Motorsport: Hampton Downs 101 deemed a big success

The Aston Martin of Tony Quinn and Greg Murphy at the Hampton Downs 101. Photo / Matthew Hansen

Series and track owner Tony Quinn has labeled the weekend's inaugural Hampton Downs 101 an over-whelming success.

A big crowd of around 20,000 packed into the North Waikato race track to watch the penultimate round of the Australian GT Endurance Championship where they were treated to a drama-packed Sunday race that went down to the wire.

David Russell and Roger Jago claimed victory in their Lamborghini after local hope Dominic Storey's race was ruined whilst leading when his team failed to keep his Mercedes in the pits long enough to meet the category's rules.

Overall the event was well-received. The new track layout added a challenge for drivers, the facilities proved a hit with fans and the event had star attraction through high profile drivers like Garth Tander, Michael Caruso and cameos from retired Supercars icon Greg Murphy and drifting star Mad Mike Whiddett.

"I think it is a good result for all of the effort that has been put in," Quinn told herald.co.nz.

"People say that sort of thing when they're on a weekend marathon or something but these guys - the builders, the contractors have put in a lot of effort with a wet winter.

"The carpark worked brilliantly, the staff was great, and the teams all love it.

"I reckon it was a great weekend. I don't really know the numbers and I don't really care - that's not the exercise."

Quinn, who drove in the event in his Aston Martin, was delighted the weather was good over the weekend and is already thinking about what he can do for next year's event.

"I said to the guys if this isn't a success then we are toast. This is as good as it is going to be unless we get the full support of the V8s for their drivers.

"Next year we might take the DVS series [Supercars development series] or somebody else.

"We will look at what we can do better but this was a great start."