5150 Motorsport

by Jason Hodgson
(Franklin, New Zealand)

I started racing in fender benders when I was 18 years old, racing at the local dirt track and doing hill climbs.

After doing this for 8 years with a few titles, I built a Toyota FXGT with a 4a-ge which I raced for 2 years at New Zealand's Waiuku and Meremere Dirt Track Clubs, winning both clubs' classes in my 2nd year. My partner also won the ladies saloons class in the car.

My second year racing the Toyota I was offered a drive in a former Brad Butterworth sprintcar at Waiheke Island dirt track. This was the big decider for my partner and I.

In 2007 we drove an old dirt modified, trying to learn as much from everyone around us. In March 2007 we found an ex Kerry Jones 1NZ sprintcar chassis in the back of a shed. The chassis had been unloved for many years and required plenty of work. Over the next 8 months we (with plenty of help from many people) built the car up. On the 20th of October 2007, we debuted the car at Waiheke Island dirt track. It was the best feeling in my racing life so far, a feeling that is indescribable.

The car:
2001 Harris Chassis (built for Kerry Jones to race at Knoxville)
Winters front and rear axles
US Brakes
KSE steering box

Engine:
383ci Chev
GM 350ci Block 4 bolt mains std bore
Eagle crank & rods
Keith Black Pistons
Fuely heads
Summit circle track sump & oil pump
Victor Jnr manifold
Holley carb
HEI Distributor

The plan over the next five years is to keep learning and to get sponsors and support that will assist me in getting to the next level and run a full sprintcar.

Thanks to:
Steve Hancox, Bob Thomas, Ron Salter, Phil Schwass Jamie & Bruce McDonald, Phil Game, Alan Turner, Paul Delator, Graham & Leeanne Hodgson, Scott Taylor, Mace Cadman
Glenn Horen @ J B Machinery
Lee @ Wired Auto-Electrical
Mike & Jeff @ V S P Cars
Brett @ Racer Direct
Warren @ Amped Signs
Ian @ Franklin Engine Balancing
Scott @ Bel-Air Auto-Wreckers
And thanks to anyone else who helped