Motorsport complex gets thumbs up from Paddon

Hayden Paddon enjoyed driving Te Matai Motorsport Centre's gravel special stage last weekend.

The Bay of Plenty's developing motorsport complex gets the tick of approval from WRC star Hayden Paddon.

Paddon spent last weekend driving at the gravel special stage in Te Matai Motorsport complex, part of the TECT All Terrain Park located midway between Tauranga and Rotorua.

Paddon thrilled about 80 of his supporters and sponsor guests on fast rides through the forest rally stage. It's the second time he's used the venue after a testing and driver training exercise earlier in the year.

"There's not anything else like it in New Zealand," said Paddon. "It's great piece of road with some fast stuff and some tight twisty bits as well. It's perfect for us for things like corporate days and testing. I'd love to have something like it close to home in Geraldine.

"I've seen the plans which include a drag strip and autocross track. There's already radio control racing, motorcycle areas and the rally stage, I can see it becoming a one-stop-shop for all kinds of motor sport and a huge asset."

Paddon brought guests from his sponsors including Placemakers and VINZ to the corporate rally day.

"We had people from all over the North Island. It's a good central location and a great facility for running something like this." -There is competition on the Te Matai Motorsport 4km gravel loop at the TECT All Terrain Park tomorrow.

Motorsport BOP is running a sprint event to the popular day-night format with the action starting at 3.30pm for the daylight portion of the event.

After three competitive runs there will be an early evening break - with a barbecue dinner available - followed by three rounds of after-dark racing from 8.30pm.