Motorsport magnate Tony Quinn, owner of Hampton Downs Motorsport Park and Highlands Motorsport Park, is inching closer to securing Bruce McLaren Motorsport Park in Taupo.
In a release to Taupo Motorsport Park shareholders, the circuit’s directors confirmed that they support the bid made by Quinn’s company, Keltic Motorsport. The decision now hinges on approval from shareholders at the Taupo Motorsport Park annual general meeting on July 29.
Keltic Motorsport made a bid for the venue in April with Taupo Motorsport Park confirming to shareholders that the bid was successful following negotiations. These negotiations have seen the purchase price rise slightly from $6.68million to $7.10million for the circuit’s assets and businesses.
“Keltic Motorsport has a longstanding, successful track record of founding, investing in, managing and growing world class circuits and entertainment facilities in New Zealand,” said Keltic Motorsport in a statement, also sent to shareholders.
“Taupo Motorsport Park is a great facility that we will give appropriate investment commitment, to ensure it is seen as one of NZ’s premier venues
“Tony Quinn as the founder of Keltic Motorsport is passionate about growing motorsport in New Zealand and has single handedly made the greatest capital commitment to the sport in NZ in the last decade.”
Quinn’s team has already laid out a list of plans for what it hopes to accomplish with the circuit. It hopes to promote two key “iconic” annual events, and is already in discussions with the Supercars and other international categories about staging rounds at the venue.
The group also to “foster a mutually beneficial relationship” with the Taupo Car Club, while adopting the same track day and membership model it currently utilises at Hampton Downs Motorsport Park. Taupo will also become part of the Tony Quinn Foundation’s activities.
A new go-kart track is set to be built at the facility, potentially similar to the outdoor circuit at Hampton Downs, playing part in a plan for the track to improve its ties to the local community while simultaneously attracting tourists.
“We will actively support the community we are part of, we seek to be a key contributor to the community through driving commercial successes and community initiatives,” adds Keltic Motorsport.
“The track record of Keltic Motorsport speaks for itself. We are excited about the future, and we look forward to playing our role in the next chapter of the park’s journey.”
