Shines in F2 Midget Debut at Bays of Thunder
The night of November 22nd at Baypark Speedway will be remembered by many, but for 71M F2 driver Campbell Hayes, it was a night that marked the start of a thrilling new chapter in his racing career.
The Bays of Thunder event was Campbell’s first taste of F2 Midget racing after moving up from Ministocks—and after taking a year away from speedway to finish school. Expectations were high, nerves were real, and the blue and yellow 71M car gleamed under the stadium lights like a jewel ready to turn heads.
From the moment the car rolled into the pits, it was clear this debut was going to be something special. The livery, a deep, vibrant blue, was polished to perfection and shone brilliantly, easily ranking among the top three paint schemes of the season across all classes. Fans and fellow drivers alike took notice.
But as debut nights go, things didn’t start perfectly.
A Missed Start?
Minutes before his first heat, Campbell encountered an unexpected hiccup: seatbelt issues forced him to miss the gate entirely. For a first-timer stepping into a new class, it would have been a tough blow. Instead, Campbell watched and listened from the pits, absorbing the sounds, the tactics, and the rhythm of racing.
Fortunately, being part of Speedway New Zealand’s mentor programme meant that his first heat result didn’t define his night. The program allows new drivers to start from the rear of the field as they gain experience and build confidence before being fully signed off to race in the grid.
Heat 2 — Making His Mark
By his second heat, the nerves were still there, but Campbell had settled into the flow of the track. Starting from the back, he carefully navigated the field, keeping clear of the usual bumps left by heavy rain earlier in the week. By lap four, he felt comfortable enough to start pushing.
The result was impressive: Campbell moved up several positions, avoiding incidents, and brought the 71M home 7th from 13 starters, clocking a 17.440—less than a second off the fastest lap of the heat. For a rookie, the performance was a statement: this was no cautious participant; this was a driver ready to compete.
The Feature Race — Rookie Dominates
The feature race of the night was the true test—and Campbell rose spectacularly. Keeping the car straight, balanced, and up to speed, he completed all 20 laps and crossed the line 6th, claiming the highest finish of all debut drivers on the night—even ahead of some experienced Baypark Cowboys. His fastest lap of 17.020 narrowly missed the coveted 16-second bracket, but the performance confirmed that Hayes had arrived as a serious competitor.
“It’s been a mix of nerves and excitement,” Campbell said ahead of the night, and the results showed he handled both brilliantly. “Mostly, I’m just keen to get out there, settle into the car, and see how I stack up in the F2 field.”
A Rookie with Speed and Composure
Transitioning from Ministocks to F2 is no small step. Hayes quickly adapted to the increased power, speed, and responsiveness of the F2 Midget. “The biggest change is how fast everything happens,” he explained. “You need to make decisions instantly. The F2 reacts to every input, so controlling that extra speed and keeping the car balanced has been the biggest adjustment.”
Baypark’s sweeping corners and wide track suited the young driver’s style perfectly. “I’ve always liked fast, flowing tracks,” he said. “The wide surface gives me room to learn, breathe, and figure out what the F2 likes without feeling squeezed.”
Teamwork Behind the Scenes
The debut was also a win for the team behind the car. The transition to F2 meant more preparation, more setup work, and more pressure, but the Baypark crew stepped up, ensuring everything was perfect for their rookie driver. “It’s been a big but exciting challenge,” Campbell said. “Everyone has stepped up and put in the effort. Seeing the whole team fully behind me has been awesome.”
Looking Ahead — The Rookie Season Begins
After a night of highs, challenges, and breakthrough laps, Campbell Hayes is focused on the future. “I’m really looking forward to getting more comfortable racing in traffic, pushing the car harder, and improving my speed and consistency,” he said. “As the season goes on, I want to keep building my race craft and see how far I can progress by the final round.”
From a missed start to a feature finish that outshone all other debut drivers, Campbell’s first night in the F2 Midget class was a statement: he’s not just here to learn—he’s here to compete.
71M F2 Campbell Hayes is a rookie to watch, a name familiar to Baypark fans will be talking about for the rest of the season, and a driver whose promises even greater things to come.