New Zealand's newest circuit - Hampton Downs is GO!!

[Just Do It!]

Just got official confirmation that Tony Roberts and Chris Watson have today gained Resource Consent to build an all-new race circuit at Hampton Downs - slightly further south than Pukekohe.

This really is awesome news and is another huge positive for New Zealand motorsport!!


Check out the Hampton Downs website at: www.hamptondowns.co.nz

There is details and a map. The apartments have all sold, but some of the other real estate is still available.

Three cheers for Chris and Tony fulfilling their dream!!

[Peddler]

looks like a great track...

[Chatters]

Wow, that looks like a really good track. Something which would look good with a pack of V8's going around it- When does Hamilton's contract end?

JDI, any idea what sort of motorsport events they want there? A1GP? V8s? F1s...?

[Timu]

Its right by the brand new prison! :P

Geeze I hate those two words, resourse and consent, too many bad memories of other failed missions!...

[mctshirt]

IIRC it's going to be developed to Grade 2 FIA standard with everything in ready to upgrade to F1's should someone with seriously deep pockets be found to line the pockets of Mr B Ecclestone esq. I'd imagine Taupo would be working hard to hang on to A1GP after this year but anythings possible. As for V8's doesn't the Ecclestone of the South Pacific want more street races?

[mountainstar]

This is great news because it does appear Pukehoke is on the chopping block.

[Intrepid]

Im excited about Hampton Downs, just a little concerned that with alot of money being spent on getting the resource consent, is there enough to fund the project itself. Im not sure on the full details of financial backers etc, but i do hope they find support wherever possible so it can be all go!

On a side note, gee how fast is Hamilton moving as an up and commer? The WRC, V8 street race, Hampton Downs, World rowing champs...the council really are doing something right, and thumbs up to them as well

[D.R.T.]

Great news. Another permanent circuit in NZ is a very positive step.

[sizzle]

Not unlike the old warwick Farm track in Sydney!

[Silver 3]

Per head of population NZ is really well served with tracks-- and even better with new track being built.

[Just Do It!]

Originally Posted by Chatters

Wow, that looks like a really good track. Something which would look good with a pack of V8's going around it- When does Hamilton's contract end?

JDI, any idea what sort of motorsport events they want there? A1GP? V8s? F1s...?

Well, see, that's a bit of an unknown.

The whole circuit budget has been done on not getting big events there

I reckon there will be plenty of NZ and club racing there. I know a few Formula 5000 guys can't wait to get out on it. One of the developers had a McLaren Can-Am car - the 4 speed 9 litre one -and I am sure that those cars of cars will hum around circuit like this.

I don't about A1GP now it ha gone to Taupo, but now that it has, once everyone has spent the inaugral event travelling for 1, 2, or 3 hour to get there, it won't take much for Tony Texiera and Colin Giltrap to look to relocate the event to Hampton Downs. After all, Colin Giltrap owns an apartment there.

And here in lies the sceret! The developers have built this as more than a race track. Take a look at www.hamptondowns.co.nz to see what I mean. All the apartments sold. I know someone who wants 3 and got none. There are also lifestyle blocks nearby as part of the complex, and lock-up garages and industrial sites. These good guys are looking after the whole motorsport industry by providing building sites of up to 5000 square metres to build your own facility on.

I just hope that they can re-design the site to include more apartments as the demand seems to be there. There are 20 people on the waiting list. One of them wants 3. It's a brilliant idea

Does Tony Perich read these forums??

[Just Do It!]

Originally Posted by Timu

Its right by the brand new prison! :P

Geeze I hate those two words, resourse and consent, too many bad memories of other failed missions!...

You are right, Timu. It is by a prison, a landfill, and a drag strip, and the motorway....it is a premium location!!

I reckon that the only reason that you hate the words resource and consent is that you usually run out of resources before the chick gives you consent

[Just Do It!]

Originally Posted by mctshirt

IIRC it's going to be developed to Grade 2 FIA standard with everything in ready to upgrade to F1's should someone with seriously deep pockets be found to line the pockets of Mr B Ecclestone esq. I'd imagine Taupo would be working hard to hang on to A1GP after this year but anythings possible. As for V8's doesn't the Ecclestone of the South Pacific want more street races?

Colin Giltrap,Graeme Hart, and Eric Watson as a consortium?

[Just Do It!]

Originally Posted by mountainstar

This is great news because it does appear Pukehoke is on the chopping block.

I reckon you are actually about to see the competition get hot as Pukekohe is trying to build a motorsport hub out there too.

It will be interesting to see how things develop

[Just Do It!]

Originally Posted by Silver 3

Per head of population NZ is really well served with tracks-- and even better with new track being built.

Ummmm, 3 of the 6 were goat tracks pretty much until Taupo (formerly NZ's shortest circuit) got a lengthen. With Hampton Downs that shall be 7.

We do ok, but like in Australi, the circuits lack investment.

[Pro Racer]

looks like a good track,can't wait to see some racing there.

[mountainstar]

Originally Posted by Just Do It!

I reckon you are actually about to see the competition get hot as Pukekohe is trying to build a motorsport hub out there too.

It will be interesting to see how things develop

I thought the horse racing folks wanted motorsport to be gone at Pukehoke?

[Just Do It!]

Didn't we all.....but it seems there is nother agenda suddenly

[Timu]

Originally Posted by Just Do It!

You are right, Timu. It is by a prison, a landfill, and a drag strip, and the motorway....it is a premium location!!

I reckon that the only reason that you hate the words resource and consent is that you usually run out of resources before the chick gives you consent

Haha you are a funny bugger mate! love ya work...

I find it insane how the prison was against the circuit being built because of the smell of race cars, when on the other side theres the southern hemispheres biggest landfill for gods sake!!!

[Just Do It!]

No worries mate. We Kiwis are capable of laughing at each other and ourselves. A few idiots wanted to turn this dream on lid, but they have been beaten into submission....whoops, I mean overturned

[Armco Bender]

I didn't think there much problem with the resource consent as the area was zoned for motorsports and thats why they chose it?.
That was the easy part now who's got the money,Aucklanders don't have a very good track record building anything of consiquence lately.

[NAC]

For those in the area and did not know Hampton Downs has an open day on the last Sunday of every month. That's Today

Visiting day at the Park!!

On the last Sunday of every month tours will be taken of the facility between 1.00 -3.00 pm. The second tour will be May 25th. See you there!

http://www.hamptondowns.com/News.wse

Anyone else going??

[Armco Bender]

No doubt if there were any grid girls there we'll see some photos?

[Just Do It!]

By the way Armco, that's rather interesting eyes you have there on your Border Leicester. Cursed genetic mutation, huh or has Pro been running with your flock?

[NAC]

Armco - not a bloody grid girl in sight, what sort of motor racing curcit is this.

I was so gutted and then I saw the drags were open (open day), there were no grid girls there either, most upsetting. Did see a couple of wooly ones in the nearby fields though but hey that's not my cup of tea