sport is in great health here in New Zealand—lots of competitors, healthy crowds, and awesome shows. I’m a big advocate for promoting the sport, both to new audiences and existing fans, so that Speedway becomes the go-to activity for summer Saturday nights.”
8. You’re also a member of the Speedway New Zealand Board and have a busy work life. How does your role on the board help you as a driver?
“I don’t have much time for anything else! But I also run a podcast (The Speedway Insider! Available everywhere).
Link to podcast here> https://linktr.ee/hermo48
“I just love the sport. It’s great to be back and so heavily involved in Speedway after being away for a couple of years.”
9. If you could advise your younger self, what’s one thing you know now that you wish you’d known then?
“When I was younger, I let the pressure get to me. The best success I’ve ever had came when I learned to keep my emotions in check and enjoy the ride more. You tend to drive better when you’re relaxed.”
10. Let’s talk favorites:
- Track: “Palmerston North! Sorry, Baypark, but I was basically raised at Palmy Speedway, and home is home!”
- Event: “Being a Palmy boy, I can’t go past the Superstock Teams Champs! The NZ Sprintcar Champs is a close second.”
- Speedway Class: “Sprintcars, without a doubt.”
- Driver: “Jimmie Johnson (I ran the number 48 for most of my career) and Mark Webber.”
- Overseas Event: “A bit different, but I’d love to go to the 24 Hours of Le Mans. For Speedway, I’d love to see the Chili Bowl.”
11. If you could race anywhere in the world, at any event, where would that be and why?
“I’ve been lucky enough to race in Australia, and I’d love to go back and run a Sprintcar there—the level is unreal! Or, of course, racing in the USA would be a dream.”
12. What goals do you have for the season?
“I want to compete for more feature wins and podium finishes, and aim to be in contention at the three allocated title events.”
13. Regarding an international-style Sprintcar event, do you think it’s better to have a series run across multiple tracks in New Zealand, or stick with one or two tracks as it has been done in the past?
“I remember going to the World of Outlaws show at Baypark in 2005—that was my introduction to Sprintcar racing, and I’ve been hooked ever since. How cool would it be to have something like that again?”
14. What advice would you give to kids, fans, or families who want to get into the sport, something you wish someone had told you?
“It’s the best sport—enjoy the ride!”
15. There are a few big Sprintcar events at Baypark this season, some offering big prizes. Which ones are you looking forward to, and how do you prepare for each event?
“All of them, of course! It’s shaping up to be an exciting season for fans to come and watch Sprintcars at Baypark.”
16. Tell us about your support crew and sponsors.
“I have to say a massive thank you to everyone who helps me out. Geoff and Suzanne Harper have been incredible, as well as Bruce James, Brett Grace, Elliott Heron, and, of course, my dad. Without their support, none of this would be possible.”4o