Meet the Bloke Behind the Helmet: Matt Henney

Meet Matt from 182 Plumbing — a certified plumber with 15 years under his belt, a proud family man, and a serious competitor on the NZ motorsport scene. During the week he’s running his own business, and on weekends, he’s out there chasing podiums.

We caught up with Matt to chat about his journey — from childhood races at Waikaraka Park to becoming a GTRNZ GT4 Champion, and why having the right tyres matters when you’re pushing the limits.

Let’s just say, he’s just as sharp on the tools as he is on the track.

Tell us who you are and what you do?

I’m a Certifying Plumber with 15 years of experience. For the past five years, I’ve been proudly running my own business, 182 Plumbing. When I’m not working or attending racing events, I love to explore the outdoors, travel & enjoy quality time with my family and friends.

What sparked your passion for motorsport Matt? Was there a particular moment or influence?

Growing up, I was always on motorbikes with my family and had a passion for anything with an engine & had the potential to go fast. As a family, we frequently went to Waikaraka Park Speedway, where we enjoyed watching numerous races. These outings were always a highlight of mine.

I can still remember a moment that sparked my passion for motorsport & that was in the early 2000s watching kiwi driver Greg Murphy win the Bathurst 1000 in the Kmart Racing Holden Commodore. That moment really ignited my love for motorsport.

How do you balance racing with your personal life?

I’m either racing, thinking about racing, or dreaming about it! Racing is always on my mind! I feel lucky to have a supportive family and partner who share the love for the sport with me.

Balancing my time between racing, my profession as a plumber, and enjoying time with family and friends is surprisingly manageable.

Can you share a memorable race moment that stands out in your career?

After one of our recent GTRNZ GT3 race wins, I had the opportunity to be interviewed on live TV by Greg Rust. I have watched Greg Rust interview some of my favourite drivers from around the world, so it felt surreal to be in that position myself. A very special moment for our team.

Can you tell us if you have any big wins in your career?

I would say the biggest win in my racing journey has to be crossing the finish line in first place after a challenging race and witnessing the pride and excitement of my team. Additionally, I have had the privilege of having my races aired live on television, allowing me to represent my team and sponsors —including Tyre Shop Online— during post-race interviews following successful performances on the track. Most recently winning the GTRNZ GT4 Championship & Overall Grand Champion of GT Racing New Zealand.

How do you prepare mentally and physically for a race?

As a team, we get the race car ready after each and every round. This way, we can show up to the next event feeling confident, knowing we’ve covered all our bases and can really push the car to its limits. In my view, your pit crew is crucial. A supportive & positive atmosphere is essential for stepping into the race car with a clear and focused mindset.

How would you describe yourself in a few words Matt, both on and off the track?

I’d like to say I’m upbeat, enthusiastic, and have a great sense of humor. Once I strap my helmet on, my competitive spirit kicks in. I race intensely but fairly, making sure to respect my fellow competitors while still holding my ground.

What motivates you to push harder when things get tough?

Every experience offers an opportunity for growth, even if outcomes aren’t what we anticipated. Motorsport is filled with ups and downs, and it’s essential to persevere through the tough times to truly enjoy the good ones.

What’s the craziest thing that has happened to you at a race track?

I remember this one time at Hampton Downs when I was experimenting with different racing lines in the rain and ended up doing a full 360 over turn 3. Somehow, I kept the race car on track and came out of it facing the right way for turn 4. It almost looked like I had it all figured out!

How important are tyres for your performance on the track, and what do you look for when choosing the right set for your BMW?

Tyres are absolutely crucial when it comes to racing. No matter how much preparation you put in, using the wrong or worn out tyres can lead to a tough race. Finding the right tyre is a personal choice that evolves with experience, helping you discover the optimal performance window for your race car on a specific tyre.

How important is having the right tyre for different track conditions?

It’s crucial to remember that the tyre is the sole connection between your race car and the track. Choosing the wrong tyre for changing track conditions can seriously impact your performance in the race.

**Have you ever raced on Kumho or Hankook tyres? What stood out to you about their performance and what do you like about it?**

I’ve had experience racing on both Kumho and Hankook tyres. Ultimately, it boils down to personal preference, and I particularly enjoy the Kumho S700 B Slick Ecsta tyre. They reach our target pressure range effectively and maintain performance well throughout the race, which helps me achieve consistent lap times and boosts my confidence when pushing the car to its limits. Both Kumho and Hankook are excellent choices.

What are your goals for the next racing season?

After winning the GTRNZ GT4 championship last season, we’re excited to step up to GTRNZ GT3 and will keep refining our current race car to maximise its potential. Our aim is to be a leading competitor in the GT3 Championship.

I really hope to get the opportunity to race a V8 SuperTourer someday. That would be a total dream come true, just pure V8 excitement.

What advice would you give to someone wanting to get into motorsport?

Once you join, you’ll find it hard to walk away. Connect with a local series or club and check out their next racing event. You’ll get a chance to see the race cars and teams up close. Regardless of your experience or budget, there’s a spot for you to race.

Matt races in the GTRNZ series, one of New Zealand’s most exciting motorsport championships packed with high-performance and modified cars. In GTRNZ, drivers qualify to lock in their starting positions, then race over the weekend to earn points toward the season championship. With a wild mix of V8 beasts, turbocharged imports, and lightweight race builds on the grid, every race is action-packed and unpredictable — just the kind of challenge Matt thrives on.

For anyone who loves a good Kiwi success story, Matt’s journey is a reminder that with hard work and a bit of grit, anything’s possible.

We’re proud to support passionate drivers like Matt — and even prouder to help Kiwis hit the road with quality affordable tyres they can count on, whether it’s on the track, the open road, or out in the wild.