Hampton Downs entry fee

[Drew]

An organised individual could, if so inclined set up as a sole trader, as an event promoter. Go get sponsorship for races and make a profit from it too. One might even wangle commission from the clubs if they dragged punters along and filled the seats.

[Bykmad]

[QUOTE=Kickaha;1129626111]Have you been to any South Island circuits?



Kick.
I have been to every circuit in the country, and have watched and ridden at the three South island circuits. It is very easy to get close to the action at Hampton Downs.
While the pit facilities are yet to be built, the basic infrastructure at the circuit is pretty good. Access by tunnel to the pits for competitors, access to the inside area of the circuit by tunnel for spectators. Interesting undulating layout. It is most definitely different to any other circuit in the country.
Good on the guys (and thanks very much to them) funding and building place.

[Dutchee]

Don't know if any of you saw the interview yesterday morning on the 6.30am business news programme.
Roberts? was saying it had so far cost them $60 million and at the end would cost $100 million.
Expecting to have it viable (don't think it was profitable, but could be wrong) in about 2 years.
This is including the business park, so it's not that they're expecting the track to have paid itself off by then (no way in hell would $300 per rider have paid that sum of money off in such a short time).
Was on TV3, about 10 minutes into the programme, from memory.

[Pumba]

Don't know if any of you saw the interview yesterday morning on the 6.30am business news programme.

I presume this is what you are talking about http://www.3news.co.nz/Hampton-Downs...1/Default.aspx

[CHOPPA]

We just booked a couple of apartments for the nats, 2 bedroom apartments with all day use only $220 per night is pretty good i think. It would be great to invite your sponsors etc up sorta like a corporate box to watch from during the day

[KS34]

There is good news, I was talking to the race secretary from the AMCC and she advised me the Friday practise day before the Nats at HD is only $80.00, Thats good.

[slowpoke]

[QUOTE=Bykmad;1129626553]

Have you been to any South Island circuits?



Kick.
I have been to every circuit in the country, and have watched and ridden at the three South island circuits. It is very easy to get close to the action at Hampton Downs.
While the pit facilities are yet to be built, the basic infrastructure at the circuit is pretty good. Access by tunnel to the pits for competitors, access to the inside area of the circuit by tunnel for spectators. Interesting undulating layout. It is most definitely different to any other circuit in the country.
Good on the guys (and thanks very much to them) funding and building place.

Yep, it is different thanks to the undulating layout but I'm not sure it's a masterpiece, especially the shorter version we're using at the moment, but hopefully the "international" track flows a bit better....and it isn't priced out of reach. Viewing is lousy for spectators: sure you can get some nice views of certain portions but it's going to be frustrating as fuck watching and waiting and waiting and waiting until they come 'round again 'cos you've got no idea what's going on anywhere else. Horses for courses I guess, it'll give some nice shots for TV but won't be so good for those actually trackside.

Someone also pointed out to me that the start finish line is going to be in the braking area (big bikes) for turn 1, which if it's true, could make for an interesting finish to the last race of the championship...or any race for that matter. Anyone else noticed this? With all the timing gear it's not as easy as just painting another line on the track.

The cost of the entry is bugger all compared to the cost created by the timing of the North Island rounds. If I was a Southerner I'd be spitting chips at having to travel and cross that fuggin' ditch twice in a month....poor bastards.

[Devil]

Someone also pointed out to me that the start finish line is going to be in the braking area (big bikes) for turn 1, which if it's true, could make for an interesting finish to the last race of the championship...or any race for that matter. Anyone else noticed this? With all the timing gear it's not as easy as just painting another line on the track.

Hey, i guess the start line wasn't there when you were there last but after watching the braking points during the Ride Days and superbike schools the bikes will be over the line before having to brake. I was wondering about it myself untill I actually saw it. Wonder what the classics will be like though when they're on in a few weeks!

As for viewing, I was there for the McLaren festival as well and could see *enough*. From the bank near pit entrance you can see T8, T9, T10 and the start of the front straight. From the inside of T2, you can get T2, T7 (What you'd probably call T3 on the short circuit) and the entrance to T8 (T4 on short circuit).

Choppa you'll be glad you got an apartment, they're very comfortable and well furnished. Have stayed there many times now.

[Scotty595]

I had no idea HD was so close to auckland :s Looks bloody nice - drove past it on the weekend