Spruced-up Pukekohe ready for final V8 rumble
7/4/2005 15:28 (Press Release) -
Pukekohe Park Raceway has completed a facelift ahead of next month’s PlaceMakers V8 International. The second round of the championship from 15-17 April will mark the final appearance of the V8 Supercar Series at Pukekohe, and possibly in New Zealand.
It completes the five-year contract as the only round of the V8 Championships outside of Australia. Negotiations are continuing with series owners AVESCO and promoter IMG on a possible future street race in Wellington.
Pukekohe Park track owners and Franklin District Council have completed major stormwater, sewage and track resurfacing to spruce up New Zealand’s traditional home of motorsport for the final rumble.
Pukekohe officials believe the upgrade will solve any of the flooding problems that dogged last year’s PlaceMakers V8 International and also improve the track surface.
``There’s been some major work undertaken at Pukekohe over the past few months and we are delighted with the results. It will significantly improve our stormwater systems, and the track has been improved in key areas,’’ Pukekohe Park Raceway General Manager Greg Mitchell said.
Mr Mitchell said while the circuit owners Counties Racing Club are beginning their major redevelopment of the facility as a major equine training centre, they believe Pukekohe Park will be at its best for the final appearance of the V8 Supercars on 15-17 April.
The original 1500mm stormwater drain has been replaced by twin 2500mm pipes which will service not only Pukekohe Park but Pukekohe south township. At the same time Franklin District Council upgraded with a new sewage system.
There has been more than $200,000 of trade resealing around the pit lane entrance, before Ford Mountain, along the front straight, Jennian Homes corner and Castrol corner. The club has also started a $2.2m upgrade of the horse training tracks.
The race track is back in action last week and Mr Mitchell believes the improvements will have Pukekohe Park at its best.
``The Counties Racing Club is moving towards developing this as a top equine training centre, and AVESCO are also moving on in terms of their requirements. It’s been a fantastic partnership between us and we are determined to make this final appearance of the V8 Supercars something very special.’’
Mr Mitchell said Pukekohe Park will continue as a motor race circuit for New Zealand class racing for the foreseeable future.
Fans who buy a 3-day reserved Grandstand ticket go into the draw to win a Hot Lap driven by Greg Murphy around the Pukekohe Park Raceway. And anyone who buys a general admission ticket goes into the draw for the chance to join Team Betta Electrical during the race week.
Release Date: 10/03/2005
Pukekohe Raceway
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