A star-studded field is set to launch the 2026-27 Baypark Speedway season this weekend.

Five former New Zealand sprint car champions headline a 19-car sprint car field as competitors begin their build-up to the 56th New Zealand Sprint Car Championship, which returns to Baypark on March 5-6, a Baypark Speedway statement said.

“Among the standout names are former national champions Michael Pickens, Jonathan Allard, Rodney Wood, Jamie Larsen and Dean Brindle, with Brindle making a return to the sport after a season away.

“Adding further intrigue is the arrival of two-time New Zealand Midget Car champion Brad Mosen, who is switching to sprint cars this summer.”

Mosen joins a four-car HLR Racing squad featuring Ryan O’Connor, Christian Hermansen and Hayden Williams, all former national champions in other speedway classes.

The Baypark Speedway statement said the opening night programme will also showcase an 18-car midget car field representing six tracks from around the country, including Christchurch visitors Jay Chadwick and Craig Cox.

“Much of the focus in the midget ranks is expected to centre on a new generation of young stars, with Auckland pair Ben Morrison and Alec Insley, Baypark racers Luke McClymont and Travis Buckley, and Kihikihi’s Mitch Fabish all tipped to feature prominently.”

Former New Zealand champion Dean Brindle (Hamilton) makes a return to the sprint car action at Baypark Speedway this weekend. Photo / Stuart Whitaker, The Write Angle

Hamilton driver Daniel Thomas will also be looking to continue his Baypark Labour Weekend success. After winning sprint car feature races at the past two season openers, Thomas will campaign a BSL Racing Esslinger-powered midget car while delaying his return to sprint cars until later in the season.

Alongside the sprint cars and midgets, opening night action will feature a 21-car super stocks field with drivers from five tracks, stock cars, and a capacity 26-car youth mini stocks grid.

The Baypark Speedway season includes 12 race nights, with racing getting underway at 6.30pm on Saturday.

The season’s marquee New Zealand Sprint Car Championship meeting is scheduled for March 5-6.