Kiwi racing heritage saved

Thunder Ridge Motorsport Park has secured important motorsport infrastructure ahead of its construction and it will have a familiar vibe when the circuit opens.

Four buildings that were the mainstay of Pukekohe Park – including the control room, office block, training room and podium structure – have been purchased from Auckland Thoroughbred Racing.

They originate from the Hamilton Supercars era and were shifted to Pukekohe when the V8s returned there in 2013. They offer a complete solution for the new track.

“They are proven and cost-effective buildings for Thunder Ridge, and will allow us to progress significantly quicker,” says Tony Roberts, one of the founders of the Thunder Ridge project and chairman of the not-for-profit trust behind the Bay of Plenty facility.

“They are a ‘plug and play’ solution. Of course, it’s nice to save parts of New Zealand motorsport history and for them to carry on being used at the new circuit.

“We have tweaked the design of the circuit following feedback on the original design. Now we have the main circuit infrastructure sorted out, we’re beginning to get a good idea of what the end product will look and feel like.”

Plans are progressing well for the facility, which could be open for its first track users in early 2027. Multiple garages for car enthusiasts wanting to use the circuit on a regular basis have been sold, and there are even enquiries and sales from ex-pats overseas.

A board of directors, with a variety of business and motorsport experience, has been established and work is about to start on ground works at the TECT Park location.