Ray White ’ s speed demons
BY CASSANDRA GLOVER
From enduro dirt bike racing to building and racing go karts , meet some of Ray White ’ s members with a need for speed !
PHOEBE MEADS RWC GOLD COAST QLD
When / how did you first get into racing dirt bikes ? My whole family — mum , dad , and brother — ride motorcycles , so I was always around them . I remember going to one of my brother ’ s Supermoto races and seeing some women on the track . I thought , " I wish I could give that a go ." My brother just said , " Why don ’ t you ?" So , a few weeks later , I got my first bike and jumped in .
What do you love most about it ? Definitely the friendships I ’ ve made along the way , and the feeling of just being in the moment when I ’ m riding . It ’ s all about focusing on the next corner and nothing else . Plus , when you ’ re out on the trails or doing enduro , you can come across some seriously epic views .
What has been your highlight or favourite moment to date ? Getting on the podium with my sister-in-law a couple of times has been the best .
Do you have any tips for beginners or people who might want to give it a go ? Find a good bike shop — they usually know the best spots to ride , the cool events , and what gear you ’ ll need . Or , just post in a local club or riding group on Facebook — people are super helpful . Also , learn how to maintain your bike ; the handbook and YouTube are your best friends for that .
TED INGRAM RAY WHITE PAPATOETOE NZ
When / how did you first get into racing ? I have been racing cars on and off all my life , but returned to racing speedway in 2016 when I built my first Corvette for me to race ( Number 16A ). Then two of my sons wanted to have a go in my car so I built them one each . We are now known throughout the country as the Ray White team . We race mainly in the North Island but go to the South Island occasionally . We race three Chevy Corvettes with 350 Chevy racing engines .
What has been your highlight or favourite moment to date ? There are many highlights but the biggest thrill for me is every time we win we do the winners lap with the flag and the commentators talk about us and Ray White .
Do you have any tips for beginners or people who might want to give it a go ? Anyone wanting to have a go should do just that , have a go , young or old , perhaps in the classes that don ' t cost too much . Join a team , come help out at the track , and mix with people that race .
What do you love most about it ? I just love the sound of the engines under full power going sideways . I love winning , we won the Auckland Championships this year . It ’ s great to race side by side with my sons , especially when we run first and second . We give Ray White caps to the kids who come to see us after the racing has finished , that ' s always a thrill seeing the looks on their faces when they proudly walk away with their new cap .
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