Manukau could be speedway's new home

Manukau Mayor Barry Curtis is looking to develop a motorsports facility that could replace Western Springs as the home of Auckland speedway.

Sir Barry says the council owns a 61ha block adjacent to Puhinui Reserve that it intends, long-term, to use as a venue for the Rally of New Zealand and other motorsport fixtures.

"There is a tremendous opportunity in the Auckland region to bring all the activities of motorsport together."

The site was bought two years ago.

The Western Springs speedway has been under threat from nearby residents objecting to noise levels from the racing. Complaints from locals cut last year's speedway season short.

Speedway promoters have a lease for two more seasons at Western Springs, with two more three-year rights of renewal after that, but Sir Barry doubts the site will be viable much longer, given the encroachment of neighbours and changing expectations in the community.

The proposed Manukau site, which is bounded by Puhinui and Price Rds, would have a significant buffer around any track to alleviate noise problems.

Sir Barry is confident any potential problems can be overcome, and says the council will encourage motorsports groups to submit development proposals.

"Any proposal would have to go through the council process, but I personally believe we would be very responsive to an approach from motorsports groups and that we would do all we could to help."

Council funding for the project could be augmented by money from regional and central government, trusts and other backers, he said.

The Manukau council didn't just have the land, he said. "We have the vision and political fortitude to make things happen.

"It's an exciting sporting opportunity for the people of Auckland and the people of New Zealand."

The Western Springs complaints have continued through the current speedway season, with speedway promoter Dave Stewart admitting the racing was one decibel over the 90db limit for a four-minute event at a recent meeting.

The existing agreement requires 40 per cent of the races at all meetings to be below 88db.

The Western Springs crowds vary from 3000 to more than 10,000 for the Australia-United States "tests".

Springs speedway backers have spoken to the stockcar racers of Waikaraka Park in Onehunga about the possibility of amalgamation, but these talks have had limited success.

Mr Stewart yesterday described the proposed Manukau facility as a "fantastic concept" from a combined motorsport viewpoint, but not that helpful for speedway.

The proposed park's distance from the centre of Auckland was one drawback, he said.

"If it's a night-time event, it has to be close to town or people will not drive for an hour to get to it."

Mr Stewart has already attended "two or three" planning meetings "to get speedway's take" on the plan.

"I applaud it ... it's brilliant, but it's got to work with other motorsport facilities."

Manukau City Council events manager Paul Eagle confirmed that talks had taken place but he did not expect much progress in the near future.

"I don't know whether it will be a priority for at least the next three years."