Baypark Speedway is more than just a clay oval—it’s a place where rivalries burn brightly, and generations gather under lights for that unmistakable roar of engines on a summer night.

Few know that better than Holly Williams, one of New Zealand’s most respected female Sprintcar drivers and a true fan favourite at Baypark. As a lifelong racer who grew up at the track, Holly speaks passionately about why this venue deserves its place at the centre of Bay of Plenty’s sporting culture.

“Baypark Speedway has been around since 1967, it’s where generations of families have been brought up, and fans look forward to a Saturday night at Baypark Speedway. It’s more than just a track—it’s a place where talent is found, families come together, and our sport’s legacy is built. As one of the few female drivers in the field, I’m proud to represent Baypark and believe it deserves its place as a key part of the Bay of Plenty’s sporting and cultural identity.”

For Holly, the history is personal. It’s not just nostalgia, but a living legacy she feels every time she puts on the helmet and straps in. She knows that this place has shaped not only her career but the dreams of countless young drivers and the loyalty of fans who return season after season.

Yet now, the mood has turned sombre. Even considering the possibility of closure hits hard.

“Honestly, the idea of losing Baypark is heartbreaking. It’s been such a cornerstone in my journey—not just where I race, but where I’ve grown, built relationships, and pushed myself to new limits. Baypark is one of the best open-wheel venues in New Zealand, and to think we might lose this is very sad for our speedway community and fans.”

She doesn’t sugarcoat the risk. For Holly, losing Baypark wouldn’t just mean fewer races on the calendar. It would mean ripping out the heart of a vibrant, dedicated community that rallies around the sport.

Holly also sees Baypark as having transformed in recent years—modernising, improving the fan experience, and reconnecting with the community in meaningful ways. She believes it’s proof of what can be achieved when you invest in the sport and the people who love it.

“Baypark has come together in the last couple of years in terms of bringing the fans back to watch our sport. I think adding bits like the fan zone is a great way for drivers to interact with the public and give them someone to cheer on and come back again and again. For years, it’s been the go-to destination for generations of families who live and breathe speedway. Lifelong friendships are formed in the pits and stands, and where we all come together for the love of the sport. It’s more than competition—it’s our second home during the summer.”

That connection to the fans is vital. Holly knows that drivers don’t just race for trophies, but for the crowd that cheers them on, the families who fill the stands, and the kids who dream of one day racing there too.

It’s a bond that runs deep for Holly personally as well. She’s keenly aware of how the track has shaped her, not just in skill behind the wheel, but in character.

“Since starting my speedway journey at 12 years old in Ministocks, Baypark has helped shape me into a confident and resilient driver. Although its still a work in progress!! The calibre of competition and the support of the people here have constantly challenged me to raise my game.”

That mix of tough competition and community spirit has made her the driver she is today—one who is fiercely proud of the venue that raised her.

It’s also why she’s unafraid to speak directly to those who hold Baypark’s future in their hands. She knows what’s at stake.

“To decision-makers, young racers, and our loyal fans: Baypark isn’t just a venue—it’s a legacy. If we lose it, we risk losing a space that inspires our young drivers dreams and our fans their Saturday night thrill. Let’s protect what brings so many of us together and gives Tauranga a proud place on the motorsport map.”

For Holly Williams, the case is clear. Baypark Speedway is more than dirt, walls and grandstands. It’s a living, breathing part of Tauranga’s identity—one she’s determined to defend. And in her words lies the heartfelt rallying cry of an entire speedway community that refuses to see the lights go out on the place they call home.