Kerry Remnant—known to fans far and wide as “The Captain”—is one of the rare few who can speak with real authority on the evolution of Baypark Speedway.

A Superstock legend with a long and decorated career, Kerry has had the unique privilege of racing at both the original Baypark Raceway and the current Baypark Speedway.

With more than 30 years in the sport, his memories are deeply etched in both the grassroots and the grandstands of New Zealand’s speedway scene.

“To me, trying to compare the two venues is like comparing chalk and cheese,” Kerry says. “The original Baypark Raceway was true to the origins of every NZ speedway of its era, from grass seating areas and the dirt/gravel pits to the old wooden buildings and the ‘fan van’ for all your favourite driver stickers and merch. No meeting was complete without kids with candy floss and hot chips meeting up with their mates and running amok everywhere.”

It’s a picture that instantly evokes a simpler, but no less thrilling, time in Kiwi motorsport. But in 2001, everything changed.

“Thanks to Bob and a lot of hard work behind the scenes from a dedicated speedway committee, we saw the flash new stadium built, which was well ahead of its time. An enormous state-of-the-art stadium with individual seats and impressive corporate boxes overlooking the track. The huge concrete pits with power and running water were welcomed by drivers and their crews. Suddenly, there was a new level of professionalism in the sport and a leap in the presentation of both the race cars and the drivers.”

Baypark had gone from long grass and gravel to one of the finest facilities in the country. “Having raced all the SNZ tracks in NZ and 8 UK tracks during my career,” Kerry adds, “Baypark is still, in my opinion, well ahead of most.”

But now, that very future hangs in the balance.

“Having had both the old and the new Baypark on my doorstep for the past 24 years has allowed me to witness the impact it has made on both the local community and businesses alike. The amount of kick back for both Tauranga and Mount Maunganui is massive—from race days to repairs and parts, to shopping, eateries and accommodation; it’s huge.”

And for Kerry, the connection to this place runs even deeper than racing. “Being in the mechanical trade in Tauranga for 35 years, the amount of trade that has come through from the speedway community is phenomenal, creating alliances both professionally and personally. The community sees you on the racetrack, and either from the sponsors on your car or by word of mouth, they track you down and become your new best friend! To lose this kind of goodwill and camaraderie around the city and wider community would be huge.”

He’s quick to point out that for many, Baypark is much more than just a venue. It’s a home.

“Fittingly, everybody has a different story or opinion on what Baypark has meant to them over the years. To me, it has been my life, my driving force, and I would have it no other way. You’ll hear drivers say it’s in their veins; a part of who they are, and it’s so true.”

The memory of his start is vivid. “Back in the beginning, I was one of those kids running amok in the tussocks/long grass and playing behind the back of the open stands, only reappearing when my favourite classes (Stockcars and Saloons back then) were coming out to race. In those early years, I met many kids and adults who would become lifelong friends and allies, including my partner, Paula Hutton.”

That love for the sport turned competitive quickly. “Then later I graduated to being on the tools in the pits with the family A Grade Stockcar and doing demolition derby’s with (and meeting my future) tough competition—the likes of my good mate Ross Ashby.

Moving on from there saw me get the occasional drive in the family-owned car of 66m Craig Pierce & 99m of Mark Decke—a car which I’d been a part of the maintenance of through my work. Later, when Craig moved on, it just seemed a natural progression for me to take over driving the car.”

Through it all, one thing has never changed: the heart of the sport. “The things that remain the same between these two eras are firstly the family and friends that all come together solely for the love of the sport. And then, as a driver, the one thing that has never changed is the competition. The desire and drive to succeed are still strong, creating some great battles on the track.”

And succeed he has. But Kerry remains humble. “As a driver over the years, I think I’ve been a quiet achiever and just let the results speak for themselves—from my early days at Baypark, to the years away, and now to more current times. Not having a huge financial backing through most of my years of racing has kept me very grounded.”

He knows he hasn’t done it alone. “I’ve been lucky to have hugely supportive crew members over the years who have spent countless hours swinging spanners in the shed with me. The hard yards have paid off and now 30+ years later the results keep coming, which is a tribute to all their hard work and dedication.”

As for the future of Baypark, Kerry has a message for the people making decisions—and the next generation of racers and fans watching it all unfold.

“Sadly, I think the Council of the last 15 odd years has not had much in the way of firsthand knowledge of what the speedway ACTUALLY means to the local community and the outside drivers, their teams, and our race fans and families. They have appeared to push their agendas with the facility, striving for the sometimes ‘unrealistic penny’ which has led to the financial results not working in their favour.”

“But as a community, I think Tauranga and Mount Maunganui are somewhat lacking in the family entertainment department, so keeping Baypark running is extremely important. If the promotion team can take over the reins to keep speedway alive and running here in the BOP and push it to its potential, it could thrive.”

From a young boy running through the grass banks of the original track to a respected veteran of the Superstock ranks, Kerry Remnant’s journey mirrors the evolution of Baypark itself—resilient, passionate, and proudly local.

And for as long as there’s a race to be run in Tauranga, you can bet “The Captain” will be there—helmet on, car tuned, and heart firmly in it.