New Zealand is expected to feature once again the Repco Supercars Championship calendar next year, but at what venue hasn’t been decided.
Which circuit would you like to host a round of the Repco Supercars Championship. It may not be practical or suitable or have the right grading, but where di you think it’d be cool to watch the Supercars?
Here is a list of the circuits located across New Zealand and many have storied histories.
Hampton Downs
Built on the former site of two dairy farms, Hampton Downs is New Zealand’s premier racing facility and opened in 2010. Built to FIA Level 2 standards, Hampton Downs features a system providing complete integration between race control, start lights, flag point lights, pit lane lights, CCTV system, timing systems, pit lane speed monitoring and large LED information displays. Most day-to-day operations are now fully automated. It was due to hold a Repco Supercars Championship round in 2020, but the COVID-19 pandemic put pay to that, although it is favourite to host a New Zealand round in 2024. Owned by Tony Quinn since 2015.
Highlands Motorsport Park
Another circuit owned by Quinn, but this one was created the ground up by the former pet food entrepreneur. Highlands is a remarkable place set at the base of the snow hills an hour out of Queenstown, it was built in 2013 and hosted an endurance GT event for many seasons. Used sparingly, this drive through the forests might just be the perfect place to hear the V8s through the trees.
Manfeild
Built by the Manawatu Car Club in 1973, Manfeild: Circuit Chris Amon as it is now named was originally a 3.030km circuit featuring an uninterrupted view of the entire circuit, workshops, hospitality suites and more. Extra land was acquired in 1990 and a track extension was made to 4.511km. Host of the New Zealand Grand Prix 17 times, Manfeild was run previously in reverse and Greg Murphy endured a big shunt racing Formula Holden there in 1995. Currently, it features as one of the stops for the Castrol Toyota Racing Series Formula Regional Oceania.
Ruapuna
Ruapuna Park has gone through many iterations of names, but continues to be one of New Zealand’s premier venues situated near Christchurch. Owned and operated by the Canterbury Car Club Inc. on land leased from the Christchurch City Council, Ruapuna Park was opened in 1963 of just a over a mile in length containing a flat tri-oval connected by straights featuring a hairpin bend. In 1993, the venue was revamped and extended to 3.330km as it incorporated a drag circuit among other facilities. Another circuit regarded as one of New Zealand’s premier venues.
Taupo
Taupo International Motorsport Park and Events Centre was opened in 1959 as a 1.398km circuit, but much like many New Zealand venues it has been upgraded since. This occurred in 2006 when at a cost of $13 million NZD it was extended to 3.500km, a training facility added, a motorsport business park with 13 first floor corporate suites, race control in addition to catering and corporate complex. Another circuit purchased by Quinn in 2021, it hosted the A1 Grand Prix during the mid-2000s and continues to host the Castrol Toyota Racing Series Formula Regional Oceania each summer.
Teretonga Park
Opened in 1957, Teretonga Park is the southern most circuit recognised by the FIA and is the oldest purpose-built venue in New Zealand. A host of many Tasman Series rounds during arguably the golden period of New Zealand motor racing, it didn’t host its first NZ Grand Prix until 2002. Home of the Southland Sports Car Club, the 2.570km circuit hosted the Castrol Toyota Racing Series Formula Regional Oceania earlier this year.
Tiramu
Before the Timaru International Motor Raceway was built, its origins can be traced back to the Waimate 50 Street Race held between 1959 and 1966. This event moved to the nearby town of Timaru before land was purchased to build a 1.6km circuit in 1967. The venue continued to be developed until in 1988 a significant upgrade took place to extend the circuit to 2.4km and enhanced to meet FIA Category 3 standards. Formerly known as Levels Raceway, the circuit hosts top level New Zealand motorsport during the summer months.
These don’t exist anymore but…
Whanganui
Well this one still exists, but Supercars racing at an Isle of Man TT style track could be interesting.
Wellington street circuit
Not the one used in 1996 for the Wellington Street Sprints, but the version used during its heyday as a Group A end of season must. Maybe the shipping containers used around the outside of the circuit to guide drivers could be replaced though.
Hamilton street circuit
A street circuit, which lasted for a short time and was always guaranteed to bring action.
Levin
Long departed, but holds the title as New Zealand’s first permanent motorsport venue and although it was small the Gen3 Supercars could be spectacular around a short track.
Pukekohe
Nearly departed, Pukekohe will be missed. The layout without the back chicane is ideal, just like on V8 Supercars 3.
Wigram Airfield Circuit
Another circuit to become a housing estate, it hosted the Lady Wigram Trophy for close to 40 years until 1994, with the final event for all competitions held six years later.