Shane Olsen

Kart number: 83

Hometown: Greymouth

Chassis/Engine: Arrow X1/Rotax Max

Shane Olsen's arrival into the Christchurch Speedway Kart ranks was one that largely flew under the radar in the lead up to the Moore Park Autumn Dust-Off event. As he drove away to a convincing win in the 15 lap main event, however, he put the whole category on notice as the new man to beat. 

Given his racing resume, it really shouldn't have come as a surprise to anyone. A couple of decades experience racing Ministocks and Stock Cars, followed by a transition towards Kartsport NZ competition made him the ideal candidate to dominate in the burgeoning form of Kart racing. 

In the time since, Olsen has backed up his Dust-Off victory with the inaugural Speedway Kart King of the Coast title at his home track of Greenstone Park, two overall event wins at Ashburton, along with a third place finish at the 2025 North versus South at Huntly, and is always a threat for the win, no matter the track. 

Off the track, Olsen has been instrumental in getting regular appearances for the Speedway Karts at Greenstone Park this past season, as well as introducing a number of new drivers to the category. Olsen has also thrown his support into helping the next generation of racers, whether supporting son Conor, or giving other youngsters an opportunity to see what it's all about. 

In the pits, wife Amanda and children Conor and Scarlett are always on hand to offer assistance, and Olsen is grateful for the support of his sponsors Oliver Auto Specialists, "V" energy, Repco Greymouth, Cooldrive Christchurch, Whitehead Plumbing and Gas, Divine Engineering, Signlink Graphics, Coast Welding Supplies and Davy Auto Electric. 

When prodded for some words of wisdom, Shane's reply; "If you're not first, you're last!"