Taupo gets set for the big league
New Zealand's Taupo Raceway is set to be extended.
Picture: Taupo Car Club
One of New Zealand's most popular tracks is set to undergo extensive redevelopment, more than doubling in size.
Taupo Raceway will have a new loop added at its northern end with additional permanent and temporary grandstands installed, allowing for up to 38,000 spectators.
A corporate village will also be created at the northern end of the track, overlooking the whole circuit, while two corporate suites will also be installed above the new 32-garage pit building, catering for 150 people initially.
The multi-million dollar redevelopment also includes an associated 25 unit business park. Around 20 expressions of interest have already been received, from specialist performance engine tuners to motor vehicle electronics comapnies and car manufacturing and professional testing companies.
The new track, designed in consultation with former Formula One driver Chris Amon, features an undulating track with a main straight of 845 metres and 18 corners. It has two separate configurations – extending the current circuit to 3.4km in length and 12m wide. The Taupo Car Club will continue to hold the track licence from Motor Sport New Zealand.
A 17 hectare block of land for the extension has been purchased by Taupo District Council, which has given its support to the scheme.
The re-development project itself, including the bulk of the establishment costs, will be funded by outside investment but is subject to the gaining of resource consents and public consultation.
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