In a significant victory for motorsport and the Tauranga community, Tauranga City Council has officially approved a proposal that will secure Baypark Speedway’s operations through to 2039, following an extensive public consultation process and strong community backing.
The decision was made at a Council meeting on Monday, 14 July 2025, confirming that Baypark Speedway will remain for at least another 14 years.
Public Support Drives Decision:
A month-long consultation period, held from 23 May to 23 June 2025, generated 3,527 submissions, with 52% of responses coming from Tauranga residents. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive:
- 90% of all respondents supported or strongly supported the proposal to extend speedway operations at Baypark through to 2039.
- Among non-residents, a staggering 98% supported the extension.
- 84% of all respondents strongly supported the extension, with only 10% of Tauranga residents opposed.
The results underscored the venue’s enduring significance to both locals and motorsport fans across the country.
“The feedback leads us to the view that there remains a passionate and reasonably large cohort of people that continue to value Speedway at Baypark and are supportive of the proposed arrangements, and that there is limited aversion from the population as a whole to that happening,” the council summary stated.
Reasons for Support and Opposition:
Among the 10% of Tauranga residents who did not support the proposal, the top concerns cited were:
- The belief that the venue could offer wider community benefits through an alternative use.
- Concerns about noise, pollution, traffic, and impact on surrounding areas.
- The opinion is that the venue and location are no longer fit for purpose.
However, a clear majority, 67% of Tauranga residents, supported funding speedway maintenance and operations through rates. Their top reasons included:
- A strong desire to keep Speedway alive in Tauranga.
- Recognition of the community and family value it brings.
- A belief that Speedway is a more worthwhile use of council funding compared to other options.
In contrast, 33% of residents opposed ratepayer funding, citing:
- General concern about rates and increasing financial pressure.
- The belief that Speedway should be self-funded or user-pays.
- A preference for investment in multi-use stadiums or infrastructure with broader benefits.
Demographic data showed that 1,818 respondents were Tauranga residents, with 1,709 from outside the region.
The Proposal: A Sustainable Future
The approved proposal will see Speedway Racing Ltd purchase the North Stand from the Council for $1, taking over full responsibility for its maintenance and improvement.
The land remains in Council ownership and will be leased back to Speedway Racing Ltd based on approximately 7% of gross speedway revenue.
After the agreement ends in 2039, all speedway assets, including the North Stand, will be returned to the Council, again for $1.
This arrangement removes ongoing liability for ratepayers while providing Speedway with the long-term security it needs to invest in the venue and improve the fan experience.
“This is not just a milestone on paper—it’s a promise for the future of Speedway,” Speedway Racing Ltd said in a statement.
“It’s a commitment to the sport we all love, the community we share, and the culture that has grown around this track for decades.”
While the public response was largely in favour, the decision was not without criticism.
Ngā Pōtiki, the mana whenua of the area, expressed opposition in their submission.
While acknowledging the range of views within the community, they cited concerns about the best long-term use of the land, as well as noise, traffic, and pollution, concluding they did not support the proposal.
Bay Venues, the Council-controlled organisation that manages the stadium, also opposed the recommendation, stating:
“Bay Venues does not agree with the recommendation and strongly recommends considering alternative options for the best long-term use of the Baypark Stadium site… We do not support a long-term arrangement with Speedway, without full consideration of options for the site.”
Bay Venues argued that a broader community-led planning process should have taken place before confirming a long-term lease for a single-purpose use.
Other Motorsport Events at Baypark Also Under Review:
Bay Venues has also recently put a stop to the regular drifting events previously held every second Friday at the stadium. These events were run by D1NZ, New Zealand’s national drifting championship, which typically holds its grand final at the venue each year.
In 2025, D1NZ had hoped to make use of the concrete drift track that sits beneath the speedway clay surface, unused during the off-season, to run fortnightly community drift nights. The goal was to provide a safe, controlled environment for drivers to develop their skills ahead of the next championship, give newcomers a chance to try drifting, and keep the sport and other ‘anti social behaiour’ off the streets.
Bay Venues requested the drifting events be put on hold while they “sort some aspects internally” and are reportedly in discussions with organisers about future dates, including the possibility of shifting the events to Saturdays instead of Friday evenings.
While this hasn’t been officially confirmed, the move adds to growing speculation that Bay Venues may be signalling a broader shift away from supporting motorsport events at Baypark, although the final decision comes down to the Tauranga City Council.
A New Era for Baypark
Despite those objections, the overwhelming weight of community feedback and public interest was decisive. The approval now provides Speedway Racing Ltd with the stability it needs to invest in the facility and build a sustainable future.
With the closure of Western Springs in Auckland and that legal battle still ongoing, Baypark currently stands as the last major purpose-built venue in the North Island for premier open-wheel speedway racing.
However, significant progress is being made elsewhere. An $11 million upgrade is underway at Waikaraka Park, aiming to transform the traditionally stockcar- and saloon-focused venue into a multi-class facility.
Once complete, it has the potential to become another excellent destination for open-wheel racing in the North Island.
Baypark plays a critical role in developing youth drivers through Ministocks and hosts international-calibre events that support the local economy through tourism, hospitality, and accommodation.
“This isn’t the end of the road, it’s the beginning of an exciting new chapter,” Speedway Racing Ltd said.
“Together, we’ll ensure Speedway remains the beating heart of Baypark, not just until 2039, but for generations to come.”
With community support roaring louder than the engines on race night, Baypark Speedway’s future is now secured, and the journey toward a new era of Speedway, family tradition, and drive development has officially begun.
Header Image: Baypark Speedway
bloody Good,well done..