The promoters say big screens provided racegoers with good views of the race. Photo / Paul Estcourt
The promoters of this year's Hamilton 400 V8 series are facing a possible legal battle with ticket holders miffed at the lack of views from their grandstand seats.
Anthony Van Kan, and at least three of his friends, are considering legal action against the promoters if they
don't get the $140 back for the three-day tickets they bought for the race.
Mr Van Kan, an architecture technician from Auckland, is among dozens of people who have complained about the views from their grandstand seats on Mill St.
"You go to a racetrack and you can't see the cars? It's unbelievable," said Mr Van Kan, who left with his mates after just a couple of hours "viewing" and never went back.
"When we were sitting in the grandstand everyone was pissed off, it was just ridiculous we couldn't see a thing."
The Weekend Herald visited the grandstand during the Hamilton 400 V8s and from most parts of the grandstand the best view was the sight of speeding rooftops.
Promoter Dean Calvert later admitted the viewing glitch was the only blemish in an otherwise tremendous effort which saw 172,000 people enjoy the inaugural event.
He could not be contacted for comment last night but in an email he told Mr Van Kan that while grandstand views were restricted they still offered views into the pits and parts of the straight while the big screen presented live pictures of the race.
"This presented value to a level greater than a general admission ticket."
Mr Calvert offered Mr Van Kan and other complainants first rights on stadium grandstand seats next year at a 30 per cent discount _ but has refused to offer a refund.
"We believe this offer is fair and reasonable," he said.
"We do not believe a refund is warranted or liable and this position is backed up by legal opinion," said Mr Calvert.
Mr Van Kan, who is also considering legal action against Ticketek for not exercising duty of care, says this isn't good enough and will file legal proceedings within the next two weeks.
"If I took it to a court of law it would be an open and shut case, it's as simple as that.
"At the end of the day they've made a lot of money."
