NZ Autocar
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • News
  • Reviews
  • Electric
  • Commercial
  • Industry
  • Bikes
  • Classics
  • Motorsport
  • Prices
    • New Car Prices
    • New Bike Prices
  • Subscribe
    • Print
    • Digital
  • Contact us
    • Contact us
    • Advertise
NZ Autocar
No Result
View All Result
Home News

Confirmed: Motorsport to cease at Pukekohe Raceway in 2023

Words: Harrison Wade

by Harrison Wade
July 20, 2022
Pukekohe Park Raceway pit straight and spectator stands

It has been confirmed that all motorsport activity at Pukekohe Park Raceway will come to an end next year.

Auckland Thoroughbred Racing (ATR) has today announced the chequered flag associated with motorsport activities at Pukekohe Park will wave for the last time next year amid plans to further develop the site for the Club’s own purposes.

The last motorsport event at Pukekohe will be held on April 2, 2023.

ATR is planning to focus the site’s activities on thoroughbred racing instead with chief executive officer Paul Wilcox saying the motorsport closure is the end of an era.

“We can appreciate today’s announcement will be big news for many. Motorsport has undoubtedly had a strong association with Pukekohe Park, becoming synonymous with our racecourse since the first-time cars and bikes raced on it in 1962.

“However, our purpose is to facilitate thoroughbred racing at our Auckland venues with our vision being to provide a sustainable future for our sport in New Zealand.

“We are developing plans to build additional stabling facilities at the racecourse to accommodate an increased horse population. Unfortunately, however, it is not conducive to have both motorsport activities and an increased numbers of horses stabled on site – hence our decision not to renew Pukekohe Motorsport’s lease with us from April 2023.”

Managing director of Pukekohe Motorsport, Gary Stirling, whose company has enjoyed a lease with the Club since 2020, reflects on the decision in saying “this will be a loss for the motorsport fraternity and also a game changer for motorsport in New Zealand.”

“Pukekohe has been the start of many great careers that have put New Zealand on the world stage and dominated the pinnacle of world motorsport.”

Pukekohe Park Raceway aerial shot of track

The track was originally opened in 1963 as a replacement for Ardmore and for many years it was the premier racetrack for New Zealand.

It was speculated just yesterday that the historic racetrack’s days could be numbered, with the Counties Racing Club listing a section of land near turn one for sale recently. However, those fears have now been confirmed.

While it’s a sad day for New Zealand motorsport, the coming months will be host to the final ever Supercars round at the track on September 9 to 11, sure to give the track a fitting send off.

Share
Previous Post

New Zealand Post first Kiwi buyer of Hyundai’s hydrogen-powered truck

Next Post

2024 Chevrolet Blazer electric SUV revealed

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
NZ Autocar is New Zealand’s leading automotive magazine. Delivering news reviews from the automotive world, including commentary from leading automotive writers and covers the scope of motoring including new cars, classic cars, EVs and motorbikes.

Our team

Publisher: Mark Petch
General Manager: Gavin Shaw
Editor: Kyle Cassidy
Senior Editor: Peter Louisson
News Editor: Harrison Wade
Art Director: Alex Schultz
Photographer: Tom Gasnier

To Subscribe

nzautocar.subscription.co.nz

Contact Us

Advertising:
Gavin Shaw
gavin@autocar.co.nz
.
Editorial:
Kyle Cassidy
kyle@autocar.co.nz
.
NZ Autocar
PO Box 44 304
Point Chevalier
Auckland 1246
New Zealand

Categories

  • Bikes
  • Classics
  • Commercial
  • Electric
  • Industry
  • Motorsport
  • News
  • Reviews
  • YouTube

Useful Links

Home
News
Motorsport
New Car Prices
New Bike Prices
Subscriptions
Competitions
Contact Us
Advertising
Terms and Conditions

© 2021 AUTOCAR 2016 LIMITED. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • News
  • Reviews
  • Electric
  • Commercial
  • Industry
  • Bikes
  • Classics
  • Motorsport
  • Prices
    • New Car Prices
    • New Bike Prices
  • Subscribe
    • Print
    • Digital
  • Contact us
    • Contact us
    • Advertise

© 2021 AUTOCAR 2016 LIMITED. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.