NZ to host a round of Motogp??

**onearmedbandit** · 1st May 2005, 10:31

Ironically after our thread on the possibility of NZ hosting a round of Motogp, the Sunday Star Times (yeah I know I know) has reported that MIT are aiming to host a round at Taupo possibly in 2007. An upgrade of the track etc at $12 million would be required. Anyone from within motorcycle racing in NZ heard about this? Fingers crossed!!

**pritch** · 1st May 2005, 10:42

Moto GP is probably getting insanely expensive to host. Rossi implied in a recent interview that the riders can't understand why they are racing in the desert and in China.

But it would be interesting enough on a track like this...

**onearmedbandit** · 1st May 2005, 10:54

Rossi and co have nothing to do with where they race, it would come down to DORNA. (Don't take offence, its not an attack). Dorna have confirmed supposedly that inquiries have been made into hosting the event here. Seating for 50,000, an extension of the current track etc. To have a round of the gp here would be incredible, a slight possibility but it would be amazing.

**wkid_one** · 1st May 2005, 11:00

Nice - saves a trip to Phillip Island (well, probably not, will more likely I will see TWO MGP rounds live)

**2_SL0** · 1st May 2005, 11:09

I think its a dream, a nice dream, but still a dream.

**onearmedbandit** · 1st May 2005, 11:17

Dreams can come true, and this is one I think we all hope will. Only time (and shed loads of money plus govt support) will tell.

**sedge** · 1st May 2005, 11:43

Orua downs would be the most likely candidate once it opens wouldn't it ? Coz of proximity to spectators, though I expect it would be lacking major facilities for a while.

Then what they need to do is get Weta to CG in some spectaular backdrops with orcs and horses galloping along...

In other news today the NZ round of the MotoGP was held up for the third time when a giant ape crossed the track looking for giant bananas.

Sedge.

**2_SL0** · 1st May 2005, 11:46

I would love it to come true, but international motorsport events just dont do it for your average beer drinking pie eating rugby fanatic in New Zealand. The govt wont put a dime into it. We are a nation of Rugby nuts not motorsport.
I will happily eat my words if it came true, but I wont be getting my hopes up.

**onearmedbandit** · 1st May 2005, 12:00

I think you underestimate NZ'ers, this is now 2005 not 1985. You're right to a degree, there are still a wide group of kiwis who couldn't give two hoots, but I for one don't believe that future events like this should not get off the ground because of a few who only watch rugby.

**sAsLEX** · 1st May 2005, 12:05

how long is that sraight!? Looks like a good track, and with west aucklands booming population I am sure there would be enough patronage at the race!

**JohnBoy** · 1st May 2005, 15:57

first time i have heard of it but i think that it would be a great idea!!

only issue would be getting in/out of taupo and a place to stay. but i dont mind those are things that i would put up with to see the GP out here!!

**Skunk** · 1st May 2005, 17:00

Originally Posted by onearmedbandit

Dorna have confirmed supposedly that inquiries have been made into hosting the event here. Seating for 50,000, an extension of the current track etc. To have a round of the gp here would be incredible, a slight possibility but it would be amazing.

I think it will fail on money grounds. Who will put up the millions required?
Where would you get 50,000 spectators from? I think 4-10,000 max NZers and the rest would be have to be from overseas... (Compare Phillip Island with 140,000 spectators to help with costs. And that's the smallest I think bar Quatar.)
Where would everyone stay?

Love to see it happen but do you think we could even get SBK? Really.

**StoneChucker** · 1st May 2005, 17:02

Originally Posted by Skunk

Where would everyone stay?

I've just made my reservation for 2007 at Camellia Court. I suggest you do the same too. (I made two, can sell one for heaps).

**onearmedbandit** · 1st May 2005, 18:40

Originally Posted by StoneChucker

I've just made my reservation for 2007 at Camellia Court. I suggest you do the same too. (I made two, can sell one for heaps).

LMAO.

And for everyone worrying about the logistics of it, don't worry. They are investigating all the points raised here, plus hundreds more that we couldn't think of. It may not work out, but at least someones trying. Throw your support behind it if it does look possible. Most replies here have been from nay-sayers, lets get behind it.