Name: Tyler Mitchell
Official Position: Speedway New Zealand – Track Referee
Years working in Speedway: SNZ – 7 Years
Home track: Baypark
How did you get into Speedway?
Mum and Dad worked at the old Baypark Speedway, then moved to working at the new track. Dad was a SNZ Steward and Mum was the Saloon Rep for many years. My sister and I came every Saturday night for as long as I can remember, and sit in the stands. Once we were old enough, we progressed to being the Saloon Rep Assistant (Mum’s Shadow). I would have been 15 when I was asked by the Track referee at the time, Andrew, if I wanted to manage the racing lights, obviously I was a keen bean, and said Yes. I was unable to be officially a SNZ member until age 18. Patched SNZ member for 7 years now.
Have you worked at other tracks or been involved in other Speedways in New Zealand?
Worked as the track referee at Kihikihi speedway for two seasons, as well as helping out at Huntly, Rotorua and also Gisborne
What does the role mean exactly tell us about the job?
Essentially, I am race control. When you watch V8 Supercars, I’m the Race control and Driving Standards Officer. My team and I manage the safety of drivers, spectators and other volunteers during a race, we operate the race lights, penalize (relegate positions, disqualify from the race, or suspend their license for a period of time) drivers for breaking racing rules, and educate young drivers on developing their race craft.
If someone was interested in your role, what is the best way for them to get started?
Come and have a chat with me at the track essentially. We would discuss what you could bring to the team, and I can give you some insight into how we operate.
What do you love about Speedway?
The sounds, the smell and the atmosphere. Where else can you go to smell burning methanol, V8 engines racing past you, dirt in your chips, and the buzz at a national title. I’ve made some lifelong friends while I’ve been at the track which I’m pretty thankful for.
What would you like to see changed or added to Baypark Speedway?
Ultimately, time is my biggest enemy, so I would love to have allowance to run later, or start earlier. This does fall to council however for this, so unsure the chances of this occurring unfortunately.
Have you won any awards for your role in Speedway?
Referees are nobody’s favorite people, so awards are pretty scarce, however I was recognized by SNZ as two seasons ago as “Most Improved Referee”. Nothing too exciting really.
Do you have a favorite class or driver?
Tough question! Referees must remain impartial and shouldn’t have favorite drivers, but for me, it’s the people who come and see me in the referee box, respect my role, polite, and we can have an honest conversation about their driving. Favorite class?
Last season, the Super Saloons put a huge show on. Their racing was next level so it would have to be them.
Do you have any other sports that you get involved with?
When every Saturday you’re at a dirt track, no other sports have a chance of having my time
Is there anyone in the speedway that you look up to?
My childhood dream was to be the flagman at Baypark, who at the time, was Nelly Irvine. When I was about 8, he let me hold the yellow flag when the Sprint Cars were having their warmup laps. Nelly has recently passed away, however his generosity towards young drivers, and his ability to stay youthful, is something I am truly in awe of.
Do you have any final words you would like to say?
Baypark Speedway made huge steps within the previous season. I can’t wait to see where we go from here. I’m excited to be part of the new era for Baypark Speedway