Riverside Speedway president Tiffany Dryden
FOR Tiffany Dryden, motorsport has become a lifelong love. Now she volunteers hours of her time to ensure Riverside Speedway continues to grow and develop. The Southland Express caught up with Dryden to see how it all began.
When and why did you become involved with motorsport?
I watched speedway growing up but became involved about 19 years ago when I got with my husband, Steve Dryden, who has raced for years.
How long have you been on the committee at Riverside Speedway?
13 years.
How long have you been president?
Four years.
What brings you the most joy being involved with Riverside Speedway?
Seeing drivers enjoy themselves and reach their achievements, especially the youth grade.
Why do you stay involved?
It’s just a part of life now, either helping out at Riverside or pit crewing for my husband across New Zealand.
What do you do for a job?
I work at MTF Finance Invercargill.
What do you hope to achieve during your tenure as president?
I would like to see our new control tower finished, we have a project team working on this. And overall to see what achievements our drivers can get at their national and regional championships.
What are you looking forward to most about next season?
We have the New Zealand Saloon Championship here in January 2021, which will see drivers from throughout New Zealand here competing for the top three positions. And we have the South Island Streetstock Championship in December, which is always entertaining.
Have you ever raced yourself? When did you begin?
Yes, but only in a derby car, first time was a few years ago.
What is so great about the sport?
Speedway is like an extended family. Everyone is there first and foremost to have fun, everyone helps each other and they strive to achieve good results on race day.
What would you say to anyone thinking of joining the sport?
We have lots of different grades to choose from to suit anyone. Get in touch with a grade rep and they can point you in the right direction to see if it’s something you want to do know until you try.
Youth grade is a good place for youth aged 12-16 years to get into the sport and also learn to drive and learn about cars (changing tyres, etc) which will help them when they get their licence and a vehicle.
- Southland Express
