When Ben Mathews rolled into Baypark Speedway last season for his first full run in the Sprintcar class, he knew he was stepping into a different world. The noise, the speed, the violence of a 900-horsepower machine, all of it demanded more than skill. It demanded courage.

And as Ben puts it, the biggest adjustment was exactly that.
“Biggest thing for me was finding the courage to drive these things how they’re meant to be driven. They are an absolute animal and they handle better when you treat them like one.”

That learning curve didn’t come easy, but it came with moments that stamped his arrival in the sport. One in particular still stands out — a night that proved to him he belonged.

“After all our dramas at Ruapuna, starting the gold cup feature with 0 points off the rear of the field and finishing 4th was a pretty cool feeling. Also receiving the hard charger award passing 11 cars.”

But Sprintcars also taught him lessons that sit deeper than any result sheet. While he doesn’t describe them as “lessons,” one moment still weighs heavily on him.

“I can’t say there were any lessons I learnt as such, but I do still carry the guilt of coming together with Allard and taking away his 20 grand payday. He’s a driver I really respect and actually idolised growing up spectating at Western Springs.”

Still, the sport also brought surprises — especially the camaraderie and respect among drivers.

“The respect amongst the drivers on and off the track really blew me away. I guess these cars are traveling a lot faster and it’s not worth taking risks.”

And as the laps built up, so did Ben’s confidence.

“I believe the more laps we get under our belt, the stronger we become. Like any racecar, time in the seat is the best thing toward progression.”

A New Season, New Intentions

Heading into this season, the goals are clear. Direct. Achievable — but earned only through hard work.

“I think a podium is definitely our biggest goal and believe it’s achievable. We finished 4th in features across multiple tracks last year. It’s a matter of being consistent whilst qualifying closer to the front.”

And at Baypark, the expectations feel even more real.

“A top 5 at any Baypark meeting would be fantastic. As we all know the field is always stacked with majority of the best Sprintcar racers in NZ.”

Preparation has been different this year — stronger, fitter, and more balanced.

“This year I have worked on my overall fitness a lot more. Taking up winter sports whilst in Australia and getting outside for regular runs after work. Living a more balanced life between work and leisure and surrounding myself with good mates.”

But mindset? That stays unchanged.

“Same mindset, same goal. Finish races and work towards consistency.”

With one major target in sight.

“A podium for the team and sponsors no doubt about it!”

The Technical Side of the Beast

For Ben, Sprintcars are a constant balancing act — especially with the one component he’s most focused on mastering.

“My biggest focus is the wing positioning… Getting the wing right plays a huge part in the performance of the car.”

His driving style has changed too. What once was aggression is now controlled precision.

“I found in midgets I always drove fairly aggressively. Transitioning to Sprintcar I have toned it down. There’s no room for error at that speed.”

But the biggest personal challenge?

“Trying to pick up where I left off is my biggest issue. I spend the whole night gathering the balls needed to drive hard. Midway through the feature I feel on my a-game but it’s too late.”

At Baypark, he credits a lot to the man in the pits.

“A good crew chief, whatever he does to the car is generally bang on. We run our car with a fairly safe setup and I have the option to adjust the wing as I race if I want a bit more edge.”

And when it comes to the mechanical side, Ben plays his part — just not always at the track.

“At the track I keep my involvement to a minimum… Sundays it’s all hands on deck stripping and cleaning the cars. I will do the engine top tune and any major repairs. Dad will reassemble the car during the week while I’m away at work.”

More Than Racing — The Personal Drive

Ben doesn’t take any of this for granted. Racing is deeply personal, tied to family, opportunity, and the community around him.

“I think I’m fairly lucky that I get the opportunity to race at the level I do and to have had the financial support from mum and dad… Racing feels natural to me but I still have to stay humble and be grateful that not every child has had the opportunity to do a lot of the things I have. To mum’s despair dad had me strapped in my car seat, in a dirt Kart at 4 years old.”

And no one has influenced him quite like his father.

“Dad would have to be my biggest influence. The amount of times I have made rookie mistakes and trashed his racecar yet he’s still determined to get it repaired and get back out on track and have another go.”

When nights are tough, he leans into learning, not frustration.

“Seeking feedback from the crew on where I went wrong and where improvements can be made… Daniel Thomas always has feedback and tips for me to try each meeting. Michael Pickens and Peter Murphy have both been super helpful as well.”

And as for how he hopes to be remembered?

“Hopefully one day I have some results in the Sprintcar worth talking about. Most of all I’d like to be remembered as a fierce racer that people enjoyed being around. I’m still working towards that ”

From a young kid strapped into a dirt kart to a growing force in Baypark’s 77M Sprintcar, Ben Mathews is carving out a story built on courage, respect, and raw determination.

He’s not just learning the car — he’s learning himself.

And while the podium is the next big target, the bigger picture is clear:

Ben Mathews is just getting started