Puke track Closing April 2023

[Reckless]

Sad day
Gary is a good guy that did a lot for bikes.
It also leaves Tony Quinn owning all the upper north Island tracks.
Pretty bad situation for the trackday and club racers.


https://www.velocitynews.co.nz/confirmed-motorsport-to-cease-at-pukekohe-raceway-in-2023/?fbclid=IwAR1dNaCeqwP2fYYIvC9Q_8Sb1d6XkfFjHgUZj9xJ ngsTGd8KEfOGSErk1v0

[F5 Dave]

For gambling on Nags? FFS!

[george formby]

For gambling on Nags? FFS!

My first thought, almost verbatim, when I read the article in Stuff.

[release_the_bees]

That's bloody sad that is. I've thoroughly enjoyed my times riding there. I'll definitely have to do a few more track days while there is the chance.

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[Kickaha]

For gambling on Nags? FFS!

It obviously generates far more money than the Motorsport side

From my first visit in 1988 I always thought the place was a shit hole, racing there in later years didn't do much to alter that opinion

[jellywrestler]

It obviously generates far more money than the Motorsport side

From my first visit in 1988 I always thought the place was a shit hole, racing there in later years didn't do much to alter that opinion

sad to see it go and i've always wondered why people love it so much. I've spent so much time there in the best seat in the house in the commentary box and can't see very much at all...... This has been coming for years if not decades. The real problem is sine the track day fatality at HD there hasn't been another track day, if that continues and puke is out of the piccy what next?

[pete376403]

Never ridden there - never even BEEN there but it looks (from TV) a pretty boring circuit. The only thing I'd really note it for is that Cal Rayborn died there.

[Grumph]

sad to see it go and i've always wondered why people love it so much. I've spent so much time there in the best seat in the house in the commentary box and can't see very much at all...... This has been coming for years if not decades. The real problem is sine the track day fatality at HD there hasn't been another track day, if that continues and puke is out of the piccy what next?

Wasn't aware of the lack of track days at HD. It does raise questions. Taupo may become the local circuit for Auckland. From the SI, Auck seems to have too many horserace tracks. If as rumoured, Avondale goes for housing, you can see the logic of expanding Puke.
At least visiting riders now won't have to deal with the flock of "Puke specialists" who filled the front rows and never turned up anywhere else.
And yes, I've been there many times - and like Warwick I was never impressed at the standard of the place. And the bumps at the hairpin apex after truck racing.....You could lose an RS125 in those trenches.

[Reckless]

sad to see it go and i've always wondered why people love it so much. I've spent so much time there in the best seat in the house in the commentary box and can't see very much at all...... This has been coming for years if not decades. The real problem is sine the track day fatality at HD there hasn't been another track day, if that continues and puke is out of the piccy what next?

Spyda
I also heard the rumor that trackdays at Hampton were in danger after the last fatality.
I checked out the HD Moto calendar today and there were no trackdays or twilight trackdays listed.
So I fired off an email to Hampton as I have done a few trackdays and race meetings there.
I got an email back within an hour or so saying that the new schedule will be out soon with trackdays starting in Sept.
So it looks like we will be still able to ride at HD.

BUT now that we don't have a choice but to go to a Tony Quinn owned track in the upper north it remains to be seen if the prices will remain the same.
Race meeting costs at Taupo went up 10K or so after he bought it and no more camping unless fully certified.

[SaferRides]

I watched a lot of races there when I was younger, but I think time has not been kind to it. I still miss the longer track, which is probably giving away my age!

I suspect the real reason is that AC is no longer prepared to pay for Supercars, and there is no other revenue stream to replace this.

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[jellywrestler]

I watched a lot of races there when I was younger, but I think time has not been kind to it. I still miss the longer track, which is probably giving away my age!

I suspect the real reason is that AC is no longer prepared to pay for Supercars, and there is no other revenue stream to replace this.

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nope, horses don't like loud cars and bikes, they are selling off the back where the club circuit was and stables and need to accomadate the animals simply.

[jellywrestler]

Spyda
I also heard the rumor that trackdays at Hampton were in danger after the last fatality.
I checked out the HD Moto calendar today and there were no trackdays or twilight trackdays listed.
So I fired off an email to Hampton as I have done a few trackdays and race meetings there.
I got an email back within an hour or so saying that the new schedule will be out soon with trackdays starting in Sept.
So it looks like we will be still able to ride at HD.

BUT now that we don't have a choice but to go to a Tony Quinn owned track in the upper north it remains to be seen if the prices will remain the same.
Race meeting costs at Taupo went up 10K or so after he bought it and no more camping unless fully certified.

somebody on a car forum moaned TQ was not good for grass roots racing. since he brought HD he built the club circuit, bringing in a lower cost facility, i replied to the guy it was his sport that was shit at it. All of the money taken in by Taupo in the first year goes back into the circuit, I guess they will see how much patronage they are going to get and whether the costs is right by then

[F5 Dave]

nope, horses don't like loud cars and bikes, they are selling off the back where the club circuit was and stables and need to accomadate the animals simply.

Let the poor fucking things free I dunno the Kaimanuas seem popular, where they can live thier best lives destroying the environment rather than pawns of gambling rorting and rooting motorsport at the same time..

[eldog]

An off topic question.

Where would be the best track in NZ?

does it depend on the machinery used?

i have been to Puke which I felt was smaller than I imagined.
and to Taupo which seemed to me restrictive?

your thoughts.

Anything in Akl is up for sale. It’s the nature of the beast ATM
10 years and people will realise what they have built.
take a look at some of the housing developments:brick:

couple more weeks till I am back on the bike.

[release_the_bees]

My brother raves about Manfeild. I've never been there myself though, so I can't say. I've only done Pukekohe and Hampton Downs so far.

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[Grumph]

If neither of you have been to the SI circuits, you haven't seen the best in NZ.

[release_the_bees]

If neither of you have been to the SI circuits, you haven't seen the best in NZ.Which ones specifically would you recommend?

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[Grumph]

Which ones specifically would you recommend?

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They're all good - but different. Ruapuna is very technical but can still produce close racing. Levels is short and produces very close racing with usually a lot of action. Teretonga is very like an old airfield circuit - flat and flowing. Speed and skill win there.
Depends if you want to watch nationals - or drink piss at a Burt.

[pete376403]

Do they ever run bike races at Cromwell (Highlands?)

[Grumph]

Do they ever run bike races at Cromwell (Highlands?)


I'm told there have been bike days there so presumably someone's looked at it and approved a circuit. No local club and I'd imagine from what I've heard that it would be too expensive an exercise to try and stage a race meeting there. Drawing a paying crowd would be bloody hard - and it's not laid out as a spectator friendly track anyway.

[Reckless]

Highlands-We were down there on Holiday month or so ago and looked at the museum and had a look on the virtual thingy they have there.
Quite tight in places and I am not sure the F1 and even the postie F1 bikes would stay on the ground over that bridge drop off.

To Add the North Island tracks (my opinion only)

Puke - prob the most dangerous (some of the Postie boys still won't race there). Fun and it feels fast. Over the hill and turn one not much room for error.
Hampton - a bit of everything - technical to go fast - always more to learn there- I still reckon it would be better going the other way around.
Taupo - the short track is all corners unfortunately the NZCMRR don't race the long track :(
Manfield - my favourite Just something about the layout and being able to power out of the turns makes it fun as. Your sort of either on the gas or the brakes most of it.

For me Manfield-Hampton-Taupo- (Puke left out but prob tie with Hampton) Really sad we only have 3 left in the North.

[jellywrestler]

I'm told there have been bike days there so presumably someone's looked at it and approved a circuit. No local club and I'd imagine from what I've heard that it would be too expensive an exercise to try and stage a race meeting there. Drawing a paying crowd would be bloody hard - and it's not laid out as a spectator friendly track anyway.

they've yet to have a flag fall event there, just some outside initiated track days

[jellywrestler]

Hampton - a bit of everything - technical to go fast - always more to learn there- I still reckon it would be better going the other way around.


it's dangerous enough as it is, there's not enough run off at the dipper, imagine running it the other way around entering that corner, and the current turn one would have zero run off and the entry to the big sweeper would be laughable

[Grumph]

they've yet to have a flag fall event there, just some outside initiated track days


Do you know or have you heard if the circuit is actually approved by MNZ for competition ? I remember getting Methven approved it was first ask MNZ for an inspection - then an inspector was sent. Hepburn as it happens. No idea who they'd use in the SI now for that job.

Wouldn't surprise me if it's not been approved. Track days often carry their own insurance.

[pete376403]

Do you know or have you heard if the circuit is actually approved by MNZ for competition ? I remember getting Methven approved it was first ask MNZ for an inspection - then an inspector was sent. Hepburn as it happens. No idea who they'd use in the SI now for that job.

Wouldn't surprise me if it's not been approved. Track days often carry their own insurance.

A friend was a navigator for a car on the Targa tour - they did several laps of the track as part of the event, but I think it was individual time trials. Apparently a real hoot in a Renault Megane 2.0 Turbo (Unsure what version but the rare, fast one)

[Grumph]

A friend was a navigator for a car on the Targa tour - they did several laps of the track as part of the event, but I think it was individual time trials. Apparently a real hoot in a Renault Megane 2.0 Turbo (Unsure what version but the rare, fast one)

Motorsport NZ - the cars - have their own inspector. Separate from Motorcycling NZ. Occasionally they do the same circuit together - as when marshalls posts are moved, They have to agree before it happens.
With no club local to Cromwell and an apparent lack of interest from the owner, I'd be very surprised if it has been approved for bike competition. Lot of very close walls there which IMO would need protection.

[jellywrestler]

Do you know or have you heard if the circuit is actually approved by MNZ for competition ? I remember getting Methven approved it was first ask MNZ for an inspection - then an inspector was sent. Hepburn as it happens. No idea who they'd use in the SI now for that job.

Wouldn't surprise me if it's not been approved. Track days often carry their own insurance.

I don't believe they have tried acknowledging that there's not enough run off and the bridge is a new thing for MNZ to run for cover from.