Motorsport: Hampton Downs owner to 'move on' over GP

Quinn will continue to support Short and it is likely the track will host a round of the Toyota Racing Series. Photo / Alan Gibson

Hampton Downs owner Tony Quinn is disappointed but realistic about missing out on the hosting rights of the New Zealand Grand Prix.

MotorSport New Zealand and promoter Speedworks have announced Manawatu circuit Manfeild would retain the hosting rights for the next three years after a bidding process that also included Pukekohe Park Raceway and Quinn's Hampton Downs in North Waikato.

Huge amounts of local and regional council support - including close to $100,000 per year financial support - saw the nod go to Manfeild.

"Clearly I have been vocal about bringing the Grand Prix to Hampton Downs," Quinn said.

"Most countries put their Grand Prix at the best track but I get it. I get the message so I will move on.

"Geoff [Speedworks owner Geoff Short] is in this to survive and make money and I get that. If the councils wanted it that much down there then good luck to them. We didn't approach government or councils because I didn't really think it was appropriate."

Quinn will continue to support Short and it is likely the track will host a round of the Toyota Racing Series - the country's leading summer category.