For years, the site of the old high-banked track in Meremere looked less like a sporting venue and more like a casualty of war. Water-filled craters, overgrown weeds and a total loss of structural definition had turned a once-celebrated piece of Waikato motorsport history into what veteran racer Kerry Brocas describes as a “bomb site.” To the casual observer, the land was a lost cause; to Brocas, it was a blueprint waiting to be rediscovered.
The rebirth of the venue, now known as 21 Speedway, is more than a mere construction project. It’s a calculated effort to resurrect a specific, high-adrenaline era of New Zealand racing that bridged the gap between local grit and American spectacle. By blending modern safety standards with the daring geometry of the 1980s, Brocas is attempting to restore a sanctuary for speed that had nearly vanished from the landscape.
The project is a deeply personal mission for Brocas, a speedway stalwart who began his own career on this incredibly soil. In an era where many historic venues are surrendered to urban sprawl or neglect, the reconstruction of 21 Speedway serves as a defiant statement on the value of sporting heritage. “It’s about giving back, about keeping venues alive instead of losing them,” Brocas said. “Speedway’s a family, and we want everyone—old fans, new fans, young drivers—to be part of it.”
The American Blueprint and the Butterworth Legacy
The DNA of Meremere’s high-banked design is rooted in the mid-1980s, a period of cross-pollination between New Zealand and the United States. The original track was heavily inspired by the legendary Eldora Speedway in Ohio, characterized by its steep banking and blistering speeds. This American influence was brought home by New Zealand drivers, most notably the late Barry Butterworth, who returned from the U.S. With a vision to replicate the “outlaw-style” racing he had experienced overseas.
Butterworth’s influence fundamentally shifted the trajectory of the sport in New Zealand, introducing a level of spectacle and velocity that had previously been unseen. The resulting “outlaw” era became a golden age for the sport, defined by daring lines and high-stakes competition. For Brocas, bringing the track back is not about nostalgia alone, but about honoring the technical bravery of that era while ensuring the venue is future-proofed for the next generation of drivers.
Engineering the ‘Whopper’ Track
Reconstructing a high-banked circuit requires a level of precision that transcends standard dirt track grooming. To ensure the geometry was authentic, Brocas brought back Lloyd Hodgett, the original builder of the Highbank Speedway. The collaboration between the original architect and the current visionary has resulted in what is being described as a “whopper” of a track.
The circuit is designed with a multi-layered approach to accommodate a wide array of vehicle classes. While the center of the track maintains a true third-mile measurement, the pole line has been intentionally flattened. This design choice ensures that junior categories, mini stocks, TQs, and quarter midgets have a safe, manageable surface, while the steep outer banking provides the necessary grip and trajectory for the high-horsepower sprint cars, midgets, and super saloons.
| Specification | Measurement/Detail |
|---|---|
| Outside Perimeter | Approximately 600m |
| Pole Line Length | Approximately 480m |
| Straightaway Length | 84m |
| Turn Radius | 47m (Symmetrical) |
| Straight Banking | 12–15 Degrees |
| Turn Banking | 23–25 Degrees |
While the degree of banking may seem modest on a technical sheet, the physical experience is vastly different. Brocas recalls the visceral nature of the high banks, noting that in the peak of the era, a driver positioned “on the cushion” could look directly down at the helmet of a competitor racing below them.
Prioritizing Modern Safety Standards
One of the primary criticisms of early high-banked tracks was the inherent risk associated with high-speed centrifugal force. To mitigate this, Brocas has integrated world-class safety infrastructure into the 21 Speedway rebuild. The venue now features FIA-approved fencing and barrier systems, sourced from the Pukekohe circuit where they were previously used for Supercars. These systems are equivalent to those utilized at Formula One circuits globally, providing a critical layer of protection for both drivers and spectators.
This commitment to safety allows the track to push the limits of speed without compromising driver welfare. By combining the “wild” geometry of the 80s with the rigid safety protocols of the 2020s, 21 Speedway aims to be a venue that lasts for decades rather than years.
From First Laps to the October Launch
The transition from a construction site to a racing venue reached a milestone during a recent “working bee,” where Brocas took his own sprint car out for a series of inaugural laps. Though the conditions were dusty and the pace was measured, the exercise served as a vital proof-of-concept for the track’s shape and geometry. “To feel it again, that was something else,” Brocas remarked.
The momentum continued with a recent practice and open day, which saw such overwhelming interest that entries had to be capped. The “test and tune” event allowed teams across various classes—from stock cars to super saloons—to experiment with gear ratios and chassis setups, preparing them for the official season start in October.
While the venue currently operates as a daylight-only facility, the long-term vision includes a fully lit stadium. The foundations and timing systems are already in place, allowing the venue to scale its operations as it grows. For now, the focus remains on the immediate return of competitive racing to the Waikato region.
The official return of racing is scheduled for October, marking the completion of the transition from a “bomb site” back to a premier speedway destination. Drivers and fans can expect a calendar that celebrates both the legacy of the high banks and the evolution of the sport.
Share your memories of the original Meremere high banks or tell us which class you’re most excited to see return in the comments below.
