Our History
Established in 1987, 21 Speedway Meremere was the bold vision of Barry Butterworth, a New Zealand speedway icon whose racing journey began at just 17 years old in 1956. Starting with TQs, Barry quickly rose through the ranks to become a star midget and sprint car driver, gaining fame across Auckland and Sydney by the late '60s. After a successful sprint car campaign in the U.S., he returned home with a mission: to bring the spirit of American dirt track racing to New Zealand. Inspired by Ohio's legendary Eldora Speedway, Barry joined forces with Bruce Drinkrow of Kaipara Construction and rallied hundreds of dedicated OUTLAW Speedway Club members to build what would become 21 Speedway. Constructed in record time, the high-banked, 1/3-mile (600m) dirt oval roared to life within a year. Located at the Motorsport Complex on Dragway Road in Meremere, the track has since become a hub of high-octane action, hosting Sprint Cars, Midgets, Super Saloons, and more from October to April. With its 35-degree banking and a race lap record of 16.407 seconds set in 2002, 21 Speedway stands as a testament to Barry's legacy and the relentless passion of New Zealand’s racing community.
The Legacy of the Original Outlaw
In the 1980s, legendary racer Barry Butterworth, known as the "Kiwi Outlaw," co-founded the Circle Track Racing Association (CTRA), also known as the Outlaw Racing Association, alongside Brian Tracey. This association, affiliated with the Motorsport Association of New Zealand, was a response to their dissatisfaction with the existing speedway governance. They aimed to create a platform that celebrated the true spirit of racing — hard, fast, and from the back of the pack.
Barry's vision led to the promotion of the first successful Outlaw speedway meeting at the Kumeu Showgrounds in 1984. With the help of Bruce Drinkrow and other dedicated members, he went on to build the Meremere Super Bowl, a 30-degree banked 1/3 mile race track, which became a haven for outlaw drivers who lived to race.
Reigniting the Outlaw Spirit
Today, 21 Speedway Meremere stands as a tribute to this rich history, embracing the outlaw ethos that Barry Butterworth championed. Our track is more than just a venue; it's a revival of a movement that values independence, bravery, and the unyielding passion for speedway racing.
Join us as we honor the past and accelerate into the future, keeping the outlaw legacy alive on the very grounds where it all began.
Our Mission
21 Speedway is dedicated to restoring the track and making it bigger and better than before, with a strong focus on sustainability and honouring the legacy of New Zealand motorsport. The project incorporates eco-friendly practices by reusing traditional materials from the iconic Pukekohe Racetrack, including 236 concrete barriers to enhance track safety, as well as repurposing the original timing and track safety light systems, along with curved barriers for infield and pole line protection. This environmentally conscious approach reduces waste and preserves a vital piece of NZ racing heritage, while giving sponsors an opportunity to align their brands with green initiatives and community-focused values. Further sustainability efforts include the strategic placement of billboards to reduce wind and noise, upgraded drainage and irrigation systems to manage water efficiently and minimise dust, and the planting of trees to serve as natural barriers. These infrastructure improvements aim to create a cleaner, greener, and more enjoyable environment for spectators and the local community, reflecting 21 Speedway’s deep commitment to environmental responsibility and long-term positive impact.
Our Vision
21 Speedway is built on the rich heritage of Meremere Speedway and the legendary 'Outlaws'—a reputation forged by the motorsport challenges of 1987. This iconic history presents a unique opportunity to foster a strong sense of ownership and belonging among fans, sponsors, and the community. The spirit of teamwork at the track will streamline operations, ensuring efficient race meetings and continued development of the venue. Most importantly, 21 Speedway offers a powerful platform to engage deeply with sponsors, fans, and patrons of the sport. By creating an environment that celebrates motorsport history while driving forward, 21 Speedway provides sponsors with unparalleled opportunities to connect with a loyal, passionate audience, enhancing brand visibility and loyalty. Investing in 21 Speedway means aligning with the “Outlaws” that
values tradition, innovation, and community, making it a truly unique and exciting venture in New Zealand motorsport.
