Pukekohe track under threat !!!! [Archive]

FROSTY

5th May 2005, 15:55

It has just become news that Auckland racing club is suing counties racing club for breach of contract. Big deal -who cares about horse people right--WRONG.
This is HUGE for racing types and Auckland trackdayers. Auckland racing club want Pukekohe park to be HORSE use only Counties club had a handshake agreement with them to have the area (track) become the Auckland training track for horses. The only way we became aware of it was because Counties club have allowed the V8s back next year.
Folks we, and any vehicle user wanting to keep Pukie alive, need to be yelling pretty darn loud. Yea Hampton downs is looking good But its still plans a drawing board. we stand to loose the only track in the upper north island (Taupo being central)
I think its the one time we all need to get together with the car racing clubs and stop this from happening.

curious george

5th May 2005, 15:56

http://xtramsn.co.nz/sport/0,,12049-4349268,00.html :bs:

No wonder motorsport in Auckland is in trouble.
I really hope like anything that Hampton Downs is completed soon, and is bike friendly.
:mad:

Big Dave

5th May 2005, 16:11

http://xtramsn.co.nz/sport/0,,12049-4349268,00.html :bs:

No wonder motorsport in Auckland is in trouble.
I really hope like anything that Hampton Downs is completed soon, and is bike friendly.
:mad:

Sad innit - the city could do with a decent size indoor stadium too - a wet arse at western springs for gigs is a bit yesterday.

SPman

5th May 2005, 16:18

JohnBoy

5th May 2005, 16:32

As far as i know...

Hampton is all go, they have sold all the apartments and corporate suites, just a matter of time...

Taupo is all go just getting through a favorable & very supportive local council and again just a matter of time...

Can't wait either... gonna be really awesome :Punk:

oh and horses?? why would any sane person spend thousands of $$$ on something thats only 1 to 1.6 HP when you can get something with over 150hp and its dosent even need daily feeding/ caring!!

Motoracer

5th May 2005, 16:33

If we get some decent circuits built close by I honestly wouldn't miss Pukekohe.

Jeremy

5th May 2005, 17:29

curious george

5th May 2005, 17:52

Maybe they should put on in the fields by the airport that aren't doing anything as they're just there to be used for later expansion. Only a temporary solution but to have a decent track that's close to services for 10 years could surely only be a good thing.

Actually, that's the best idea I've heard in ages!
Moto Gp won't make it to Taupo for the same reason the V8's wont.
It's too far away from an international airport.
*quick, Kiwibiker fundraiser!*
Let's buy land around the airport, and make a Moto GP circuit.

Two Smoker

5th May 2005, 17:57

Let's buy land around the airport, and make a Moto GP circuit.

That land is owned by the airport :( and is currently a farm...

Hampton Downs will be biker friendly :yes: all those crests for lifting the front wheel... marvelous stuff...

Kwaka-Kid

5th May 2005, 18:07

LAME!

Anyways, i would always miss it, variety is the key remember!

As much as i love taupo etc, surely it would be a nice change to do pukekohe every now and then? once in the season... i mean.. high speed corner jennian... stuff like that, its all fun to me! competetive nature i guess?

Anyways yeah hampton will rock.

What?

6th May 2005, 06:40

Pukekohe was a crap track 25 years ago, and has gone downhill since. Personally, I won't miss it.

The Hampton Downs track should be a ripper - good track and decent facilities. Ditto for Taupo. And Manfield could use a covered granstand...

Has something started at Taupo? When I flew over last week it looked like some earthworks are happening - bit hard to be sure from 30,000 feet though.

FROSTY

6th May 2005, 07:45

trouble is at this point in time hampton downs is a could be /will be --it still hasn't happpened--So untill it does happen pukie even if it is a shit hole is the closest thing to a track us aucklanders have got.

Drunken Monkey

6th May 2005, 08:56

Horses and cars/bikes dont mix and the sooner there is a feasible alternative to Puke, the better.
Lets hope Hampton Downs is a starter.
When is the extension going to start at Taupo? Or ihas that become a non starter as well?

There's been no opposition to the Hampton Downs resource consent, the issuing of which is now merely a formality. They expect to have the resource consent granted in June/July this year.

Drunken Monkey

6th May 2005, 09:00

That land is owned by the airport :( and is currently a farm......and a golf course.

Speaking of airports, we could convert Whenuapai airbase into a Top-Gear style military-airfield-turn-racetrack (actually I think is is common all over the UK). What am I saying, that'll never happen.

The local residents wouldn't have a bar of it though. I reckon there's a large number of Aucklanders these days who like to oppose resource consent for new projects just because they can (and have nothing better to do).

That Guy

6th May 2005, 09:02

Short term pain; long term gain? If the motor racing circuit gets closed it might finally get enough motorsport types revved up enough to get Hampton Downs done quickly; and then at least NZ's biggest city would have a decent motorsport facility near by; not the dangerous, shit hole circuit Puke is.

bugjuice

6th May 2005, 09:02

why can't the horses go off to Ellerslie? The only race track for motor, and they fuk it up. How many horse tracks are there in Auckland alone?
arse feck wankers.

That Guy

6th May 2005, 09:06

Puke is a shit hole - the sooner it is closed to motorsport the better 'cuase that'll hopefully get Hampton Downs done sooner. Hopefully.

I'd rather drive 3 hours to Taupo or even 7 to Manfeild from Dorkland than go to Puke.

Drunken Monkey

6th May 2005, 09:12

I'd rather drive 3 hours to Taupo or even 7 to Manfeild from Dorkland than go to Puke.

That's your perogative, and no-one's going to stop you doing that. In fact, there's no reason why you can't do that already. There are some of us, however, who like the idea of being able to ride a road legal bike to a local track for a blat and come back, all during 'working hours', without having to travel 3 or more hours each way.
It might not be the most exciting track, but as Frosty says, it's currently the only local one we've got.

That Guy

6th May 2005, 09:18

That's your perogative, and no-one's going to stop you doing that. In fact, there's no reason why you can't do that already..
True; and I do do that already.

There are some of us, however, who like the idea of being able to ride a road legal bike to a local track for a blat and come back, all during 'working hours', without having to travel 3 or more hours each way.
It might not be the most exciting track, but as Frosty says, it's currently the only local one we've got.

But if giving up say 12 months of Puke resulted in a proper circuit to ride on close to Auckland - I'd gladly pay that, wouldn't you?

bugjuice

6th May 2005, 09:19

There are some of us, however, who like the idea of being able to ride a road legal bike to a local track for a blat and come back, all during 'working hours', without having to travel 3 or more hours each way.
so that's what you do when you call in sick.......?

Drunken Monkey

6th May 2005, 09:23

True; and I do do that already.

But if giving up say 12 months of Puke resulted in a proper circuit to ride on close to Auckland - I'd gladly pay that, wouldn't you?

In principle, probably yes. But I'm at a time in my life where I'm doing the most track days I'll ever be doing, and closing the local track will only annoy me. Circumstances could change, leaving me with little or no option in the future (although I'm going to at least try to make sure this won't be the case). I stil lreally want to get at least 2 to 3 more sessions in at Pukekohe this year. Was even thinking of going today, but we're a man down. Thankfully there's one every Friday in June (assuming they don't get shut down).
Ideally Pukekoke will operate until Hampton Downs is open for business. Then I won't be too fussed. I think I could handle the extra 15-20 minutes each way.

so that's what you do when you call in sick.......?

Is there any other reason to call in sick? I play golf on weekends!

ManDownUnder

6th May 2005, 10:29

why can't the horses go off to Ellerslie? The only race track for motor, and they fuk it up. How many horse tracks are there in Auckland alone?
arse feck wankers.

Good grief...

How many jocket clubs are there in/around Auckland??? And now they want one more exclusively for them.

HJey - here's an idea, how about we let them in on a little secret? Move their horses and races to Avondale. Lovely big track, grandstand, central/convenient etc...

... and guess what - AVONDALE JOCKEY CLUB IS LOOKING FOR HELP! We solve all three problems like that...

Now if only one part of the horse racing community would talk to another part... or is the ARC too good to speak to those in Avondale?

MDU

bugjuice

6th May 2005, 10:33

Good grief...

How many jocket clubs are there in/around Auckland??? And now they want one more exclusively for them.

HJey - here's an idea, how about we let them in on a little secret? Move their horses and races to Avondale. Lovely big track, grandstand, central/convenient etc...

... and guess what - AVONDALE JOCKEY CLUB IS LOOKING FOR HELP! We solve all three problems like that...

Now if only one part of the horse racing community would talk to another part... or is the ARC too good to speak to those in Avondale?

MDU
geez.. if only eferywun waz az brite az us

2_SL0

6th May 2005, 10:34

From my understanding Puke was always going to close at the end of this year.
The Horsey people I thought owned the land, and as the takanini horsey area has been sold and is slowly bein developed their next option is to move al the crap out to Puke. It was always going to happen, just a matter of when.

curious george

6th May 2005, 10:52

Well, I give up.
The RGV is for sale and I'm in the market for a horse.
If you can't beat 'em, join 'em.

(I can still make little bike noises as I go round)

Lias

6th May 2005, 12:36

From the ARC website:

For any information regarding the Auckland Racing Club or events at Ellerslie, members of the media should contact:
Chris Weaver
Chief Executive
09 524 4069

Kevin Robertson
Marketing Manager
Ph 09 522 3817

Andrew (Butch) Castles
Director of Racing
Ph 09 522 3818

Ellerslie Event Centre
Craig Fenwick
Event Centre Director
09 522 3802

I say ring them up and politely give them a piece of your mind.

Or you could do what I FEEL like doing and telling them I will personally come and shoot their stupid fucking horses if it interferes with the V8's running, but the rational partof my brain is currently keeping the other part of my brain in check and thus I cannot recommend this course of action :-P

Wolf

6th May 2005, 12:51

I say ring them up and politely give them a piece of your mind.

Or you could do what I FEEL like doing and telling them I will personally come and shoot their stupid fucking horses if it interferes with the V8's running, but the rational partof my brain is currently keeping the other part of my brain in check and thus I cannot recommend this course of action :-P
Bummer when both brain cells are in opposition :killingme

Lias

6th May 2005, 12:53

Bummer when both brain cells are in opposition
At least my brain can multitask, unlike yours :devil2:

Fluffy Cat

6th May 2005, 13:43

Was out huntin for mice yesterday and ended up at Hampton stupid name.Lots of beeeg trucks lots of people lots of things happening.Big scrape in ground they is building.Entrance road is partly sealed.All appartments and houses sold.
Looking good and yes it is been built,how do i feel about Puke bye bye.Shit track for us very unsafe.New track will have gravel runouts for KK and TS to try out. Just want them to get a move on will be down there again in a week or twos time as the mouse huntin was quite good and they promised me a new fairing for the RS250 if i did not kill em.....he he.

beaker

6th May 2005, 13:55

Sad innit - the city could do with a decent size indoor stadium too - a wet arse at western springs for gigs is a bit yesterday.

funny you should say that, there is one under construction right now...

http://www.aucklandcity.govt.nz/council/projects/arena/default.asp

indoor motorcross at the arena would be worth a look, tho i can't see it happening. given that, this last year we've lost the possibility of an auckland street race, western springs was all but shut down and still fighting to stay operational, and now it seems pukekohe is on the way out.

is it just me...or is it starting to look like auckland city govt/public has gone anti motorsport?
fingers crossed that hampton downs is granted resource consent.

MSTRS

6th May 2005, 14:02

.. or is the ARC too good to speak to those in Avondale?

MDU
Oh I say auld charp.... thay are westies, arnt thay. Heaven forbid

TwoSeven

6th May 2005, 14:23

I think its the one time we all need to get together with the car racing clubs and stop this from happening.

Really !!!! :)

It would be a shame if the V8s had to come down to christchurch (Ruapuna) now wouldnt it :)

After all, how would all of us down here in christchurch cope with having another major sports event. Life would be hard :)

justsomeguy

6th May 2005, 15:03

I think its the one time we all need to get together with the car racing clubs and stop this from happening.

So when is the riot gonna be organised??:2guns:

Good thing we already have body armour:ar15:

:niceone:

Lou Girardin

6th May 2005, 15:27

I agree with the anti-Puke faction, it's a shithole and has been for years. It has to be the most spectator unfriendly track in NZ, especially since they erected the overbridge.
Closing the track for most of summer was the last straw.
Let them have their horsey track, we'll have Hampton Downs. Unless the people buying apartments there start complaining about the noise. :rolleyes:

bugjuice

6th May 2005, 16:00

might be a shit of a track, but it's all we've got near by..
I'm not it's biggest fan (wrecks one side of the tyre, and the other is fine!), but it's not bloody horrible. And for a quick weekend blat, I'd rather that than use the whole weekend to go to Taupo or further, or not bother and use the roads...
bring on Hampton downs..

RiderInBlack

6th May 2005, 16:55

Fuck this makes me feel in an evil mood. Makes me feel like pipeless early morn rides on A HD round all the AK Horse fucken tracks:devil2: Arse-holes.
I work as a Farrier. Those Horsey Racing types better not ask me to shoe their fuck'n pieces of fuck'n expensive jelly meat next week. I'm likely to shot them rather than shoe them:mad:

OK, vented my anger.

OK your right we need better Motor Sport Var-silly-T's up here (love one closer but I'll be lucky with one as close as AK), but until it is ready could those short arse horse riding Dr Evil Mini-me's fuck'n leave Motor Sport @ Puke alone. What their fuck'n hurry:Oi:

Oops still a bit FUCKED OFF.

SPman

6th May 2005, 17:03

.... Unless the people buying apartments there start complaining about the noise. :rolleyes:

...I was thinking exactly the same thing.....

Gazzar

6th May 2005, 17:52

well i live in puke { shit hole } its been taken over by the fucken horse racing and little wankers called jockeys.:devil2: but if the peaple of puke had of sent them packing years ago. :mad: But now i have to drive around horsefloats just to get to work.In Stead of duck shooting it should be horse {dogfood} shooting in this town. then we would have on trouble with motorsport in this town :ride: :whistle:

Pixie

7th May 2005, 02:16

Pixie

7th May 2005, 02:27

Pixie

7th May 2005, 02:35

Was out huntin for mice yesterday .
You just remindedme...I heard a snap in the kitchen 10 minutes ago...Yes ,got one of the little suckers,It's still warm,only a little squashed.
Do you want it?

Bob

7th May 2005, 03:29

Guys,

You're angry. I understand why. And you're complaining. Which is a good start. But why not organise something?

A good start would be a petition. Now you'll need to get the wording right - yes you are angry, but an angry rant as the heading is NOT going to be the way to go - especially if you are planning to present the results of the petition to the Track Owners/Organisers.

So why not get together and the more 'wordsmithy' or loquacious of you put together what you want to put as a heading... and then make use of:

http://www.petitiononline.com/

You can put together a FREE online petition. So get it worded, get it on there... and then contact every bike magazine, major newspaper (preferably any vaguely bike-friendly ones) and biking website in NZ to spread the word.

And also contact all your Politicos about the petition, what it is about and why Puke needs to be kept open for motorsport. Again, get a standard letter together - hit politicians with logic, not angry ranting. If they get a well-worded letter... or perferably lots of them, they'll be more likely to assist.

You want to save the track, this has got to be the way to go about it.

6Chris6

7th May 2005, 05:35

FROSTY

7th May 2005, 09:37

Bob --I hear ya loud and clear. I know whinging will acheive nothing BUT its a start. To get people to want to sighn a petition or protest or actually do anything I feel they need motivation.
So thats the point of my rant . To get people aware of the problem and to light a spark of interest in them.

Hoon

7th May 2005, 09:45

Sorry to sound negative but I won't be sad to see Pukekohe go. Like Guy said I rather put my effort into Hampton instead of flogging some dead horse (no pun intended). Also I'd like to see Hampton succeed and call me selfish but having Puke out of the way will only help.

To the Puke owners, the Motorsports part of Puke is probably just small change compared with the millions involved in horse racing and to be honest, if I was in the same position I would've got rid of the car track years ago.

In this day and age money talks and Puke doesn't bring in enough of it.

DEATH_INC.

7th May 2005, 12:50

Maybe they should put on in the fields by the airport that aren't doing anything as they're just there to be used for later expansion. Only a temporary solution but to have a decent track that's close to services for 10 years could surely only be a good thing.
Good idea,BUT this was proposed many (about 15 i think)years ago,had plans drawn up and everything,was gonna be a circuit,dragstrip,go-cart track,speedway track and run supercross too,but it was shot down by whingers as usual....

Fart

7th May 2005, 14:02

How much will it cost to buy out Pukekohe race track?

Gazzar

7th May 2005, 14:18

Yes as DEATH said it was going to be builtup and in about 1985 or round about then they had plans to extend it for F1 raceing but the horse club & the district council would not fix the stormwater through the land or put ANY money into the track. That track would have kept the horse track going as there is always someone useing the racetrack most days of the week. I think the horse raceing club have only about 3 or 4 race meetings a year.that is why the horse track is still there and why AVONDALE race couse has been closed and moved to pukekohe to save horse raceing in AUCKLAND :mad: :killingme

Grumpy

7th May 2005, 15:22

In this day and age money talks and Puke doesn't bring in enough of it.

I have to agree . Disregard the V8's and the big classic meeting, when has anyone seen big crowds at Puke. This news has upset alot of people but in the big scheme of things the numbers are pretty small to make a difference to those horse club c...s.

The bloke I have to feel for is Vince Sharpe and his lot. They have worked their arses off to get the endurance race off the ground with the hope of it becoming a regular event. This news would have to be a little bit of a worry for them.

dveus

7th May 2005, 15:25

I have to agree . Disregard the V8's and the big classic meeting, when has anyone seen big crowds at Puke. This news has upset alot of people but in the big scheme of things the numbers are pretty small to make a difference to those horse club c...s.

Thats exactly right, I was amazed/disappointed with the "crowd" for the last round of the NZ nationals. Must have only been a couple thousand people max.

inlinefour

8th May 2005, 10:21

The area should be made use to all those wanting to utilise the area. For one bunch, whether they are the "horsey" people , motorsport people or whatever background you come from, its merely selfishness and selfcenteredness that make people behave this way. Why these people think that they are better than everyone else remains a mystery to me, but the track must remain accessable for all those groups who want to use it. Is this another case of Western Spring Speedway??? Its merely bullshit that all those people living near the speedway think that they have the right to change something that has been there for how long? N.Z. is far too P.C. for my liking and if "Auckland racing club want Pukekohe park to be HORSE use only", what is next?

It just makes me :puke: and :mad: , but at the end of the day is just :bs:

Bob

9th May 2005, 03:14

Bob --I hear ya loud and clear. I know whinging will acheive nothing BUT its a start. To get people to want to sigh a petition or protest or actually do anything I feel they need motivation.
So thats the point of my rant . To get people aware of the problem and to light a spark of interest in them.

Exactly! I'm not knocking you!

You've achieved Aim No.1 - to get people aware and - obviously in this case - angry and hopefully motivated. So now... on to Aim No.2 - to do something about it and make use of that motivation. We (bikers) are very, very good at getting "all worked up", but when it comes to taking positive action, we're often as bad if not worse than any other group of people.

I would help in drawing up words - but I am too dislocated from the problem to be able to help properly (I find if you try to write up something "in the dark", you can only make things worse).

Surely some of the people on this forum are sufficient wordsmiths - and will know the history of the circuit, owners, why the current problems have happened etc - so will be able to come up with something to use as a header for the petition... and then also draw up a letter to send to people.

Do you guys have any kind of political lobbying group? In the UK we have two (BMF and MAG), who do this sort of thing all the time - and they're successful. If you do, then bring it to their attention. And as I said before, a letter writing campaign to your politicians. Get lots of polite, concerned letters from their voters and they'll pay attention.

So... you've got the interest in. Hopefully I've come up with some pointers on how to bring this to the attention of people who hopefully can do something about it. SO NOW SOMEONE TAKE UP THE CHALLENGE AND ACTUALLY TAKE ACTION!

I will be more than happy to help with wording of letters etc (I've done a lot of complaining/campaigning in my time), but it does need someone there who is properly aware of what is going on and the issues affecting the future use (or not) of the circuit to have a first go.

So? Anyone prepared to take the next step?

(Nothing like throwing down a challenge - and before anyone decides the next step is to have a go at me for some reason, I have said I'll help tidy up letters etc - so if someone is prepared to stand up and be counted, I'll see what I can do to assist)

Bob

9th May 2005, 07:08

OK, here is some suggested text for the petition and also to form the core of a letter to your politicians:

“Pukekohe Park track is under threat of having motorsport banned. It seems there is a verbal agreement between Auckland racing club and Counties club to have the track become the Auckland training track for horses.

Pukekohe Park is the only motorsport circuit in upper North Island. If the track is lost to motorsport, then where will the future Bert Munro’s, Aaron Slight’s and [COME UP WITH SOME NAMES OF NZ RACERS PLEASE!] learn and develop their skills. Young people need heroes like these to look up to – without tracks, they will not take the first steps towards stardom and NZ will be a poorer place.

Aside from this, if the track is lost to motorsport, then there will be significant loss of jobs, with support industries like mechanics, tyre and fuel suppliers who will be without employers as motorsport moves away from the area.

Surely it is in the best interests of upper North Island to ENCOURAGE improvements to Pukekohe Park, not look to limit its’ use even further?”

It’ll need tweaking and improving upon (as I say, I’m coming in here from an angle of not knowing all that much about the subject), but hopefully this will give you a kick-start.

Over to you!

Bob

Torque

9th May 2005, 08:48

I agree,stuff the horses. Just got back from the 300k endurance at pukekoe and what a blast but if we loose the track, events like this would be no more! Cheers Rob.

What?

9th May 2005, 20:21

I think you and Honda may be overlooking the small matter of who owns the place...

enigma51

11th May 2005, 15:55

If we get some decent circuits built close by I honestly wouldn't miss Pukekohe.
With you on that one. Have not been around puke myself but seem like a bit of stupid track when it comes to safety. Never seen a barier so close to a race track before. no wonder two people found themself in the hospital with endurance 300 but in saying that if another track is not build we need to stand together and try and keep pukekohe

gman

11th May 2005, 19:43

bloody whining tree hugging trouser sniffing horse riding snot nosed winging wankas!!!!!!! :mad:
these guys really get me :mad:
first the speedways too loud :whocares:
then a proposed drag strip in foxton gets squashed cose 2 yes 2 people who dont even live there 90% of the time dont want to be disturbed.....aaaaAAAARRRGGGHHHH!!!!!

and now this.
no wonder boy racers hoon round the square at night theres no where else to go.

someone give me a sniper rifle ill sort it out..........

some good news for petrol heads who like to race over a quarter mile.

shell is putting down a 25 metre wide concrete strip 3 ks long dead level to make there pipeline sections on and when there done with it they dont need it no more.
it being done in between foxton and himitangi ive seen the planning docs and beleive its all going ahead.
there will also be varios buildings and water power sewage etc.

be good if ya wanted to see how fast over the quarter you could go !!!!

ill have more info soon on that 1.

avgas

12th May 2005, 07:49

Speaking of airports, we could convert Whenuapai airbase into a Top-Gear style military-airfield-turn-racetrack (actually I think is is common all over the UK). What am I saying, that'll never happen.
Yeah that would be practical, we cant have that now can we - we'd piss off all those semi-farmers (or even Quasi-Farmers ;)) with there 4 acre lifestyle blocks thats forces them to get up at 6 in the morning to get one bloody egg.
:nono: calm stew, not all aucklanders are assholes.......
Its simple then isnt it, if we can race puke, well find all the owners adresses in Parnell and race there - thatll fix em

Lou Girardin

12th May 2005, 15:28

I think you and Honda may be overlooking the small matter of who owns the place...

Quite. If the track is wanted as a motorsport venue (and that's debatable) someone will have to buy it.

roogazza

12th May 2005, 16:54

I think you and Honda may be overlooking the small matter of who owns the place...

I know this shows my age but we lost the Levin circuit the same way (to the horses) in the early to mid seventies. We thought that was a bastard too, but then we got Manfeild and it was all good. Life goes on fellas !
Still remember "Cabbage Tree corner" though..... G.

Bob

4th June 2005, 04:06

Well a month has gone by since this was put foward into everyone's awareness.

So... has anyone taken things futher?

Has anyone contacted any other motoring organisations?

Has anything actually happened?

And before anyone says "Why don't you do something", I've come up with a petition site that can be used for free to put up a public petition (and if someone does, I will willingly sign it), I've come up with a suggested text to go with the petition/letters to your local politician - which, not being a local and not knowing the whole story, will need tweaking and fine tuning by someone 'over there'.

Everyone has shown a LOT of anger and wants something done... so who is going to actually DO something about it then?

I've come up with as much as I think I can do to assist from 24,000 miles away or whatever it is... and I'd love to see someone take it on and take the battle to the authorities.

If you don't fight for the track, it is going to be lost!

FROSTY

4th June 2005, 09:58

I guess I need to follow up on this.
I've been talking to a few people much more in the know than I am.
The time /chance to "do something" about Pukekohe came and went about a year ago.
Is the place secure for us as a future venue? No
Something I diddn't know untill recently is that there are 2 possible alternative venues being explored by the various motor racing bodys.
Both have huge advantages over Pukie.
Both will developed as MOTOR sport venues exclusively.
The most publicly discussed option is of course Hampton downs.
Money is beeing spent there so I feel it is worthy of our support.
With the Improvements in SH1 and the clear indication that it could be used to host more than one event at the same time it looks pretty darn good to me.
They as I understand it do not yet have resourse consent (the broken ground was the prison) so I think its a matter of picking our fights and getting HD happening before some tree hugger decides it might offend the delicate ears of a native spawning toadstool.
If Hampton downs crumbles -(and Im doing the little bit I can to make it go ahead) There is an alternative venue.
In my opinion it is better located in about 1000 different ways and it is already designated as a motor sport venue by the local council.
Heres the catch -and its a biggie.
The guys behind Hampton downs have secured the 80 odd MILLION dollars to propperly develop a track.
If every motor sport club in NZ got together and invested 100% in a new track I'd suggest they can raise aprox 4.5million -still a long way short of the money needed.
Yep there are ways around it.
Plan waaay ahead. Build a drag strip and MX track first to raise revenue.Run a club circuit off of the drag strip next, doubling up as the return road for the drag strip. If all profits were plowed back under and a plan was followed it is conceivable that in 10 years we could have a track or two in auckland.
From my prospective its a matter of picking the battle i want to fight. A new track or B keep old track going. -bit of a no brainer innit.

Bob

4th June 2005, 23:17

Thanks for coming back with that. By the sound of things, losing the current multi-purpose circuit and getting two new motorsport circuits will be the better deal.

Meanwhile, the battle to save Castle Combe circuit over here in the UK continues... thanks for all who signed the petition. I've also had a bit of success in that I was able to get one of our major lobbying groups to put up a report on it in the sports section of their website, along with a link to the online petition.

In the case of Puke, the future was long decided from what you say, but hopefully, we can save Castle Combe over here.

skeeter

16th August 2005, 21:40

Pukekohe has always been dangerous for bikers - too fast, too narrow, and too little run off. Taupo is underway.

bugjuice

17th August 2005, 09:34

Pukekohe has always been dangerous for bikers - too fast, too narrow, and too little run off. Taupo is underway.
Taupo is miles and miles away, and no good for times like this weekend when we can have a blast locally, instead of making the whole weekend of it.. But, saying that, Hampton Downs is meant to be under way soon, is it not..? Is Puke still under threat?

It's not the best track, but it's not a bad track.. and the only one in the upper north island too.. just have to know it better..

welcome btw ;)

cowpoos

28th October 2005, 13:28

www.hamptondowns.com

Whats happening at taupo frosty...how far along are they with the plans do you know....or anyone know?

Cleve

28th October 2005, 19:44

Gone through the site and looked at the track layout and my lips are licking and cannot wait to get out and around Hampton Park.
Yeeeehaaaa
Hope it all works out...

Fluffy Cat

28th October 2005, 20:40

So they are building it?????

Ivan

28th October 2005, 20:49

Hopefully by then I will be on a 250GP bike and that track is gonna rule, how fast you think you will hit I reckon something around the 330 mark like the world superbike guys

What?

29th October 2005, 19:06

So they are building it?????
You asking about Hampton Downs or taupo?
The answer is "yes" either way.

Fluffy Cat

29th October 2005, 20:36

Yeah i knew about Taupo but its great to hear about HD.
I really think Puke is dangerous and past its prime,shame but true.
Cant wait to race on a proper track.....

"D" FZ1

18th March 2006, 08:47

I have grown up going to motor racing at Pukie and it would suck if they closed it

SN4PD

13th November 2006, 08:10

Just had a look at http://www.hamptondowns.com/Track.wse fuck it looks awesome, and on our back door step. :D

They say that the RMA hearing has just happened and that the council will make their decision in the next month or so. Lets hope for a positive outcome. :yes:

Drunken Monkey

13th November 2006, 08:44

"November 2006

The final day of the Resource Management hearing was held on the 8/11/06.The Council decision is expected at the earliest by the end of November 2006. The hearing went very well with agreement between the parties on many out standing issues."

SN4PD

13th November 2006, 08:46

westerlybreeze

13th November 2006, 10:17

Who hasn't rode/drove down to Puke on a sunny afternoon to watch the racing, parked on the hill and thought "this is the life" ? .. Puke is a piece of NZ history, be sad to see it go.
I agree a new track is in order and this Hamptondowns track looks the business. Loooks awesome actually! let me at it!! :scooter:

Hillbilly

15th November 2006, 11:53

Let them have their horsey track, we'll have Hampton Downs. Unless the people buying apartments there start complaining about the noise. :rolleyes:

That's exactly what's going to happen! The idiots buying those apartments are doing it for "investment" and not for the love of motorsport. I used to live down the road from Western Springs, and grew up with the roar of engines and the smell of methanol every saturday night. However, there was no PC back then, and now all the pussies will whine and bitch about the noise. "It's damaging to the envioronment" or "The noise pollution is bad for my baby's ears".

SN4PD

15th November 2006, 16:18

That's exactly what's going to happen! The idiots buying those apartments are doing it for "investment" and not for the love of motorsport. I used to live down the road from Western Springs, and grew up with the roar of engines and the smell of methanol every saturday night. However, there was no PC back then, and now all the pussies will whine and bitch about the noise. "It's damaging to the envioronment" or "The noise pollution is bad for my baby's ears".

I work for a company thats big in the real estate industry, trust me on this, you don't buy apartments for investments, (unless your really fckin stupid), I did all the numbers on Auckland apartments this year before I brought my place, and the bottom line is you don't make money owning an apartment.

Hillbilly

16th November 2006, 08:45

There are a lotta broke people in Sydney who are only just waking up to this.
The whole "investor's market" thing has crashed here. People bought apartments to rent them out, but they'd pay AUD $300k for a 30 sq metre studio apartment.

Fatjim

16th November 2006, 08:47

That's exactly what's going to happen! The idiots buying those apartments are doing it for "investment" and not for the love of motorsport. I used to live down the road from Western Springs, and grew up with the roar of engines and the smell of methanol every saturday night. However, there was no PC back then, and now all the pussies will whine and bitch about the noise. "It's damaging to the envioronment" or "The noise pollution is bad for my baby's ears".

Yeah, but how much are track days going to cost! You'd have to be a Jafa to afford it!

SN4PD

16th November 2006, 19:57

Yeah, but how much are track days going to cost! You'd have to be a Jafa to afford it!

I quite like being a Jafa thanks, it pays for toys :D

Brett

20th November 2006, 20:48

I have to agree, appartments as a rule are not very good in a property portfolio. There are exceptions however.

Where is the hampton park project at nowadays?

SN4PD

20th November 2006, 21:02

Where is the hampton park project at nowadays?

No news on the RMA decision yet, but that hasn't stopped them having a good rant......................... :D

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rugby Stadium Vs Hampton Downs!!

While we might applaud the Government for having the foresight to fund a stadium as a focal point on Auckland’s waterfront, we feel we should raise the following issues;

1. Why is over $500 million dollars of tax payer money being spent on a Rugby Stadium for largely a one-off event? Remember that while Rugby enjoys a high profile in New Zealand, it doesn’t really rate on the world sporting front. In comparison Motorsport has an extremely high profile world wide. Motorsport has the highest spectator viewing figures in the world, yet no tax payer funding is provided to enable a world class Motorsport venue to be built. Petrol heads pay taxes too!!

2. The Hampton Downs complex south of Auckland is privately funded and has not received any Government assistance. To the contrary, during the long drawn out process of resource consent (3 Years), it has been continually opposed by the Government departments of Corrections and Transit at a bill to the taxpayer of well over $500,000. Ministers of the Crown have offered positive words for the project, but have at no time offered any financial support or regional assistance.

3. It is interesting to note that the Waikato District Council is very helpful as they can see the positive benefits of the project for the region. Why can’t the Government? Hampton Downs is a rare public facility that is being built by the private sector for the benefit of ratepayers and the country as a whole. Remember that Hampton Downs is dedicated to improving driving standards by being used by the driving schools during the week. What will the Rugby stadium do during the week and what will it improve?

4. How can the Government bypass its own Resource Management Act in the name of expediency when a project such as Hampton Downs has taken three years to grind through the process? Either the RMA applies to everyone, or it should be streamlined to get the job done efficiently. From our experience, trying to get Resource Consent for the Rugby Stadium would be an impossible task. The traffic issues alone would be insurmountable. Where are the spectators going to park? By making this decision the Government is admitting the resource management act is unworkable for large projects.

All we want is fair deal, what's good enough for Rugby should be good enough for the Motorsport community. There are too many under utilised stadiums now without adding another white elephant on a prime site.

Chris Watson & Tony Roberts,

Directors

Hampton Downs Motorsport Park Ltd

Shaun

21st November 2006, 07:05

So they just managed to piss off the people even more that they need on there side by telling it as it is? Not really sure if that is a good thing

SN4PD

21st November 2006, 08:43

So they just managed to piss off the people even more that they need on there side by telling it as it is? Not really sure if that is a good thing

Probably not, but you can understand the amount of time, effort and personal sacrifice they've had to put into getting the project this far, especially all the RMA issues, and then because somethings labeled "RUGBY", suddenly the RMA no longer applies! They have fair grounds to be royally pissed off.

But yea, probably not the best thing to post in bold text on your website.

Cleve

21st November 2006, 11:51

Never be afraid to tell the Government EXACTLY how you feel. The people should not be afraid of the Government. The Government should be afraid of the people.

Shaun

21st November 2006, 12:09

Never be afraid to tell the Government EXACTLY how you feel. The people should not be afraid of the Government. The Government should be afraid of the people.

Yea Yea, but what happens when you piss off some one that can -uck you around big time, get the job done first then slam dunk them

Cleve

21st November 2006, 12:22

Yea Yea, but what happens when you piss off some one that can -uck you around big time, get the job done first then slam dunk them

Mostly they are mindless feeble bureaucrats and are more afraid of having you come after them with a legal or otherwise issue. We are not YET a dictatorship where government lackies can do what they want without consequences. Most are still answerable and wanting to keep their cushy little Govt job. Look at the farmers and the fart tax. They drove tractors up parliament stairs, said all kinds of nasty things to Government officials and the Government backed down.
Shaun I am in an industry completely screwed by this Govt. Our mistake was as a group being nice and afraid to offend 4 years ago. The results were we just got run over.