EST: 1983
ABOUT MEREMERE
Meremere Dirt Track Club welcomes all families to join in on an exhilarating experience for not only new or experienced main drivers, but we cater for junior (newby) drivers, ladies, and mechanics.
With multiple racing divisions, there's a class for the whole family to "drive it like you stole it" on the dirt track!
Meremere Dirt Track Club is dedicated to creating a welcoming environment where you can push the limits of speed and performance—without the worry of a speeding ticket!​
CONTACT US TODAY TO DISCUSS YOUR FAMILY JOINING IN ON THE ACTION
CURRENT RACE CLASSESÂ
0-1600cc
Production Saloon
Production 6 CYL
C Hot Rod
(4 Cylinder ex-road)
C Altered
(4 Cylinder Space Frame)
B Hot Rod
(6 Cylinder ex-road)
B Altered
(6 Cylinder Space Frame)
A Hot Rod
(8 Cylinder ex-road)
A Altered
(8 Cylinder Space Frame)
Juniors
(Aged 12 - 16yrs)
Ladies
Mechanics
Grass Karts
Mini Stocks
Leftie saloons
yet to proceed
Once track is deemed safe to cater for this class
THE COMMITTEEÂ
We’re excited to introduce the amazing volunteers on our 2024/25 Dirt Track Club Committee!
These passionate individuals have been working tirelessly behind the scenes to make sure our club thrives and that every member has an incredible experience.
From planning exciting events to keeping the track in top shape, they’re committed to making our club the ultimate racing destination.
Come meet our fantastic committee and join us for some thrilling race days!
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MEREMERE DIRT TRACK HISTORY
​​The Meremere venue originated in 1972, utilizing surplus earth from drag strip excavations to create a dirt track nearby. This relocation enabled the Pukekohe Hot Rod Club to transfer their grass track racing from Pukekawa across the river to Meremere.
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In 1980, the Auckland Hot Rod Club assumed management of the dirt track as repayment for debentures they held in the drag strip. The Meremere Dirt Track Club emerged in winter 1983, formed by members from three main clubs—Auckland Hot Rod Club, Western Districts Off-road Racing Club, and Waiuku Dirt Track Club.
They aimed to establish a new club solely focused on their sport, assuming control from the existing promoters, the Auckland Hot Rod Club.
Keith Robson, former President of the Auckland Hot Rod Club, and Lance Green, Treasurer of the Western Districts Off-road Racing Club, took on pivotal roles in the new club.
Robson drafted club rules and refined racing standards, roles he had previously undertaken. Green, leveraging his marketing acumen, devised a business plan and fundraising strategy, introducing innovations such as free glossy programs, national championship weekends, monthly club meetings, and professional sponsorship.
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Green's business connections secured crucial support from major entities like Auto Trader magazine, BP oils, McEntee Hire services, Trans Tours, and Mitre 10 in the club's initial years. Additionally, numerous club members who owned businesses sponsored events, purchased program advertisements, or provided essential goods and services, as it still does today!
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Under the guidance of the initial nine committee members, the club achieved significant milestones in a short period. They rebuilt and reshaped the track, constructed a new off-road course with jumps intertwining through the dirt track, erected a control tower and main pit fence, improved access roads, maintained lawns, built toilets, laid water lines, and refurbished the water truck—all while sprucing up everything fixed to the ground with fresh paint!
Today, the club upholds the legacy established from its inception, and many families continue to enjoy the track and the events it offers, honoring the initial concept intended.​​​​​​​​​​​​​
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FOUNDING MEMBERS
The Founding Committee
Auckland Hot Rod Club
Keith Vazey
Ricky Mitchell
Bob Bassett
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Waiuku Dirt Track Club
Kerry Jones
Harold Kitson
John Rattrie
​
Western Districts Off Road Racing Club
Stewart Reid
Alan Wakeling
Trevor Watts
The members of the club could see what was happening and became enthused enough to become involved as well. With working bees well attended by large amounts of members all keen to make the club and its first season of racing successful.
The first race meeting run by the new club happened on the 16th of October 1983, after many Saturday night's camping at the track, and sitting around the bonfire enjoying a sociable night of storytelling, singing and the odd drink or three!
It was the start of a club and venue that continues to this day having given many car enthusiasts a great start in motor sport, and life long friendships!
LEGENDS IN MOTORSPORT
Some of the legends that have graced the track over the years.......
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Kerry Jones and Alan Wakeling - NZ Sprint Car Champions
Possum Bourne - Australian, Asia PAcific and NZ Rally Champ (in the mid 70's with his V8 Cortina
Peter Hemi - NZ Super Saloon Car Champ
Kim Austin - Ashley Forest Rally Sprint Record HolderÂ
Ricky Mitchell - Auckland Superstock Champ
Steve Murphy - 2 x NI Rallycross Champ. NZ Rallycross Champ, 2x Ashley Forest Rally Sprint Car ChampÂ
Andrew Hawkeswood - NZ Rally Champ and Sprintcar Driver
Mike Eggleton - Multiple Champion Rally Co-Driver for Possum Bourne
Clyde Walters - Multiple Targa Driver with his spectacular MK3 Zephyr
Tony Mc Call - 9 x NZ Off-road Racing ChampÂ
Dean Perkins - NZ V8 Race Car DriverÂ
Paul Vazey - Well regarded Stock Car Chassis builder and Race
Ossie Sokol - One of NZ's Top Sprintcar Drivers