Ride days at Hampton Downs?

[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 to Puke and hello HD!

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

[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

In a move only seen in NZ, Pukekohe put it's prices UP after Hampton Downs started operating...

[BoristheBiter]

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

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?