Callum Hedge has the need for speed

The future of New Zealand motorsport appears to be in safe hands with young drivers like Callum Hedge behind the wheel.


The Year 9 Saint Kentigern College student is living the life of a speed racer. Callum has been very successful in his Ssangyoung Racing Ute as well as very dominant in his kart racing over the past year. The young driver is racing against competitors 2-3 years older than him in karting and adults in the Ssangyoung Aycton Racing Series. Callum is the current 2NZ in his 12-16 age group. 

In his recent karting meeting, being the first two rounds of the 2017 Giltrap Group New Zealand Rotax Max Challenge held in Palmerston North a few weekends ago, young Auckland driver Callum came back from disappointment on Saturday to celebration on Sunday.


At the opening double-header round of the Rotax Max Challenge at the Manawatu Toyota Raceway he was set for a clean-sweep of the ultra-competitive Junior Rotax class only to have a chain guard come off and be called into the pits while leading the final. It was a cruel blow but one Callum took on the chin, coming back to claim an emphatic Junior class win on the second day of competition on Sunday at the KartSport Manawatu club's track at Shirriffs Rd. 

This weekend is Round 5 of the SsangYong Series at Hampton Downs. Callum had recent success at Taupo about a month ago where he became the youngest ever driver to win a SsangYong Ute race, giving him a massive confidence boost. Callum is looking to improve on his results and push on and to have a successful weekend at the track.

Callum would like to thank his sponsors that make his racing possible Contract Flooring, AD Painting and ORG Racewear as well as his driving coach Daniel Connor. 

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