A champion driver returns
Setting high expectations, Hamilton speedway driver Jared Wade is looking for podium finishes as the new speedway season rolls on.
After a four-year stint successfully racing midgets at Western Springs, Wade returns to his much-loved stock cars. He knows what it’s like to be a champion.
Wade is the current 3NZ midget champion, a title he won’t be able to defend this season because of his move back to stock cars.
In 2003 he won the New Zealand super stock speedway champion title, just two years after getting behind the wheel for the very first time.
Wade smiled as he recalled he was still the youngest driver to have won it.
But he is back in super stocks this year for the first time with his own car after a decade of driving his uncle Paul Wade’s cars.
His car this year features a Keith Gill chassis powered by Nissan Quad Cam V8 VH41 producing 480hp.
Now with a team behind him looking after things off the track, he can concentrate on winning once again.
His team includes his dad Alan and two brothers Shaun and Brad.
And although not official members, the team is assisted by his own children along with his nieces and nephews who all contribute by washing the car.
‘‘Making the transition from midgets to stock cars is easy, this is where my passion is,’’ said Wade.
‘‘It’s a contact sport kind of like gridiron wheels, where anything and everything goes.
‘‘And I have dished out a lot over the years but also have been on the receiving end and thankfully I have been able to walk from the crashes.’’
He admits there is nothing like having your heart pumping knowing you’re ahead on points going into the last race.
‘‘Afterwards when you’re finished and standing on the podium is the reason why I do it,’’ he said.
Wade’s passion for the sport is obvious and admits he cannot remember a time when he hasn’t been around the sport. During the week he manages the family scaffolding business and regards speedway as his second job.
This season look out for Jared Wade, he will be on the winners podium.
Huntly Speedway will have their opening night this Saturday, November 5. Racing begins at 7pm.