20/05/2026
Finally found five minutes to sit down and give you my end of season wrap-up. Was a season of rain-outs, mis-haps, a sudden unexpected end to my racing season and then a stint as crew chief (think will leave that role to Darryl) when Stephen Taylor leased the car for Gold Cup Weekend.
I had some good races, some bad races, some crashes and some wins. Winning the Daltons Summer Slam early in the season was a highlight as was the South Island Title after battling it out with the hard charging bMac boys. Even managed to scrap into the War of the Wings Dirty Dozen.
None of this ever happens without the help at the shop during the week with Mark and Wayne working on the sprint car to get it ready for the next meeting and then Dad, Darryl, Geoff, Cam and Chris each night at the track, giving it their all and 100% effort to support and guide me. Thanks for everything guys, big team effort.
It goes without saying behind every great man there is a greater woman and that is my wife Hannah. Without her support and that of my two kids (Frankie and Jordie), I wouldn’t be out there doing this crazy sport we all enjoy.
My sponsors have been with me for a good few years now. Hit them up if you need their goods and mention I sent you there:
• Ali-Art Castings
• Christchurch European
• Concut
• Fast Times Racing Suspension
• Parkhouse Truck Wash
• Pulse Graphic Design
Finally, news out of Ruapuna’s prizegiving that I picked up two awards. First one was for best presented – was a season of two halves, the stealth design for the first half and the red, black and white scheme for the second half. Dad came up with the idea and Cam turned his magic into the design. The second award was for club member of the year, it was humbling to receive it and I am always happy to step up and help out the track team with what they need to get everything sorted so we can all go racing and for the club and committee too. Thanks to Tash and Trav for stepping in and accepting the awards and Trav for doing the shoey on my behalf.
Darryl has been busy doing R&D for next season and once all the track calendars are out we will start planning the season but are slightly excited to see if we can make it up the 21 Speedway in Meremere this season, it looks mega and the NZ Title is at Baypark this season too.
Will get some mid winter season updates out as things progress.
That’s it for now.
Cheers
JD