Giltrap backs new karting venue

A number of New Zealand motorsport stars turned out to help celebrate the official opening of Sir Colin Giltrap Raceway, a new world-class karting facility in Auckland.

The milestone event marks the culmination of years of work by the KartSport Mt Wellington Committee, whose vision and persistence have brought the venue at Colin Dale Park in Wiri to completion.

Six-time IndyCar champion Scott Dixon, pictured below, his son Kit, and former karting stars Mitch Evans and Jonny Reid were among the special guests attending the recent ceremony to launch the facility.

The Giltrap Group has played a supporting role in developing the site and executive directors Richard and Michael Giltrap say they have been delighted to assist KartSport with the project. 

“However, the true credit belongs to the committee and the wider karting community,” they add. 

“Their commitment and perseverance have made this possible. Our involvement is simply about helping nurture the next generation of champions, inspired by Sir Colin Giltrap’s legacy of supporting Kiwi drivers.”

The new circuit, designed to international standards, addresses longstanding challenges at Auckland’s previous venues and is expected to host major events in the years ahead. 

The project was spearheaded by Bob Cunningham and Vaughan Crang, along with Ross Reid Construction and Colin Dale Park KartSport Development Charitable Trust chair Anita Kinsman. 

Another instrumental figure was Simon Church, president of KartSport Mt Wellington and Auckland, with the two clubs in the process of amalgamating as they prepare to make the new facility their home track in 2026.

Evans, who now races in Formula E for Jaguar TCS Racing, says: “To see this level of investment in grassroots motorsport is huge. It gives young Kiwis the chance to dream big – and that’s what Sir Colin always believed in.”