Ross Ashby is more than just a driver – he’s a keeper of Baypark’s legacy. From the grassroots grit of the original track to the world-class professionalism of today’s venue, his journey mirrors the spirit of Baypark itself: tough, loyal, proud, and built to last. If the future of speedway in Tauranga is still being written, then voices like Ross’s deserve to be heard – because in the heart of the Bay, this place is so much more than just a track. It’s home.

For Ross Ashby, Baypark Speedway is more than just a place to race — it’s a part of his identity. As one of the few drivers to have raced at both the original Baypark Raceway and the modern Baypark Speedway, Ross has lived through the evolution of one of Aotearoa’s most iconic speedway venues. And now, with the track’s future in doubt, he’s speaking up for the legacy it represents — not just for himself, but for the whole community that calls Baypark home.

“It’s hard to explain just how different things were back at the old Baypark,” Ross says, reflecting with a mix of nostalgia and admiration. “I managed to run the last two seasons there in Streetstocks, and looking back now, the whole place reminds me of the club-run tracks we still see today – places like Huntly or Kihikihi. But here’s the thing: the old Baypark was ahead of its time. A big, fast oval with that classic terracotta clay – the same surface we still run on. Back then, it had that club feel, but the bones of something much bigger.”

When the new Baypark facility opened, it marked a fresh chapter not just for the sport in Tauranga, but for Ross personally. “The shift was massive,” he says. “Suddenly you’re walking into a world-class stadium. The professionalism lifted overnight – you can see it in everything: the way the teams present themselves, the racecars, the way the whole show runs. The new Baypark isn’t just a speedway, it’s an experience. And that attitude rubs off – on the drivers, on the fans, on the whole culture of the place.”

But as much as Baypark has grown, it now faces an uncertain future. Discussions around the long-term viability of the venue have left many in the community concerned. And for Ross, the idea of losing Baypark again is gutting.

“To be honest, if Baypark goes, that might be the end of my racing era too,” he says quietly. “We’re both under threat – me and the track. I live in Waihi, and racing here has always felt like home. It’s close, it’s familiar, and it’s where the people are. When I race at Baypark, I see more of the Waihi locals in the stands than I do walking down the street back home. If we lose Baypark, we’re not just losing a place to race – we’re losing those fans, those families, that whole support system.”

Ross knows firsthand how deep speedway roots run. “Speedway creates a second family,” he says. “It’s a lifestyle, not just a sport. Some of my closest friendships were born on this track. People you race with, sweat with, celebrate and commiserate with – that’s a bond you can’t manufacture. Most of my mates, probably 90% of them, come from the speedway world. You can’t just pack that up and move it elsewhere.”

His racing career has always been tied to the Baypark name – and proudly so. “My old man raced at the original Baypark. I was just a young fella, hanging around the pits, soaking it all in. That’s where I met blokes like Kerry Remnant. We’ve been mates ever since. That track shaped who I became. The new Baypark took that legacy and gave it a new home.”

Over the years, Ross has proudly carried the “M” on his car, representing Mount Maunganui and Baypark with fierce loyalty.

“I’m proud to run the M. Proud to have been a Baypark Buster. I cut my teeth racing with legends like Rodney Wood, Stick, Flipper, and the rest. I’ve put my car on the line for over 100 teams races, wearing that M with pride. To change that now? That’d be tough. It’s not just a letter – it’s my history, my identity.”

And now, with decision-makers weighing the future of the facility, Ross has a heartfelt message.

“To the people holding the cards – I say this: listen to the fans. Listen to the kids, the families, the competitors. Baypark isn’t just a slab of dirt surrounded by seats – it’s a cultural landmark. It’s an outlet, it’s entertainment, it’s a future for young people. It brings money into Tauranga and all the little towns around it. Every weekend we pour cash into local businesses – on fuel, tyres, parts, beer, takeaways. This sport feeds more than just the need for speed.”

Ross isn’t just asking to save Baypark – he’s asking for unity, for a vision that builds on what’s already been created.

“Let’s not waste time fighting to hold on – let’s work together to make Baypark better,” he says with conviction. “Let’s grow it. Let’s bring in new fans, give young racers a shot, and remind Tauranga why this place matters. If Baypark was gone… Tauranga wouldn’t feel the same. I know for me It wouldn’t.”