Baypark Speedway will deliver a double-header of summer holiday dirt track racing action with international drivers set to battle New Zealand’s best in headline events.

The December 27 and December 30 race meetings put the Easysteel-sponsored Midget Car division in the spotlight with a stellar field, featuring recently crowned United States Auto Club National champion Cannon McIntosh.

McIntosh, 22, from Bixby, Oklahoma, has quickly risen to the top of US open‑wheel racing.

In addition to his 2025 USAC title run, he claimed both the 2024 POWRi and Extreme Outlaw Midget championships, cementing himself as one of the brightest young stars in the discipline.

For his New Zealand campaign, McIntosh links up with Trent Way Motorsport, the same team that carried Californian Buddy Kofoid to success at Baypark last summer.

“Kiwi fans know their motorsport, and they expect the best,” a Baypark Speedway spokesperson said.

“Bringing in someone of Cannon’s calibre shows how strong our international reputation has become. He’s fast, fearless, and he’s hungry to win on New Zealand clay.”

Local talent hungry to defend home turf

The American star won’t have an easy path.

Former national champions Michael Pickens and Brad Mosen headline a deep local roster, while rising Kiwi contenders – including Luke McClymont, Travis Buckley, Trent Way, Alec Insley, Mitch Fabish, and Ben Morrison – are all eager to make an impression against world‑class competition.

Te Awamutu racer Mitch Fabish was the first Midget Car feature winner of the 2025-26 season at Baypark Speedway. Photo / Stuart Whitaker/The Write Angle

Adding further international depth is 21‑year‑old Australian Zoe Pearce, who has logged extensive New Zealand track time over the past year and a half.

The South Island will also be strongly represented, with three‑time South Island Midget champion – and six‑time national TQ champion – Jeremy Webb returning to Baypark alongside Christchurch racer Ben Morgan, who impressed during last summer’s programme.

Prestigious titles up for grabs

Saturday night’s card features the Bay Super Stars 30‑lapper for Midget Cars, while the Bay 51 – New Zealand’s longest Midget Car race, established in the 2020–21 season – takes centre stage on Tuesday.

Sprint Cars also feature both nights, adding their signature winged spectacle to the holiday atmosphere.

Saturday will additionally host the third annual Hokey Ashby Super Stock Memorial, attracting a 26‑strong field from across the North Island.

New Zealand Super Stock champion Todd Hemingway (Tauranga) will look to defend the Hokey Ashby Memorial title at Baypark Speedway on Saturday. Photo / Stuart Whitaker/The Write Angle

The event, now regarded as Baypark’s top showcase for the heavy‑contact Super Stock class, will see national champion Todd Hemingway return as defending winner after a strong early‑season run of form.

On Tuesday night, attention shifts to the Super Saloons, with a championship‑level grid of 16 cars from around the North Island set to hit the clay for their third Baypark appearance of the season.

Both nights will also feature full fields of Youth Mini Stocks, highlighting the next generation of New Zealand speedway talent.

“This double‑header has become one of the highlights of our summer,” the spokesperson said.

“We’re offering two huge shows, major titles, international stars, and full fields across the board. Fans can expect fast racing and unforgettable moments.”

Racing starts at 6.30pm on both December 27 and December 30.