
News
The Dirt Track Has Gone Digital
2026-01-03
Contrary to its grassroots, hands-on image, New Zealand speedway has undergone a significant digital transformation to modernize its operations and expand its reach. The old world of paper forms and localized audiences has been replaced by a streamlined, app-driven ecosystem.
- Digital Licensing: The days of paper logbooks are over. Competitors now use a dedicated Speedway NZ App and the Sporty online platform for everything from getting their season license to signing in at the track on race night.
- Professional Live Streaming: A company called "The Pits TV" operates state-of-the-art digital broadcast vehicles that travel the country, providing professional, multi-camera live streams of major events.
- Live Timing in Your Pocket: The sport has fully integrated the MYLAPS Speedhive system. This technology uses transponders on every vehicle to deliver real-time data directly to an app on your phone, letting fans follow live leaderboards, see individual lap times, and track position changes as they happen.
This digital shift is about more than just efficiency; it's fundamentally reshaping the sport's culture. It democratizes the competition, giving a regional driver from Invercargill the same national visibility as a star from Auckland. It connects a geographically dispersed community in real-time and professionalizes the grassroots, attracting a new generation of fans and sponsors who expect a modern, accessible sporting experience.