Jetsprints: Park's V8 leap of faith

The V8 Jetsprints may be held at a new location.

The organisers of the successful V8 Jetsprints event at Baypark have been quick to raise the possibility of the event being staged elsewhere.

There is a lot to lose. The world-first event, which saw ASB Baypark stadium transformed into a network of water-filled channels, attracted a crowd of 15,000. It, and other events on Anniversary Weekend, brought a flood of visitors to the city. This was a boost for the local economy, especially the accommodation sector.

The city was still basking in the glow of the event's success when it was revealed that cities such as Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch were keen to take it on.

Jetsprints Bay of Plenty spokesperson Pip Minnell has told the council it now needs to "put some skin in the game" if it wants to ensure another city does not steal it away.

The New Zealand Jet Sprints Association has been fielding calls from other councils who want the economic benefit, the international interest and the excitement the event brings.

Mrs Minnell says it did not cost ratepayers a cent, but in the future the city council will have to back the Jetsprints.

Tauranga Mayor Stuart Crosby says he will entertain the idea of providing support.

In my view, city leaders should do their utmost to keep the event. Jetsprints Bay of Plenty is right to forewarn the council but should not forget that it would not be fielding calls if Baypark had not taken the risk of hosting the event.

The stadium, which is council-owned, was willing to tear up its turf while other councils watched to see if it could be done without causing long-term damage, and that has still to be shown. If this does not equate to putting "skin in the game" I don't know what does. Baypark's leap of faith proved such an event was possible.