V8 Supercars today unveiled plans for a $6.6 million upgrade which will return Auckland's Pukekohe Park Raceway to its' former glory as the premier motor sport facility in New Zealand.
Details of the significant capital outlay were outlined by Tony Cochrane, Chairman of V8 Supercars, and V8 Supercar CEO David Malone at Pukekohe Park Raceway just south of Auckland today - also the platform to announce the full calendar for the 2013 V8 Supercar season.
The Auckland event of the V8 Supercar Championship returns to Pukekohe from April 12-14.
V8 Supercars is looking forward to another stellar season, with the Auckland event one of three internationals to be staged outside of Australia, with others in Abu Dhabi and Austin, Texas.
The upgrade of the Pukekohe Park Raceway will begin next month and includes improved safety barriers and debris fencing along with some resurfacing. There is a major change to the pit area, which will be extended to allow for 32 new pit garages and a new state-of-the-art control building.
Three additional turns will be built into the track before the hairpin on the back straight with the additional of overhead over-track pedestrian bridges, over-track signage, improved viewing areas and a general improvement of the venue.
The upgrades will offer a significantly improved experience for the sport and the fans, and allow for an elevated FIA Safety level for the circuit.
"With improved spectator and corporate facilities, V8 Supercars has no doubt it will again become New Zealand's premium motorsport precinct, and a significant boost for motorsport in this country," Mr Malone said.
"Not only will motorsport and Auckland's economy benefit from a round of the V8 Supercar series, it will prove a tremendous asset to the industry in New Zealand, not to mention to the local community in a business sense and as a resource for a range of uses.
"The improvements are significant and will ensure Pukekohe remains a fabulous asset, just 40 minutes from the Auckland CBD."
Auckland Deputy Mayor Penny Hulse welcomed the announcement and says the event itself, which Auckland has secured for the next five years, and the improved Pukekohe Park Raceway will be tremendous assets for the city.
"Auckland has made a deliberate decision to invest in major events because we know the returns for our economy and our people are there. The V8 Supercars Auckland 400 will be one of our most important annual international events."
An economic impact assessment concluded that Auckland can expect approximately 50,000 visitor nights annually as a result of the V8 Supercars event which will bring an estimated $35 million in additional GDP into the city's economy over the next five years.
"When you look at the plans unveiled today you can see that not only is Auckland going to benefit economically, but we will have this wonderful, improved facility for motor racing and for the community. It's a win-win situation."
ATEED, the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment and V8 Supercars are each contributing $2.2 million to the Pukekohe Park upgrade.
ATEED Acting General Manager Destination Jennah Wootten says V8 Supercars confirmation of the April date for the New Zealand round is great news for Auckland.
"Our priority was always to secure a shoulder season date to maximise the economic benefits from the event. The April date gives us that and gives Auckland motorsport fans and visiting V8 Supercars fans continuity as April has become the norm for the New Zealand round," Ms Wooton said.
"Auckland can now start counting down to this awesome event and out of town fans and can start planning their visit to Auckland."
Ms Wootten says the Local Board and local community have embraced the return of V8 Supercars.
"One of the highlights of building towards this event has been the response of the people of Pukekohe who are excited about the event and are already working with us very constructively.
"We look forward to working with them and all our event partners over the next six months to make the 2013 Auckland 400 an outstanding success."
V8 Supercars confirmed the New Zealand round adds to a developing international calendar which next year includes the inaugural race in Austin, Texas, in May.
"It was important we remained at a time that best suits the Auckland region, and we are enormously proud of the support from ATEED and our partners. April is a proven time for a successful event here and will be a pivotal time in terms of the Championship," Mr Malone said.
"New Zealand will now be one of three international stops in the V8 Supercar calendar and we have further developments in the pipeline over the course of the next three years.
"That adds to the stature of the series and also expands our global television reach which will already showcase this country to nearly 140 others around the world."
ATEED will invest approximately $2.1 million per year for five years in the event. This will include a one off capital grant of $2.214 million towards the $6.6 million upgrade of Pukekohe Park and a $1 million annual sponsorship fee.
V8 Supercars Australia is underwriting the event, while the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment and venue owners Counties Racing Club also have a significant stake in the event.
For further information:
Cole Hitchcock Media Manager V8 Supercars Australia
P: 07 5630 0315 M: 0412 743 097 F: 07 5526 3461