Episode 52 - Ayrton Hodson

The pipeline of New Zealand driving talent crossing the Tasman to dominate Australia’s premier touring car series is the stuff of motorsport legend. From Jim Richards capturing the first Kiwi championship in 1985 to the modern supremacy of Shane Van Gisbergen and current points leader Matt Payne, drivers from across the ditch have amassed a staggering 229 race wins in the Supercars era. For a nation of just over five million people, New Zealand consistently produces some of the most formidable competitors on the grid, making the Australian circuit an irresistible stepping stone for the next generation of racers hungry to add their names to that exclusive championship honour roll.

In this episode, we sit down with 21-year-old rising star Ayrton Hodson, who is eager to make his own mark in the Supercars paddock. Unlike many of his circuit-racing peers, Ayrton cut his teeth on the dirt track ovals of New Zealand, progressing from Ministocks to 410 Sprintcars—where he even squared off against SVG—before making a late but rapid transition to the tarmac. Now, he is tackling a massive 2026 double-duty schedule: embarking on his second Super2 season driving a Triple Eight-built Commodore for Matt Stone Racing, while simultaneously launching a rookie Aussie Racing Cars campaign with Corish Motorsports. Recorded earlier this season, we chat about Ayrton's rapid progression through the motorsport ranks, his speedway upbringing, and a Sprintcar-inspired dream garage that will definitely please fans who love to kick up some dirt.

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Ayrton Hodson Website: https://www.ayrtonhodson.com/

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