Baypark Speedway roars back to life this weekend, with its marquee event for the fastest machines on dirt set to headline the resumption of a weather-disrupted racing season.

The fifth annual Bay Piston Cup has attracted a formidable 19-car Sprint Car field—the strongest assembled in the North Island so far this summer.

Leading the pack is defending champion Daniel Thomas of Hamilton, fresh off winning his second New Zealand title in Cromwell last month and claiming two early-season Baypark feature victories before Christmas.

This year’s Piston Cup offers a distinctive trophy and a $5000 winner’s prize, drawing an elite cast of contenders, a statement on behalf of Baypark said.

Among them are 2024 champion and former national title-holder Michael Pickens, as well as two-time New Zealand champions Rodney Wood (Tauranga), Jonathan Allard (California), and Jamie Larsen (Kapiti).

Also lining up is Wellington’s Stephen Taylor, making his first Baypark appearance of the season, alongside recent feature race winners Ryan O’Connor and Keaton Dahm, both considered serious threats, the Baypark statement said.

“A powerhouse field of Super Stocks is also set to battle for the 2026 Bay of Plenty Championship, contested over three races.

“Drivers from Hawke’s Bay, Gisborne, Auckland, Stratford, and Whanganui are making the trip to challenge Baypark’s regulars for regional supremacy.”

The programme also marks the fourth Baypark appearance this season for Super Saloons, with Tauranga’s Chris Cowling returning home fresh from securing his fifth North Island title in Wellington last weekend.

“With rain interrupting meetings across the country in recent weeks, this Saturday offers crucial track time ahead of next weekend’s 2026 New Zealand Super Saloon Car Championship in Napier.

“Youth Mini Stock drivers from across the North Island — representing Gisborne, Kihikihi, Stratford, Huntly, Rotorua, and Auckland — will be equally eager to make up for lost racing opportunities after a string of rain-outs."

Racing starts at 6.30pm.