Speedway New Zealand

Category and Nomination Information for the 2025/2026 Season Awards

Nominations will Open 31 March 2026

COMPETITOR AWARDS

COMPETITOR OF THE YEAR - NATIONAL CLASSES
Superstock, Stockcar, Super Saloon, Saloon, Sprintcar, Midget, Three Quarter Midget, Minisprint, Modified, Streetstock, Sidecar and Solo.

COMPETITOR OF THE YEAR - REGIONAL CLASSES
Adult (Production Saloons, Adult Ministocks, Six Shooters, and Lightning Sprints). Youth Saloon, Youth Bike (Peewee Solos, Junior Solo and Junior Sidecar), Youth Open Wheel and Youth Ministock.

Required: Written information on the Competitor to include: National & Regional success at Speedway New Zealand tracks, team participation, car presentation, value to promotions nationally, commitment to sponsors, time spent giving back to the sport, etc. for the 2025/26 Season.

BEST PRESENTED RACING TEAM
For a single or multi car team that is best presented, including presentation of race and tow vehicles, drivers and crew.

Required: Photographs.

INDIVIDUAL AWARDS

WENDY COUTTS AWARD FOR CONTRIBUTION TO SPEEDWAY
For an individual who has contributed the most to Speedway. Candidate could be a local track preparer, local or national committee member etc. Speedway New Zealand Officials not eligible.

Required: Details of their contribution.

INNOVATION OF THE YEAR
To recognise those in the speedway community who are stretching the envelope. It could be a technical advancement, a promotional idea or anything new and unique that continues to move the sport forward.

Required: Details of the Innovation and its success.
Note: This category will only be awarded if sufficient nominations of merit and that meet criteria are received.

MEDIA AND PROMOTIONAL AWARDS

WRITTEN ARTICLE OF THE YEAR
For the best single written article published in a newspaper, website or souvenir Programme etc.

Required: A digital copy of the Article.

PROMOTIONAL ITEM OF THE YEAR
The Poster, Event Programme, stickers, apparel or any other merchandise or item that promotes a team, track or event.

Judged on: Novelty, appeal, impact and availability.

Required: Image or file and details of the item.

PROMOTIONAL VIDEO OF THE YEAR
For the best Video/DVD/Advert/Internet Production, that advertises the sport in a positive light. Must have been produced in the 2025/2026 Season.

Required: A copy of the production or weblink to the footage.

SPEEDWAY COMMENTARY OF THE YEAR
For the most entertaining and accurately informative meeting commentary. May be one person or a commentary Team.

Required: An audio file of the commentary.

ONLINE PRESENCE OF THE YEAR
For the most informative online presence. Could be a website or social media account. Information and content should be original, easy to source and navigate, accurate, visually appealing shines the sport in a positive light and presents in a professional manner. Content must have been available for the entire 2025/2026 season and current.

Required: A link to the relevant website or social media account.

BEST MEDIA SUPPORT
For a Media outlet (newspaper, radio, TV Network, online production) which makes the best effort to support Speedway in New Zealand with their event coverage during the 2025/2026 season.

Required: A sample of their coverage, copy of the production or weblink and details to show the level of coverage, reach, production quality, accuracy and presentation.

SPEEDWAY PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR
The track photographer who has excelled via their camera work during the full 2025/26 Season.

Track Photographers only. Judge is an independent professional Sports photographer.

Judged On: Impact, Visual Appeal, Innovation, Technically Proficient and Variety which could include; Crowd / Black and White / Racing / Action / Volunteers or Staff.
Required: One Portfolio of 6 non-marked photos.

To ensure the judge is entirely objective, non-marked photos ensure the identity of the photographer is anonymous.
Explanatory captions to accompany photos explaining who and what the photo is about.

SPEEDWAY PHOTO OF THE YEAR
Open to all, track photographers and fans.

Required: A speedway orientated photo, no screen grabs will be accepted, exif data must be available.

Maximum of three individual nominations are allowed.

This award will be judged by public vote via social media, to determine the top three finalists for independent judging.

TRACK AWARDS

COMMUNITY INITIATIVE OF THE YEAR
To recognize those who have developed and implemented unique programmes and initiatives which have demonstrated innovation, encouraged community engagement and collaboration, increased participation opportunities and ultimately lead to a positive impact on their local community through speedway in the 2025/2026 Season.

Required: Details of community impact, effort between parties, community support and participation etc.

PROMOTIONAL EVENT OF THE YEAR
Any race meeting at an individual track or series held at TWO or more Speedway New Zealand tracks, exception of Speedway New Zealand Allocated Titles.

Required: Details of Exposure, benefits to track/s, format, quality of racing, attendance, competitor retention etc.

EVENT OF THE YEAR
Best Speedway New Zealand Allocated Title Event. New Zealand, Grand Prix, North Island, South Island Titles.

Required: Details of the event, attendance, exposure, quality of racing etc.

MOST IMPROVED SPEEDWAY OF THE YEAR
A track that has shown a vast improvement in the 2025/2026 season.

Required: Evidence of the improvements required, could include competitor growth, facility improvement, race meeting quality etc.

DON O’CONNOR AWARD FOR PERSEVERANCE
For the venue that has shown determination and perseverance to overcome obstacles throughout the 2025/2026 season.

Required: Details of the obstacles faced and action taken to overcome.

SPEEDWAY OF THE YEAR - VOLUNTARY PROMOTED VENUE
For the venue that makes the best effort to promote Speedway.

Required: Details of crowd and competitor attendance, competitor numbers and retention, track surface, facilities and amenities, etc.
Eligible Tracks: Blenheim, Dunedin, Gisborne, Greymouth, Huntly, Kihikihi, Meeanee, Moore Park, Nelson, Oreti, Riverside, Rosebank, Rotorua, Ruapuna, Stratford, Wanganui, Wellington.

SPEEDWAY OF THE YEAR - PRIVATE OR PROFESSIONALY PROMOTED VENUE
For the venue that makes the best effort to promote Speedway.

Required: Details of crowd and competitor attendance, competitor numbers and retention, track surface, facilities and amenities, etc.
Eligible Tracks: Auckland, Baypark, Cromwell, Palmerston North, Waikaraka Park, Woodford Glen.