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Video / NZ Herald
New Zealand’s newest speedway track in 25 years is ready to open up to motor racing fans, closing the final chapter in a bitter fight over the home of speedway in Auckland.
The $11 million upgrade project at Waikaraka Park Speedway has been completed and racing will begin thisSaturday.
A purpose-built new track, speedway safety wall and catch fence, new lighting and improved toilet facilities and enhanced safety features have all been introduced as part of theupgrade.
Other features include a new pit area which can house up to 130 racers at a time and a restored heritage wall to honour the track’s history to when speedway racing started there in 1967.
Initial spectator capacity will be 4500, with 3000 in the grandstand, while the new pit area will also be open to fans during racing, meaning they can mingle with the drivers during events.
“It’s great to see these upgrades completed in time for Waikaraka Park Speedway to open for families to enjoy summer,” said Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown.
The Waikaraka Park Speedway track will open for motor racing fans this Saturday, November 29.
“It’s clear that Aucklanders love and use this venue, and places like this help contribute to a thriving Auckland.”
The track, designed by an architect who is also a former speedway driver, has been brought more in line with international speedway tracks and is scheduled to host 24 race nights this season, with at least 11 dedicated race nights for the open wheel classes.
The initial spectator capacity at Waikaraka Park Speedway track will be 4500.
The project has not been without its objectors. The Western Springs Speedway Association lodged a judicial review in the High Court at Auckland over the lawfulness of Auckland Council’s decision to move speedway across town to Waikaraka Park.
Twenty four race nights will be held at Waikaraka Park speedway track this season. Photo / Supplied
The association, which included about 1000 members from speedway and the community, alleged several breaches of processes and legal obligations by the council in terms of consulting with affected parties.
Nick Hill, chief executive of Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, said decisions about the future use of Western Springs Stadium were expected to come before the Auckland Council in the current term, but the exact timing hadn’t been determined.
“The governing body resolved that further decisions about the future of Western Springs Stadium would come back to it with appropriate engagement.
“No final decision has been made about the long-term use of the stadium.”
Councillors voted 11-8 last October to spend $11 million upgrading Waikaraka Park and ultimately ending Western Springs’ 97-year run as speedway’s home.
Speedway NZ said previously that it was “blindsided” by the forced move, while former Western Springs promoter Bill Buckley said he was “really p***ed off” about the move.
