Auckland City Council - City Scene

Council and a motor sports event specialist are investigating a number of potential sites for a V8 supercar street motor race to be held annually in the city, starting in 2001.

Event Management Specialists, past promoters of the renowned Bathurst 1000 race in Australia, and City Promotions are working on a feasibility study to ascertain the return on investment and the economic impact for the city. The City Attractions Committee agreed last June to fund the study.

If the premier annual event gets the go-ahead, it will be staged over three days with a wide range of racing activities both on and off track supporting the street motor race.

Auckland City Promotions Manager, Phil Briars says the V8 supercar series achieves a high profile and record attendances in Australia.

"An Auckland race has the potential to be included on the V8 supercar series international calender.

"This would attract high profile international drivers, secure multi national television audiences, and bring more people into the city.

"Street circuits provide a special environment for motor sport events, offering greater economic, publicity and tourism benefits over permanent racing circuits."

If the feasibility study is positive and the race gets the go ahead from the Council, the circuit design will be chosen in consultation with the Council, event managers, traffic and roading engineers, Police and other interested parties.

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