Hamilton to host Oz V8 stars
The city of Hamilton has secured the rights to host the New Zealand round of the Australian V8 Supercar series from 2008 onwards.
The deal is the latest in a series of attempts to launch a street race in the country, following an aborted deal for Auckland and stillborn plans to revive the Wellington race. Current host Pukekohe has hosted the series successfully for a number of years but its deal runs out at the end of 2007.
Hamilton mayor Michael Redman says the city has been working for nearly a year to position itself as the host city. The event has the unanimous support of the council.
The event is subject to a resource consent approval that Hamilton City Council will be applying for.
Hamilton is New Zealand's seventh largest city.
Picture: Hamilton City Council
"The V8 Supercar street race is a significant international event. The worldwide television audience is estimated at 600 million people and up to 200,000 spectators are likely to attend our street circuit during the three-day event," said Redman.
"The economic benefits for Hamilton from this event through additional visitors and jobs are huge. The event provides an excellent platform for providing profile internationally for Hamilton as well as excitement and enjoyment for city residents. This is our entrance to join a top-tier network of Asia Pacific host cities including Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Shanghai and Bahrain.
"An economic impact assessment for this race which was carried out for Wellington forecasted a return in the order of $175m over seven years - there is no reason to believe the return for Hamilton would be any less."
The Hamilton street circuit is expected to attract a greater level of spectator support than previous circuits that have been mooted in New Zealand. The proposed Hamilton circuit has more green space available with the potential for more general admissions and ancillary events capitalising on the city's two international sports stadiums.
The economic benefits for Hamilton from this event through additional visitors and jobs are huge.
Michael Redman
Mayor Redman says the street race will be a catalyst for additional investment and associated industry growth in Hamilton. Corporate attendance is expected to be around 20,000, generating 550 jobs for trained casual staff, work for over 60 event supply companies with more than 1000 jobs.
A 4km street race course borders the city's CBD running largely through the Frankton business district. It offers a host of opportunities for large general admissions, corporate hospitality and most importantly is commercially viable.
"It's early days and we are sure there will be issues that need to be worked through to ensure that any adverse effects of the race are minimised and that the event has widespread local support," added Mayor Redman. "Council will be required to apply for a resource consent under the Resource Management Act and this formal process will allow views to be heard and considered by an independent commissioner.
In addition to the formal process, Council is committed to good communication and to work with any groups or individuals that may have concerns. We are absolutely committed to make this event one in which the city can celebrate."
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