Ride days at Hampton Downs?

[dvsfit5]

Does anyone know whats happening with hampton as far as i know there has been no explaination why there are no more ride days being held at hampton.
what the hell is going on??

[slofox]

I think there might be a Honda ride day in March sometime IIRC...

[MaxCannon]

No idea - but I want more track time dammit.
Work keeps interfering with my leisure time.

[Filterer]

I spoke to Darren during the Superbike School last Tuesday.

They are shutting down for the time being - they aren't making any money and December was particularly bad because of the bad weather.

If we are lucky they might be back next year in a different form.... :(

[vinducati]

It's a shame more people didn't show up.
I was a quite a few days in fine weather and the groups where not full.
I hope they can get back, I like the track, and I found the days to be very well run,
Cheers.

[trev]

If it is not the case already then HD should make the track available to other trackday organisers - MotoTT etc.

[vinducati]

I am sure Moto TT or another organisation could approach them.
Be interesting to see what the track hire is like.
I am pretty sure it's more than Taupo.
Iwas more than happy to pay $200.00 to ride at Hampton.
It is as far as I am concerned a hell of a fun track.
Cheers

Here are costs in Australia , in Australian Dollars

Phillip Island

Booked online $259
Booked via phone $269
Garage hire $60.00


Eastern Creek

Booked 7 days prior (online) $249
Booked 7 days prior (phone) $259
No booking/turn up on the day $279

[Robert Taylor]

I am sure Moto TT or another organisation could approach them.
Be interesting to see what the track hire is like.
I am pretty sure it's more than Taupo.
Iwas more than happy to pay $200.00 to ride at Hampton.
It is as far as I am concerned a hell of a fun track.
Cheers

Here are costs in Australia , in Australian Dollars

Phillip Island

Booked online $259
Booked via phone $269
Garage hire $60.00


Eastern Creek

Booked 7 days prior (online) $249
Booked 7 days prior (phone) $259
No booking/turn up on the day $279

( Cynically ) dont forget that this is NZ and there should be taxpayer funded subsidies to assist such activities

[frogfeaturesFZR]

Went to the wed 8 th ride day. One of the the organisers said they were looking at downsizing the number of bikes available at the Superbike school. Great day by the way, love the track!

[sil3nt]

I am sure Moto TT or another organisation could approach them.
Be interesting to see what the track hire is like.
I am pretty sure it's more than Taupo.
Iwas more than happy to pay $200.00 to ride at Hampton.
It is as far as I am concerned a hell of a fun track.
Cheers

Here are costs in Australia , in Australian Dollars

Phillip Island

Booked online $259
Booked via phone $269
Garage hire $60.00


Eastern Creek

Booked 7 days prior (online) $249
Booked 7 days prior (phone) $259
No booking/turn up on the day $279
Hampton Downs - 2.8km 6 corners - $200
Phillip Island - 4.4km 12 corners - $330
Eastern Creek - 3.9km 12 corners - $320

The aussie tracks seem pretty good value.

[slowpoke]

Hampton Downs - 2.8km 6 corners - $200
Phillip Island - 4.4km 12 corners - $330
Eastern Creek - 3.9km 12 corners - $320

The aussie tracks seem pretty good value.

On the money sir! :niceone:

[vinducati]

Yes that is a fair point.
I guess what I am trying to say is this,
I think the track hire rate is quite high at Hampton Downs.
Therefore whoever runs there may have to charge more per day to cover costs than say at Taupo.
I am just really saddened that there are no chances to ride there.
Cheers

[BoristheBiter]

If they had completed the track first instead of stupid apartments then maybe it would be worth going.

Typical NZ project, fantastic idea, shit execution.

The full leathers things hurt them as well.

[vinducati]

Yeah the extension would be good that's for sure.
I still feel that it is a good track to ride as it is.
Lots of ups and downs.
And now the hump has been leveled a bit it is much better.
Lets hope someone can get something together so we can ride there.
Maybe Moto TT can look at putiing together a deal.
That would be cool.

[BoristheBiter]

Yeah the extension would be good that's for sure.
I still feel that it is a good track to ride as it is.
Lots of ups and downs.
And now the hump has been leveled a bit it is much better.
Lets hope someone can get something together so we can ride there.
Maybe Moto TT can look at putiing together a deal.
That would be cool.

I would look at going again if MotoTT took it over, and the price came down.

[Mental Trousers]

Hampton Downs is the most expensive track in the country to hire. There's various reasons for that, but the main one is the huge loan they're paying off.

That stupid hump is gone, but now there seem to be some bumps developing 50m downhill from where that was, right where the start of the new seal they laid to remove the hump is.

[BoristheBiter]

Hampton Downs is the most expensive track in the country to hire. There's various reasons for that, but the main one is the huge loan they're paying off.

That stupid hump is gone, but now there seem to be some bumps developing 50m downhill from where that was, right where the start of the new seal they laid to remove the hump is.

I also heard, so It is probably wrong, that when CSS and HDRD started a few other clubs asked if they could do their thing at Hampton and were told to go away as they run everything there.

If this is true it seems to be a "cut off nose to spite face" thing.

[Mental Trousers]

It's called exclusive rights. HDRD negotiated exclusive rights to run public track days there. Race meets, club days etc weren't affected.

[BoristheBiter]

It's called exclusive rights. HDRD negotiated exclusive rights to run public track days there. Race meets, club days etc weren't affected.

Bet ya, they're feeling a bit ripped now.

[sharky]

I can't see why HD doesn't just allow bikes to run at test days like every other circuit. Cars have testing days there so why can't we?

[Mental Trousers]

I get the feeling the Track company aren't all that keen on bikes after the single death there. Cars have roll cages and the chances of surviving a big one are much higher for them. Bike riders have a layer of dead cow.

[vinducati]

The track probabaly prefers to have a contract with one company.
I do not think it is a case of CSS saying no one else can run there.
It is more a case of the Track-Owners calling the shots.
They only allow one food company to have the contract for outlets at the track for example.
As a result of that, CSS where not allowed to supply food or drinks on there days.
Even though the food supplier did not bother to open on the days as the numbers were to low.
So I think that CSS do there best but there are restrictions and costs placed on them.
So, I am happy to ride under any company.
I just don't expect to be paying $135.00 for the day.
I suspect it will be more, and I don't mind if it is.

[Mort]

I spoke with Darren at the Honda day on Monday this week. HDRD was in partnership with the Aussie outfit (Phillip Island and Eastern Creek ride days) They've found Running 20+ days a year is un-economic and too risky. The Aussie side and HDRD are separating and HDRD are looking to come back with a new model which includes the superbike school and fewer (maybe less than 10) track days which will be more sustainable and less risky. There will be also some work on reducing operating costs.

I think its more of a reflection of the small fragile market for track days in NZ especially when the economy is tough rather than the quality or cost of the HDRD track days. Hopefully they will bounce back with a new schedule and I think Hampton Downs Motorsport should also consider greater access to firms/clubs/sponsors etc to allow choice and access to the track and spread the risk of running them.

[vinducati]

Well that sounds quite promising.
Cheers

[LankyBastard]

I think a good part of the problem of not having enough people attending was due to the cost, as $200 for the day is quite a lot for most, and just too much for some. Possibly lowering the cost would attract more riders = more money taken on the day and greater profit?

Also I have taken my car there a few times too, but drive days only cost $140, and surely cause greater wear and tear on the facilities? If the cost was the same for riders I would have been saying :wavey: to Puke and hello HD!

Because we are all in agreement that it is a far superior track :Punk:

[vinducati]

Yes I guess I am lucky, and for me $200.00 seems fine.
I respect the fact that to some people it is a lot of money.
A little bit less would be nice but I don't expect people to run it for nothing.

[Gremlin]

Because we are all in agreement that it is a far superior track :Punk:
In a move only seen in NZ, Pukekohe put it's prices UP after Hampton Downs started operating... :facepalm:

[BoristheBiter]

Because we are all in agreement that it is a far superior track :Punk:

Compared to what? why? because it has more corners? It can't be the surface.
I would have thought that a brand new track would have everyone falling over themselves to ride on it.

I for one just don't like it, don't know why I just don't, so I prefer to drive to Taupo.

So apart from the cost why don't people want to ride there?

[vinducati]

It does come down to each riders preference.
For me on a smaller bike Pukekohe is not so great.
Long Back Straight and I consider the run-off on the hill to be unsafe.

I like Hampton Downs, it suits me, I like corners with elevation.

Taupo is fine, but as I live in Auckland I find Hampton more convenient, plus for me it works out costing less as I don't have to travel to Taupo and pay for a nights accomodation.

Like I say, each rider will prefer tracks for different reasons.
I attended also every Ride-Day at Hampton Downs plus Level 1 and Level 2 of the school and had a really fun time.

[SimJen]

$200 puts me off!
With travel expenses, tyres etc is gets a little steep.
$100 would be better.
Maybe they could organise groups so the more people turn up the cheaper it gets?

[vinducati]

Sorry but do you really expect them to charge $100.00?
That's just not realistic.
Moto TT run Taupo for $135.00week day and $155.00weekend pay on the day, and you expect a company that has to pay a higher track fee to run for $100.00.
I thought New Zealand riders were tight but that takes the cake.

I agree $200.00 is high for most people.
I expect they will bring it down from there to make it work.
But if you think anyone will run it for $100.00 you will be waiting a very long time.

[sugilite]

I did a ride day there last month. I too felt $200 was steep, till I did it. Then I felt the $200 was very well spent indeed. Amazing track, unbelievable amount of track time was provided, and it was slickly run. It was a beautiful sunny day, and I was surprised there were not more riders there. $200 is less than a average speeding ticket, and no way could roads match that sort of adrenaline rush.

[Mort]

Regards layout Hampton Downs is too basic... they should finish the thing. The surface is great... which is the total opposite of Taupo.... good layout, shite surface.

[vinducati]

Have to disagree.

Turn 1 is an exciting corner.
Turn 2 and Turn 3 excellent.
Turn 4 and run to Turn 5 cool as.
Turn 5 difficult but a challenge
Turn 6 fuckin great sweeper.

I guess it not challenging if you are a really really great rider.
I am not.

And the surface seems really good to me.
The only problems I have had are on really really hot days when some patching melted, which sucks.
Just my opinion.
Like I say we are all pretty different in what we like.

[Mort]

Sorry - I agree with you there... the corners are good but its still not what it was promised to be.... Its still the Hampton Downs short circuit when it should have been the full circuit by now..... 6 corners makes for a pretty basic layout though....

I wonder if they will ever run the circuit anti clockwise like it was designed to do ?

[BoristheBiter]

Sorry - I agree... the corners are good but its still not what it was promised to be.... Its still the Hampton Downs short circuit when it should have been the full circuit by now.

Every time I have been there it's been slippy as hell. (mind you css level 2 was pissing down)
too right should have been finished. You know the saying "built it and they will come."

[BoristheBiter]

Have to disagree.

Turn 1 is an exciting corner.
Turn 2 and Turn 3 excellent.
Turn 4 and run to Turn 5 cool as.
Turn 5 difficult but a challenge
Turn 6 fuckin great sweeper.

I guess it not challenging if you are a really really great rider.
I am not.

And the surface seems really good to me.
The only problems I have had are on really really hot days when some patching melted, which sucks.
Just my opinion.
Like I say we are all pretty different in what we like.

You would think they would build a track better than our roads.

[Gwinch]

The full leathers things hurt them as well.

Full leathers is however a necessity. I was involved with HDRD and CSS from the word go and I've seen just how much sliding down the track will damage leathers because of how grippy the surface is. One particular incident involved a couple of fingers damn near being worn to the bone, a shoulder suffering massive abrasions and the arse coming a bee's dick to wearing through. I'd seriously fear for the epidermis of the person who did the same in cordura which would get ripped to absolute buggery!

[BoristheBiter]

Full leathers is however a necessity. I was involved with HDRD and CSS from the word go and I've seen just how much sliding down the track will damage leathers because of how grippy the surface is. One particular incident involved a couple of fingers damn near being worn to the bone, a shoulder suffering massive abrasions and the arse coming a bee's dick to wearing through. I'd seriously fear for the epidermis of the person who did the same in cordura!

Not knocking leathers, wouldn't be on the bike without them, just saying the other tracks let the lower groups use cadora so for new track riders it is a massive amount of money and a lot just can't afford it.

[Mort]

There is some hope on the completion front - They've bid to run the V8 supercars there after the Hamilton pullout.... so there's a chance of govt funding to complete the work (if the Govt were willing to consider funding converting Whenuapai airfield for the supercars) then they should be in with a good shout as HD is by far the better option...)

[Gwinch]

There is some hope on the completion front - They've bid to run the V8 supercars there after the Hamilton pullout.... so there's a chance of govt funding to complete the work (if the Govt were willing to consider funding converting Whenuapai airfield for the supercars) then they should be in with a good shout as HD is by far the better option...)

Funny you should say that. Hampton Downs was originally offered funding to complete the track provided that they got an international level event secured. WSBK agreed that they'd add the track in to their calender if the track was fully completed however when the directors came back to the government with the good news the promises of funding all of a sudden became quite hollow. :facepalm:

[Devil]

Hampton Downs - 2.8km 6 corners - $200
Phillip Island - 4.4km 12 corners - $330
Eastern Creek - 3.9km 12 corners - $320

The aussie tracks seem pretty good value.

Pardon me, but i'm struggling with your maths.
HD booked 7 days in advance online is $184 vs The Creeks $320.
Pay on the day: HD = $200 vs The Creek $360

For the island: $184 vs $334
Pay on day*: $200 vs $347. Now in this instance I dont even think they do pay on the day at the Island because it's usually sold out.

I dont see any issues with value. It is an expensive track to hire.

[Mort]

Pardon me, but i'm struggling with your maths.
HD booked 7 days in advance online is $184 vs The Creeks $320.
Pay on the day: HD = $200 vs The Creek $360

For the island: $184 vs $334
Pay on day*: $200 vs $347. Now in this instance I dont even think they do pay on the day at the Island because it's usually sold out.

I dont see any issues with value. It is an expensive track to hire.

I agree its not bad value at all...

The problem is the size of the market willing to pay.... I was talking about this with a mate the other day - I bet the number of individuals who do at least one track day at HD in a year is probably just a few hundreds. The market here is small and anything which deters that small group from riding (such as bad weather, RWC or economic gloom) will hit HDRD harder than its counterparts in Aussie...

[BoristheBiter]

I agree its not bad value at all...

The problem is the size of the market willing to pay.... I was talking about this with a mate the other day - I bet the number of individuals who do at least one track day at HD in a year is probably just a few hundreds. The market here is small and anything which deters that small group from riding (such as bad weather, RWC or economic gloom) will hit HDRD harder than its counterparts in Aussie...

Also where it is doesn't help, nothing around it.

About an hour for us to get there, compared to the likes of Taupo is about a hour from anywhere in the central north island.
And if you forget something there are shops down the road.

[Devil]

Also where it is doesn't help, nothing around it.

About an hour for us to get there, compared to the likes of Taupo is about a hour from anywhere in the central north island.


On the contrary. HD is situated up to an hour from a population base of almost 2 million people. It couldn't be in a better location.

The plan is actually to turn HD into its own little town, so facilities should get better over time.

[DidJit]

... The market here is small and anything which deters that small group from riding (such as bad weather, RWC or economic gloom) will hit HDRD harder than its counterparts in Aussie...

Nail, head.

I also think that $184/$200 is not unreasonable. Wasn't there the option of a half day for a hundy if you rocked up on the day and there was space available?

In any case, I really hope CSS/HDRD are able to continue in one form or another.

[Voltaire]

I ran my R90 classic racer at Puke and HD over the last two weekends....( first racing ever) was awesome at both....got pinged on what I thought were racing leathers....zip together zips on the liner....opps.
Puke charge $90 for a test day....... I took my just finished BMW there a few weeks back....although it seemed more like a track day going on around me.
I'd not have a problem with $200.00

[BoristheBiter]

On the contrary. HD is situated up to an hour from a population base of almost 2 million people. It couldn't be in a better location.

The plan is actually to turn HD into its own little town, so facilities should get better over time.

Like they are going to complete the track. I wont hold my breath.

[vinducati]

I guess I am an optimistic chap.
I think that they will extend the track.
Possibly after securing a round of the Aussie V8's.
The place will grow, and it will take time.
Given they started the venture and not long after the world economy took a dive, I am happy there is circuit there at all.
I hope people will attend the Nationals there this year.

[BoristheBiter]

I guess I am an optimistic.
I think that they will extend the track.
Possibly after securing a round of the Aussie V8's.
The place will grow, and it will take time.
Given they started the venture and not long after the world economy took a dive, I am happy there is circuit there at all.
I hope people will attend the Nationals there this year.

:laugh: Guess I'm just a pessimist.

[vinducati]

You can't be a pessimist and ride a something that only has two wheels.
I mean it shouldn't really work should it?

[sil3nt]

http://home.nzcity.co.nz/news/article.aspx?id=143483&fm=psp,tst

[vinducati]

Don't believe everything you read.

[frogfeaturesFZR]

I'm happy to pay $200 for a day. Hell, it's cheaper than drinking :laugh

[vinducati]

Good on yah....
I have a drinking problem to, I can't get enough.

[sharky]

I'm happy to pay $200 for a day. Hell, it's cheaper than drinking :laugh

Yeah but when you drink AND race bikes, that's when it gets expensive :laugh:

[jellywrestler]

I wonder if they will ever run the circuit anti clockwise like it was designed to do ?
do you believe all the shit you hear on the net?

[Mort]

do you believe all the shit you hear on the net?

Of course I do.... you mean its not True !!! :gob:

[Biggles08]

Of course I do.... you mean its not True !!! :gob:

Nope...only whats on KB.

[FROSTY]

hey Im sorry to laugh guys but waay back when we ran the first KB trackdays people were moaning about paying $60 for the day as being a "rip off'. When Taupo finished the full track once again there were those that complained that $100 for the day was too expensive.
Now a trackday is $200 . and still the same sorta people complaining the price is too high.
To be honest I'd be worried if there wasn't someone moaning about the price

[Sarah311]

I am sure Moto TT or another organisation could approach them.
Be interesting to see what the track hire is like.
I am pretty sure it's more than Taupo.
Iwas more than happy to pay $200.00 to ride at Hampton.
It is as far as I am concerned a hell of a fun track.
Cheers

Here are costs in Australia , in Australian Dollars

Phillip Island

Booked online $259
Booked via phone $269
Garage hire $60.00


Eastern Creek

Booked 7 days prior (online) $249
Booked 7 days prior (phone) $259
No booking/turn up on the day $279



Phillip Island is a full size full GP track with full facilities..... not really comparable to be fair

[vinducati]

I still think $200.00 was a fair price.
The track hire is higher than other tracks and that will dictate what we pay for a Trackday.
I have heard that the track hire may be as high as $7500.00 per day.
Put an Ambulance on top of that, Marshalls and the adminstration cost of handling bookings it will add up quite a bit.
I hope someone takes it up if Darren does not run next Summer.
The school would be a great loss, that was brilliant.
If you didn't make it to one of those you missed out I reckon.
I will pay to play it's heaps of fun.

[Mort]

hey Im sorry to laugh guys but waay back when we ran the first KB trackdays people were moaning about paying $60 for the day as being a "rip off'. When Taupo finished the full track once again there were those that complained that $100 for the day was too expensive.
Now a trackday is $200 . and still the same sorta people complaining the price is too high.
To be honest I'd be worried if there wasn't someone moaning about the price

The biggest shame of all is that currently nobody gets to ride at the circuit regardless of whether they will pay. Here we are, middle of summer, with no motorcycle track days scheduled at Hampton Downs. There is demand to ride Hampton Downs so there must be a way to make it work... I'm not having a dig at HDRD here, but as a rider, it is a piss poor situation right now.

[crazzed]

The biggest shame of all is that currently nobody gets to ride at the circuit regardless of whether they will pay. Here we are, middle of summer, with no motorcycle track days scheduled at Hampton Downs. There is demand to ride Hampton Downs so there must be a way to make it work... I'm not having a dig at HDRD here, but as a rider, it is a piss poor situation right now.

And we're you at everyday run supporting HDRD like the very few. It's a show of how little money is out there for play money. If every key board jockey got of there arse then Darren and HDRD would still be going.

[Mort]

And we're you at everyday run supporting HDRD like the very few. It's a show of how little money is out there for play money. If every key board jockey got of there arse then Darren and HDRD would still be going.

Yes. I was at every track day I could do. ... and Darren and co do a great job..... the best I have seen. I'm sure and hope that they will be back.... just wish it sooner rather than later thats all.

[FROSTY]

The biggest shame of all is that currently nobody gets to ride at the circuit regardless of whether they will pay. Here we are, middle of summer, with no motorcycle track days scheduled at Hampton Downs. There is demand to ride Hampton Downs so there must be a way to make it work... I'm not having a dig at HDRD here, but as a rider, it is a piss poor situation right now.
So why don't YOU do something about it ? We discussed the idea a few years back and you were semi keen.
Sok mort I'm not trying a bitchslap on ya but you seem a logical person to organise one =access to the net and all the HD contacts