Paul Radisich and his Team Kiwi Racing colleagues have responded to rock-star treatment and the grandeur of the $600 million motor racing complex at Shanghai by qualifying fourth on the grid for the latest round of the V8 Supercars.
Radisich, the two-time world champion, has enjoyed the attention from the
Chinese media and public but the spotlight has also highlighted his fears for the future of V8 Supercars in New Zealand as pressure builds from other countries with massive budgets.
While New Zealand struggles to find a host city, a number of organisations in the Arab states, South Africa and Southeast Asia are keenly watching this weekend's developments in China. Radisich has been awe-struck by the Shanghai complex, which has already hosted an F1 race and MotoGP.
"I've been blown away by the absolute vastness of the circuit and the facilities. The main grandstand just soars into the sky behind us and the control tower above it looks like something you would navigate aircraft from," Radisich said.
"It is like being in a huge football stadium. Just bigger and bolder. The facilities are just incredible."
The team garage facilities are mind-boggling. "Each one is about 10 times the size of a normal garage facility at an Australian circuit. They have full amenities with toilets, showers and hosting facilities. We could even fit 10 cars in each one."
Radisich said there were large crowds and a sizeable media contingent to greet them when they arrived. "It will be very interesting to see the crowds. This main grandstand holds 30,000 people alone and has been sold out.
"The Chinese Government is heavily behind this circuit and event.
"We understand that Bahrain, Dubai, South Africa and Singapore have also expressed interest in hosting a round. I know Avesco wants the V8 Supercars to stay in New Zealand. Right now we need to identify a suitable facility to host the event."
Team owner David John said New Zealand needs to find a solution or he could see the V8 Supercars forced to leave New Zealand.
"That would be a disaster for motor sport, for the Kiwi fans and for this country. Right now this series is televised to 700 million people around the globe including China. New Zealand can't buy that sort of promotion when we host our round of the championships."
- HERALD ON SUNDAY
