In the world of motorsports, few experiences can match the adrenaline rush of sprinting around a dirt track at breakneck speeds. Today, we sit down with Bryan Fraser, a young but seasoned speedway racer with a passion for the sport that’s second to none. In this exclusive interview, we delve deep into Bryan Frasers racing journey, triumphs, and what it takes to be a true champion.
Age: 15 Birthplace: Tauranga Living: Tauranga
Years Racing: 3 Home Track: Baypark Speedway
Best Feature finish: 1st in the CTRA North Island Ministock Championship
Classes Raced: Just Ministocks so far
Sponsors: My parents and grandparent’s
Q1: Every great journey begins with a single step when did you start racing and how did you get into it?
I grew up around speedway since I was born because my Dad, Uncle raced saloons together, my Poppy built Saloons/Supers, so from a very young age, I was really interested in becoming a racer. Thankfully my dream became a reality.
Q2: What classes have you run over the years?
Just Ministocks so far.
Q3: In the world of racing, success comes in many forms. What are you most proud of in your racing career? Since there were many talented competitors who presented incredible challenges, having the top points for the Ministocks at Baypark in the 22/23 season has been my best achievement so far.
Q4: What titles have you received while racing?
We don’t really travel for title events but last season I managed:
CTRA North Island Champion.
Baypark Ministocks Season Top points.
Q5: What is your all-time favourite track to race at and why?
It has to be Baypark for me. It is a large track with plenty of space for racing, which allows there to be multiple lane racing.
Q6: Racing isn’t just a seasonal endeavour; it’s a year-round commitment. What are you currently doing in the off-season and how do you prepare mentally and physically for this sport?
I work out at the gym with my dad in order to develop and maintain the muscles that will make driving the car less difficult. I also try to visit Baykarts a few times before the season begins to get back into the racing mindset.
Q7: What do you hope to achieve this season?
I am striving for the Baypark Ministocks Season Top points once more, and my goal is to get three in a row. The only person to have come close to this is Luke McClymont, who fell short by one point. I’ve only received top points once so far, but I still have two Ministock seasons left, so I’m hoping to win these next two to complete a three-peat.
Additionally, I hope to finish within the top 10 at MIP in Rotorua. We visited Rotorua for the first time last season, and I was put into the wall twice in my second race, which put an end to our weekend.
Q8: Success in racing isn’t just about speed; it’s about character what characteristics do you think are important to becoming successful in racing?
To be a top racer, you must have a different mindset on the track than you would at home. You must remain focused and prepared to win. You must be obsessed with what you’re doing, driven, and perseverant through any struggles you may find yourself facing with the goal of pushing through and crossing the finish line.
Q9: Race cars are constantly evolving. What is happening with your car in the off-season? Any major changes we should look out for once the season starts?
I am incredibly grateful for all the blood, sweat, and tears my Dad pours into his work on my car, which he does constantly. I wanted to change the look of the car and he said, that won’t make it go any faster. The car will therefore continue to appear the same as it did in the previous season, but we constantly make adjustments to important areas, so we are is hoping for a faster car in the upcoming season.
Q10: Speedway racing can be fast and dangerous. What do you think is one thing the fans will never understand until they are behind the wheel of a race car?
You will never know how hard those concrete walls are until you hit one.
Q11: What is your favourite race on the NZ race calendar?
I’m a huge fan of Super Saloon, so for me, it has to be the Super Saloon New Zealand Champs.
Q12: Legends inspire legends. Who do you admire most in motorsport and why?
I highly admire Luke McClymont. I admire Luke because his dad Brent raced alongside my dad in saloons and Luke started out in Ministock like most other young drivers do and moved up into six shooter instantly becoming the king of the class and as he is still very young I one day wish to be like him.
I also very much admire Sam Waddell. My Poppy worked a lot with Dean and Sam’s cars back in the day, after my Poppy passed away in 2013 my uncle Scott opted to take over the role of maintaining their cars. I’ve been around Sam’s Super Saloon a lot because I frequently visit my uncle’s shed to have my car repaired. When I get there, I notice Sam’s Super Saloons parked in the shed and I think that one day that could be me and I could be like Sam.
Q13: What do you think of the changes and the way direction the speedway is moving at Baypark?
So far, all of the modifications have been positive. Personally, I think the additional banking in turn 3 and 4 is helping my car a little, so it is my favourite improvement overall, but all of the adjustments have been wonderful, so I can’t really complain.
Q14: Sponsors are the unsung heroes of racing. Tell us about your sponsors, what kind of business they run, and the support you get from them.
Well at the moment I don’t have any sponsors to shout out but would love some Sponsors coming into the 23/24 season.
Q15: Behind every successful racer is a dedicated support team. Tell us about your support team.
My family in general has been the biggest help. My dad and grandfather put so much work on the car that goes unnoticed, and I really, really appreciate it.
Also a big thank you to my entire family for their love and support, both on and off the track. It means a lot.
Q16 Final Words: What would you like to say to your fans and the wider Speedway community?
Just a huge thank you to everyone who visits speedway, not just at Bay Park but speedways all over New Zealand. Your support for the drivers and the track is greatly appreciated. can’t wait to see you all track-side!