Bodie Abrahamson, Mike Griffiths (Griff), Mitch Anderson.
The racing car industry creates networks of friends, families and businesses. It’s an intense experience of preparation, triumph, failure, risk and often grimy work. That is very much the story aa the background of Overdrive in Mercury Bay.
We are saying welcome back home to Mike Griffiths who has recently joined the team at Overdrive. He is known to all his friends and his family as Griff.
As I am relative newcomer to Whitianga and the Bay, it requires some careful listening to understand the layers of connection when you see Bodie Abrahamson and Mike Griffiths working together on the workshop floor, both with heads closely examining motors or standing undercars or chatting to customers.
Mike begins the story of connecting the circle.
I love tinkering with cars and of course, driving them is a passion of mine.
“Years ago, the old Mercury Bay Speedway was quite the event. Bodie is a product of the speedway tradition. So is my son Billy and the two of them are best friends. They grew up together at the racetrack. In fact, racing is second nature to both of them. They started with motorsport racing when they were twelve.
“Back in 1993, I started Mike’s Autobarn here in Whitianga. I sold that to Brian and Louana Skelton in 2000. and then moved to Tauranga. Bay Park had opened a new stadium and I looked forward to racing and this was my opportunity to continue racing. Also, I wanted to give the kids some opportunities in life.
I was then with the Ford dealership for 15 years.
Back in Whitianga, Bodie did his apprenticeship working in what was Mike’s garage and auto shop, at the very auto mechanic that Mike had established.
“Coming back here to Overdrive is like coming home. Now I am working for Bodie and I also get to support him with his racing. It really is a full circle. Once the boys were support crew and enthusiastic spectators when I was racing. I’m too old now but I still love a Ford or Chevrolet. And I will never tire of classic cars. I have one or two out at the Wheels Within Walls Museum.”
Griff’s parents live in Whangapoua. Mike’s wife, Jude is also a long time local with her parents living in Whitianga. They have been residents since 1972 and now the family needs to be closer to them. Working in Whitianga is a very good situation for Mike (Griff) and his family.
