$11 million Waikaraka Park upgrade delivers New Zealand’s first new speedway track in nearly 25 years

Waikaraka Park speedway track is primed to welcome speedway fans for the new season following the completion of a $11 million upgrade project that has transformed the historic venue.

Auckland Council’s Waikaraka Park has hosted speedway racing since 1967, but when racing returns on Saturday, 29 November, it will boast the first new speedway track built in New Zealand in nearly 25 years.

The upgrade project has included a purpose-built new track, speedway safety wall and catch fence, new lighting and improved toilet facilities, alongside enhanced safety features and a restored heritage wall that honours the track’s storied history.

A new pit area will now house up to 130 racers at a time, 40 more than the old setup. Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown is pleased to see the facility upgraded and ready to race.

“It’s great to see these upgrades completed in time for Waikaraka Park speedway to open for families to enjoy summer. It’s clear that Aucklanders love and use this venue, and places like this help contribute to a thriving Auckland.”

Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Ward Councillor Josephine Bartley also applauded the completion of the upgrade project on time.

“These essential upgrades were an investment to support the long-term sustainability of the sport in Auckland, and I know will be enjoyed by Aucklanders and racing enthusiasts from across the country for generations to come.”

Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Local Board Chair Debbie Burrows welcomed the opening of the all-new track – designed by an architect who is also a former speedway driver – and greatly improved facility. 

“Waikaraka Park is a beloved asset for this community, and these upgrades will be transformative for how this facility can operate in the future.

“The Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Local Board has always supported and sought long-term investment in Waikaraka Park through our approved Waikaraka Park masterplan, and now we look forward to the new racing opportunities made possible through these upgrades.

“We know drivers and fans are excited to see racing on the upgraded track on Saturday for the first time”.

Council agency Tātaki Auckland Unlimited (TAU) delivered the upgrade project on behalf of the local board. TAU Chief Executive Nick Hill says the new facility helps to secure the future of speedway in Auckland.

“We are pleased to see this project delivered to scope, in time for another exciting speedway season in Tāmaki Makaurau. Aucklanders and visitors can now enjoy a modern, international-standard speedway facility, with faster racing and an improved fan experience.

“With a long-term deal secured that guarantees the presence of four-wheel speedway classes at Waikaraka Park, it is great to have a facility that preserves the viability of speedway in Auckland for years to come.”

Waikaraka Park has a secure lease in place until 2051, with longtime tenant Auckland Stock & Saloon Car Club. The lease now secures the long-term presence of all four-wheel speedway classes, including the open wheel classes that previously raced at Western Springs.

The new speedway season begins at Waikaraka Park this Saturday, 29 November, with stock and saloon car racing. Open-wheel speedway classes begin their Auckland season on Saturday, 13 December. 

Background

Auckland Council’s Governing Body agreed on 30 October 2024 to the request to transfer $11m of existing Long-term Plan capital funding from Tātaki Auckland Unlimited to the Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Local Board.

This funding enabled the delivery of critical works at Waikaraka Park and the consolidation of the two current four-wheel class speedway venues in Auckland into the Onehunga venue.

In total, 24 race nights are scheduled for the upcoming season, including a minimum of 11 dedicated race nights for the open-wheel classes, with a commitment to 12 race meetings in subsequent seasons. 

Track information

• This is the first new track built in New Zealand in the last 25 years.

• The new track is more in line with international speedway racing tracks, such as those in the United States.

• Speedway New Zealand, the governing body of the sport in Aotearoa, certified the safety of the newly laid track on 26 November, ahead of the new season.

• The new track has been designed to promote a faster, closer racing spectacle and allow local drivers to hone their skills in a similar environment to international drivers.

• The new pit area will be open to fans during the racing, allowing patrons to mix and mingle with their favourite drivers.

• When the pit area is not in use for speedway events, it will be open to the community for overflow parking.

• New lighting towers will deliver 500lux across the racing surface, improving the experience for drivers and patrons and enhancing broadcast capabilities.

• The fixed grandstands will provide 3000 spectator seats, with provision to add more in the future. Combined with the grassed embankments, the initial spectator capacity will be 4500.

• The upgraded toilet block will feature 13 new stalls, including the addition of new accessible stalls and baby change facilities. The new toilet block will provide double the capacity of previous facilities.

Header Image: Supplied