Te Awamutu teen joins NZ ministock youth team
Local racers make international debut
Te Awamutu’s Greer Magon (95K), 16, has made the New Zealand Youth Ministock Team alongside Hamilton’s Flynn Ashton (23R). This year the team of six drivers will host the Australian racers in March.
The first meeting is at McDonald’s Kihikihi Speedway on March 9, followed by Huntly International Speedway on March 16, TWS Paradise Valley Speedway, Rotorua for March 22-23 and Waharoa Speedway on March 24.
Magon is a third-season McDonald’s Kihikihi Speedway Youth Ministock driver and said it was a surprise to be selected.
“It wasn’t something that I had thought about but I’m really excited to be part of the team, and looking forward to the challenge,” the Sacred Heart Girls’ College, Hamilton, student said.
“My poppa, John Machell, has been involved in Speedway for over 40 years and I’ve grown up going to
Speedway. My sister raced 13 years ago, and from then I always wanted to race, it took me three years to finally convince my mum to let me race.
“I want to thank my sponsors Farmline Services, Tyre & Tune Centre and Sniper Refinish for their amazing support of me and my racing, also McDonald’s Kihikihi Speedway for their fantastic support of our youth class, and of course Mum and Dad.”
McDonald’s Kihikihi Speedway ministock representative Allie Downie-Boyte is full of praises for Magon.
She said Magon is a great pick for the team and has all the qualities you would want in a club/team representative.
“Greer has been a part of the Kihikihi ministock family for three seasons, this is her last season with us before she ages out at 17,” DownieBoyte said.
“In the time Greer has been with us, she has gone from strength to strength, her confidence has skyrocketed, and she is an absolute pleasure to be around.
“Greer’s friendly nature and how she holds herself on and off the track is something for her to be proud of. She is consistent and this has shown in her results on the track.
“As a club, we are so proud of Greer’s achievements and are absolutely stoked to hear she has been selected for the NZ team, we know she will do herself, her family and the club proud. We will be following her adventures with the team closely.”
New Zealand team selector Sam Ashton said selection isn’t all about speed, it’s about sportsmanship on and off the track.
“Greer is a perfect fit for our team - she and her family are always first
to come help other drivers out and are always smiling. They never complain and are just there for a good time,” Sam said.
“She has improved so much over her racing career. I remember in her first meeting she crashed, and I went up to her and gave some pointers.”
Sam also said Flynn is a very smart driver and has other siblings in the New Zealand teams.
The Ashton family have given a lot to Speedway across New Zealand. The last name Ashton goes a long way in Speedway.
“I was lucky enough to be a part of this team when we travelled to Perth in 2018,” Sam said.
“What a cool experience, meeting new people and trying a completely different style of racing than here in New Zealand.”