Ted Tracey Racing History

I started racing in 1974 after spending all my money on a Speedway Midget. The joke was I bought the car with trailer and had to sell my road car to buy it. Then I had to borrow a car from my Dad so I could get to the race track. The first part of the season at Western Springs Auckland only really consisted of getting my car dirty in the warm up at the beginning of the night.

I would wait all night hoping that I might get in a 'B' grade race. There were too many cars but eventually I got in a race and did well. By the last night of the season I had made it into the 'A' grade and unbelievably I won a major championship that night. The person who came second to me that night was Barry Butterworth, one of the very best drivers New Zealand has produced.

I spent all my money on updating my car and won the NZ Championship in 1976 - 1977 - 1978. I eventually retired in 1993, this being my best year ever. During this final season I won my Seventh NZ Championship at Nelson. Also the 50 lap championship against the visiting American and Australian drivers at Western Springs. I was fortunate to win many championships over the years including 2 world championships, one in Auckland and one in Christchurch.

I travelled to the U.S.A. to race and terrorised them on track on three separate occasions and have raced extensively in many states. I also went to Australia a couple of times and caused a bit of havoc over there as well.

I was fortunate to have totally dedicated people helping me throughout the 19 years I raced. The uncalculable hours spent by my friends to get my racecar 'ready for battle' over the years is what kept me going.