With heavy hearts, we remember the sudden passing of Julian Tordoff, the visionary founder of Top Town Wheel & Tyre and a towering figure in New Zealand karting. His boundless creativity, infectious enthusiasm, and unwavering commitment to the sport touched generations of racers and customers across the Waikato.
Born and raised in the Waikato, Julian’s love affair with speed began early on local tracks, where the roar of karts first captured his imagination. That passion never faded; instead, it evolved into a lifelong mission to elevate performance and safety for every driver who walked through his doors.
In 2001 he established Top Town Wheel & Tyre, quickly earning a reputation as the go-to destination for precision wheel alignment, premium tyres, and honest advice. Customers became friends, and Julian’s workshop on Lincoln Street turned into a hub where stories were swapped alongside spanners.
His proudest contributions, however, were to KartSport Hamilton. As a former President and later Life Member, Julian poured countless volunteer hours into track development, event organisation, and mentoring young karters. Many of today’s top drivers credit his guidance, encouragement, and occasional “tough love” for their first taste of success.
Off the track, Julian lived for the thrill of competition and the camaraderie it created. Whether fine-tuning a customer’s daily driver or cheering from the sidelines at Highlands or Hampton Downs, his energy was unmistakable. He leaves a void not only in Hamilton’s automotive landscape but in every heart that felt the warmth of his handshake and the spark of his grin.
Julian Tordoff’s legacy rolls on in every perfectly balanced wheel, every young racer chasing chequered flags, and every story told around a toolbox late into the night. Hamilton salutes a true legend whose passion will keep echoing through the Waikato for decades to come. Funeral details will be announced by KartSport Hamilton and Top Town Wheel & Tyre.