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 Peter Hunnibell 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 Peter’s racing journey, triumphs, and what it takes to be a true champion.

Age: 30

Birthplace: Auckland

Living: West Auckland

Years Racing: 18 years

Home Track: Baypark Speedway

Best Feature finish: 1st

Classes Raced: Ministocks, Six Shooters, Sprintcars, TQ’s and Midgets

Sponsors: Vertex Lubricants, PPS Industries, Reliance Valves, Adhere, BSL Racing

Q1: Every great journey begins with a single step when did you start racing and how did you get into it?

I started racing dirt track with my family at the age of 12, not to far up the road at Waihi Beach Dirt Track.

Q2: What classes have you run over the years?

As I mentioned my racing career started in Dirt Track where I did a couple of years before stepping into Ministocks where I ran for a couple of seasons before taking the step into Midget racing where I currently remain. Along the way I’ve also been fortunate enough to try my hand in Six Shooters, Sprintcars and TQ’s.

Q3: In the world of racing, success comes in many forms. What are you most proud of in your racing career?

Being able to win the New Zealand Midget title with a family owned/operated team which had not been done in 10 years and has not been done since.

Q4: What titles have you received while racing?

New Zealand Midget Champion & New Zealand Midget Grand Prix Winner

Q5: What is your all-time favourite track to race at and why?

Nelson Speedway with its fast-flowing nature always creates tight good 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?

This off-season the focus has been more towards the mental preparation with a set of tailored exercises specific to motorsport. I also follow along with a lot of the racing overseas which helps keep me fluent with what is going on in the sport.

Q7: What do you hope to achieve this season?

A big goal for the season would be to tick off a win at our home track (Baypark Speedway) for Team BSL Racing.

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?

It all circulates around having a strong work ethic, as mentioned the sport is more than just racing on the track and involves many late nights in the shop perfecting your machine just as much as you need to perfect your skill. Always being welcoming of the fans, especially young fans goes a long way.

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?

We have not made any major changes but have spent a lot of time refining many aspects of our combination. I know the team at Esslinger have spent our off season continuing development the BB7 engine and we are really looking forward to getting out there and standing on the loud pedal.

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?

It is hard to put on a piece of paper and describe the sheer violence and rate of acceleration the cars produce. Some have even described it as ‘dancing with a chainsaw’.

Q11: What is your favourite race on the NZ race calendar?

It is hard to specifically pick one, but I do prefer the longer races such as the Bay 51.

Q12: Legends inspire legends. Who do you admire most in motorsport and why?

There are a number of people I admire in motorsport for many reasons, but three key people are:

Niki Lauda – For backing himself and being self made.

Shayne Alach – For his great attitude towards the sport and giving “everything always”.

Kevin Payne – For his ability to read a situation and make calm calculated decisions, always to great effect. (Arguably one of the best crew chiefs NZ has ever seen)

Q13: What do you think of the changes and the way direction the speedway is moving at Baypark?

Baypark is currently on a big upward trajectory which was recognised this year with them winning SNZ’s Most Improved Speedway. The promotion, presentation and professionalism have become the best in the country, helping Baypark to become a staple activity to do on a Saturday night in Tauranga. 

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.

Vertex Lubricants, Reliance Valves, PPS Industries, Adhere, BSL Racing, Autolab, NZHL, SMYD, Allwest Facades, Keene Composites

Our partners really are unsung heroes of racing. Some of them you’ll recognise from years gone by as they’ve been with us since we first founded our own family team back in 2012 and have been through the highs and lows with us. This year we also have a few new partners joining us and we’re really looking forward to building on our relationship with them.

If you’re ever in the market for lubricants, valve fittings, engineering supplies, signage, racecar parts, automotive parts, mortgage and accounting assistance, facades or carbon work; make sure you consider one of our partners.

Q15: Behind every successful racer is a dedicated support team. Tell us about your support team.

Bill Buckley & Team BSL Racing – Truly fortunate to have the support and backing of Bill (who was recently inducted in the NZ Speedway Hall of Fame) and his team. They gear and resources we have available to us is some of the best there is.

Calvin Worthington – The wealth of knowledge he has been able to share with me over the years has been something I am incredibly grateful for.

Mum & Dad – They are there every night supporting me, and if it were not for their support over the years I would not be in the position I am today.

Alf, Ian, Tony – My Crew guys, they give up their Saturdays to follow me around the country so I can go racing.

Last, but not least Amy – She sticks it out week on week, helping organise not only myself but also is a big part of Team BSL’s organisation throughout the year whilst also helping coordinate a number of midget meetings throughout the country.

Q16 Final Words: What would you like to say to your fans and the wider Speedway community?

If you are interested in getting a behind the scenes view of everything as we travel up and down the country be sure to find us on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/peterhunnibell ) and follow along. Also do not be afraid to stop by and have a chat, we are always happy to meet our fans.

Thank you to James Selwyn Photos for providing the photos.