American teenage sprint car sensation Joel Myers Jr. has taken the New Zealand speedway scene by storm over the past few years. Hailing from Sebastopol, California, the young gun first made his mark in the 2022-2023 season, claiming victory in the prestigious War of the Wings Sprintcar Series.

His performances quickly cemented his reputation as one of the most exciting sprint car drivers to watch.

Myers Jr.’s defining moment came in February 2024, when he captured the New Zealand Sprintcar Championship at Western Springs Speedway, just days shy of his 18th birthday. In a masterful drive, he led nearly the entire 30-lap final, demonstrating his ability to read track conditions and control the race under pressure. The victory etched his name into the record books and confirmed his status as a genuine international talent.

While his success in New Zealand has been impressive, Myers Jr. has also been making waves back home in the United States, where he has been competing in major sprint car events, gaining valuable experience against some of the best in the business. His time on both sides of the Pacific has helped refine his racecraft, making him an even more formidable competitor.

A New Challenge at Baypark Speedway

On 8 March 2025, Myers Jr. will take on a brand-new challenge as he lines up for the North Island Sprintcar Championship here at Mount Maunganui’s Baypark Speedway.

This will be his first time competing at Baypark, a venue widely regarded as the widest, longest, and fastest speedway track in New Zealand. With its expansive layout and high-speed straights, Baypark is tailor-made for Sprintcar racing, offering drivers plenty of room to push their machines to the limit. Over the years, the track has played host to some of the most thrilling Sprintcar battles in the country, with side-by-side racing, daring slide jobs, and breathtaking speeds making it a favourite among drivers and fans alike.

The North Island Championship will see a stacked field of competitors, including two American racers and five South Island registered drivers eager to steal the title from the Northern contingent. With its fast-paced, high-stakes nature, the event is expected to deliver an electrifying night of action.

For Myers Jr., it’s an opportunity to test himself on one of New Zealand’s most demanding tracks just a week before he attempts to defend his national title at Kihikihi Speedway.

With momentum on his side and the experience of multiple New Zealand campaigns under his belt, Myers Jr. is shaping up as one of the top contenders heading into these crucial races. As he prepares for his Baypark debut, fans will be eagerly watching to see if the American star can add another chapter to his already impressive Kiwi racing story.

James Selwyn Photos