Speedway Icon Bill Buckley Inducted into Hall of Fame

Speedway Icon Bill Buckley Inducted into Hall of Fame

In a momentous ceremony this past weekend, Bill Buckley, the esteemed promoter of Baypark Speedway, was officially welcomed into the Speedway Hall of Fame. This recognition is a testament to his unwavering dedication to the world of Speedway, which spans decades of involvement as a Sidecar champion Midget racer, Promoter, and car and team owner.

Bill Buckley’s illustrious career in Speedway management began as the promoter of Western Springs Speedway, a role he held for an impressive two decades. During his tenure, he played a pivotal role in preserving the sport’s legacy when it faced a tumultuous period of uncertainty. Buckley’s relentless efforts ensured that Speedway continued to thrive at the iconic Western Springs venue.

Under his leadership, Speedway soared to new heights, marked by significant innovations and enhancements. His visionary approach introduced groundbreaking elements such as the introduction of a massive screen, live streaming capabilities, and the recruitment of top-tier racers from Australia and the USA, setting the stage for Midgets and Sprintcars to shine during their time.

In 2019, Bill Buckley embarked on a new challenge, taking over the reins of Baypark Speedway in Mount Maunganui. Together with his dedicated team, led by Melissa Webb, he orchestrated a remarkable transformation, turning Baypark Speedway into the resounding success it is today.

Bill Buckley’s contributions to the sport have not gone unnoticed in the past, as he has earned several prestigious awards over the years, including:

  • 1996 & 1998: New Zealand Trade Exporter of the Year Award
  • 2011: American Chamber of Commerce Exporter of The Year and overall Supreme Winner Award
  • 2011: Auckland Chamber of Commerce Excellence in Innovation and overall Supreme Business Excellence Award
  • 2011: Entrepreneur of the Year Master Award (Ernst & Young)
  • 2011: New Zealand Entrepreneur of the Year Award (Ernst & Young)
  • 2011: Supreme Technical Award for Engineering Achievers from IPENZ (Institution of Professional Engineers NZ) – Rabone Award for technical achievement in the category Information, Communication, Electrical and Electronic Technology
  • 2012: Finalist in New Zealand International Business Awards (NZTE)
  • 2012: Services to Motorcycling Award from Motorcycling NZ
  • 2012: Finalist for World Entrepreneur of the Year at an event held in Monte Carlo
  • 2012: ANZCham New Zealand Taiwan Business Excellence Award
  • 2013: Finalist for Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year
  • 2013: Recognized in the New Year Honors List as a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to technology, business, and motorsport
  • 2013: World Class New Zealander Award for Manufacturing, Design, and Innovation

Beyond his involvement in Speedway, Bill Buckley also holds ownership positions in BSL Buckley Systems Limited, BSL Racing, and Esslinger in the USA. His enduring commitment to Speedway and its broader impact on the motorsport world make Bill Buckley a true legend in the field, and his induction into the Speedway Hall of Fame is a fitting recognition of his remarkable contributions.

We wish to congratulate Bill Buckley and want to thank him for his dedicated services to our sport.