Hampton Downs sold

**sil3nt** · 27th March 2015, 12:47

Heard rumours over the last few days about HD being sold and this article adds fuel to the fire.

Quoted from Facebook https://www.facebook.com/VelocityNews?fref=nf

HAMPTON DOWNS SOLD TO TONY QUINN?
Hampton Downs Motorsport Park has reportedly been sold for around $13.5 million to Australian pet food mogul and Highlands Motorsport Park owner Tony Quinn.
Velocity NZ understands a decision was made earlier this week to accept Quinn’s offer to buy the circuit, a process which will see the North Waikato facility removed of all debt. Velocity NZ sources close to the Highlands Park owner indicate Quinn has intentions to complete the circuit extension and facilities, and retain existing circuit management.
The surprising news comes just one month after Quinn was denied the opportunity to acquire Taupo Motorsport Park, though he has made efforts to acquire Hampton Downs before.
Speculation surrounding the purchase of Taupo Motorsport Park indicated Quinn would likely bring the Australian GT Championship to New Zealand for a second round of the series. However the failed attempt to buy the Central North Island circuit now opens the opportunity to bring the series to Hampton Downs Motorsport Park.
Whilst the purchase has not been confirmed by representatives of Quinn or Hampton Downs - who were unavailable for comment at the time of publication - Velocity NZ understands the purchase is set to go through within the first two weeks of April.
Hampton Downs Motorsport Park has quickly become New Zealand’s busiest race facility boasting over 320 days of use per year. With the impending change of ownership, it is unclear what changes will be made to the circuit’s availability.

Be great if he does finish that extension (IMO it would be better if he modified that extension....). He is worth $400 million so it is hopefully good news for HD.

**Gremlin** · 27th March 2015, 14:23

He seems like a bloke that pushes forward and gets things done...

**Voltaire** · 27th March 2015, 14:29

Notice anything missing on Mr Quinns Highland Motorsport Park?
http://www.highlands.co.nz/

**Grubber** · 27th March 2015, 14:37

Just for the record, Tony Quinn hates motorcycles and loves exotic cars with a passion.
Will be interesting how this effects some riding time.

**nodrog:Me** · 27th March 2015, 14:42

he will own taupo shortly

**sil3nt** · 27th March 2015, 14:51

Originally Posted by Grubber

Just for the record, Tony Quinn hates motorcycles and loves exotic cars with a passion.
Will be interesting how this effects some riding time.

does he hate motorcycles? My understanding is that Highlands has some very restrictive noise limits that most motorcycles exceed which is why we don't see bikes there.

Originally Posted by nodrog

he will own taupo shortly

I hear they have a backer already after they rejected Quinns offer

**malcy25** · 27th March 2015, 14:56

Originally Posted by sil3nt

does he hate motorcycles? My understanding is that Highlands has some very restrictive noise limits that most motorcycles exceed which is why we don't see bikes there.

I hear they have a backer already after they rejected Quinns offer

Yeah, I'd heard he didn't like bikes also, then subsequently heard that this supposition was probably moreso from the fact that Highlands isn't and couldn't be really set up for bikes and other issues.

**Maha** · 27th March 2015, 15:02

I read that people have ''heard'' a lot. Successful business people don't turn away business when there is a money to made, the worst will be an increase in track hire.

**ducatilover** · 27th March 2015, 15:15

Lets all hope it doesn't become a playground for the rich

**Reckless** · 27th March 2015, 15:21

Originally Posted by Maha

I read that people have ''heard'' a lot. Successful business people don't turn away business when there is a money to made, the worst will be an increase in track hire.

Especially if he does the extensions and increases the price?
AMCC and the track days might not be able to afford more track hire so that would be a blow to the bike scene.

But if we piss him off with to much speculation an negativity he might say stuff the bikes?

Wait and see I reckon

**cynna** · 27th March 2015, 15:31

Originally Posted by sil3nt

does he hate motorcycles? My understanding is that Highlands has some very restrictive noise limits that most motorcycles exceed which is why we don't see bikes there.

I hear they have a backer already after they rejected Quinns offer

or is it something to do with the conrete barriers and bike safety at highlands

**sidecar bob** · 27th March 2015, 15:36

Originally Posted by Maha

I read that people have ''heard'' a lot. Successful business people don't turn away business when there is a money to made, the worst will be an increase in track hire.

He should expect a return of at least what his money would bring in if it was invested in stocks or commercial / residential property.

**jellywrestler** · 27th March 2015, 15:40

Originally Posted by sidecar bob

He should expect a return of at least what his money would bring in if it was invested in stocks or commercial / residential property.

maybe, but maybe like some wealthy people he will settle for having a second park which is his when he wants to play with the big boys and the rest of the time ticking along as it always was.
one would hope so, does he get a full financial return from highlands park, or is it a dream accomplished.
take a lok at the nelson motorcycle museaum, all his income goes to the workers and charity fifty fifty.