Motorsport: $6.6m upgrade planned for Pukekohe

The new $6.6 million upgrade has been unveiled for Pukekohe Park Raceway. Photo / Doug Sherring

Pukekohe Park Raceway is to undergo a $6.6 million upgrade which will allow the V8 Supercar Championship to return there next April.

Details of the upgrade were announced at the raceway today and work on the track and facilities will start next month.

The work will include improved safety barriers and some resurfacing. There will also be major changes to the pit area.

Three additional turns will be built into the track before the hairpin on the back straight, with the addition of overhead pedestrian bridges and improved viewing areas. The work is necessary to improve the FIA safety level for the circuit.

Auckland deputy mayor Penny Hulse said the event, which will be held at the raceway for five years, and improved raceway would be tremendous assets for the city.

V8 Supercars, the Auckland City Council, and the Government will provide the funds for the improvements.

"Auckland has made a deliberate decision to invest in major events because we know the returns for our economy and our people are there. The V8 Supercars Auckland 400 will be one of the most important annual international events,'' Hulse said.

The event will run on April 12-14.