While the sounds of Speedway have already fallen silent at Auckland’s Western Springs, another iconic track, Baypark Speedway, is now fighting for its future. Although the situation in Tauranga isn’t as dire as the legal battle currently unfolding in the city of Sails, the outcome could still spell a significant loss for the sport. And that’s where you come in.
Tauranga City Council is asking the public to have their say on a proposal that could extend speedway operations at Mercury Baypark Stadium until 2039.
Without strong community backing, Speedway’s future at the venue could end in just four seasons, with the current agreement only lasting until 2029.
With Western Springs already being dismantled, and its return looking increasingly unlikely, losing Baypark would be a crushing blow to open-wheel speedway in New Zealand.
Initially opened in 2001, Baypark Speedway was purpose-built as a modern home for speedway racing in the Bay of Plenty. Boasting a fast, wide oval track inside a 15,600-seat stadium, it quickly became a favourite for drivers and fans, especially those in open-wheel classes like Sprint Cars, Midgets, and TQ Midgets.
While tracks like Waikaraka Park and Huntly Speedway serve stockcar and saloon racing incredibly well, their layouts and infrastructure aren’t tailored to open-wheel racing at the top level.
Baypark, by contrast, offers an elite venue for high-horsepower racing in a controlled, spectator-friendly environment. With Western Springs arguably gone, Baypark is one of the few remaining tracks in the North Island capable of properly hosting premier open-wheel events, and we risk losing it if this proposal doesn’t go ahead.
The Proposal: A Sustainable Future for Speedway and the City
Tauranga City Council and Speedway Racing Ltd. have proposed a forward-thinking proposal to ensure the long-term sustainability of Speedway at Baypark without burdening local ratepayers.
Here’s what’s on the table:
- Speedway Racing Ltd would purchase the North Stand from Council for a nominal $1, taking over full responsibility for its maintenance and improvement.
- The land stays in Council ownership, leased to Speedway Racing Ltd, based on circa 7% of gross speedway revenue.
- At the end of the agreement in 2039, all Speedway assets, including the stand, would be returned to Council, again for just $1.
This arrangement would significantly reduce ongoing costs and liabilities for Tauranga City Council while enabling private investment to improve the fan experience and the venue’s operation.
It offers a win-win: motorsport stays alive in Tauranga, and the public purse is protected.
Importantly, Speedway Racing Ltd has confirmed that it will only invest if it has long-term certainty, meaning short-term extensions beyond 2029 are off the table.
The Alternative? Uncertainty and Costly Redevelopment
If community support for the proposal is lacking, the current agreement will stay in place, and Speedway could end at Baypark after 2029. The Council would then need to explore alternative uses for the stadium site, options that have not yet been determined and are likely to come with significant costs for ratepayers.
The North Stand is already in need of investment to improve its usability, and without Speedway, the site’s future becomes unclear.
Whether converted to a community hub, recreational venue, or commercial space, any new use will likely require redevelopment, with no guarantee of the same economic, entertainment, or cultural value that Speedway provides.
Baypark: More Than Just Racing
Baypark Speedway is more than just a race track. It’s a community institution, drawing thousands of locals and visitors every summer. Families have built memories there, and future racers have been inspired under its lights.
The roar of engines and the thrill of tight, side-by-side action on a summer night are woven into Tauranga’s identity.
Speedway events also support the local economy through accommodation, hospitality, and tourism, and the venue hosts international-calibre racing that brings prestige and attention to the region.
Now It’s Time to Have Your Say!
Council is inviting public feedback on the proposal through a community consultation process, including two drop-in sessions:
- Monday, 9 June 2025
5:30pm – 7:30pm
Mercury Baypark Arena Suites - Saturday, 14 June 2025
10:00am – 12:00pm
Mercury Baypark Arena Suites - Alternatively, you can have your say and submit your feedback via an online survey HERE
Submissions close on Wednesday, 23 June 2025
The final decision will be made at a Council meeting on Tuesday, 15 July 2025, where members of the public can also apply to speak.
With Western Springs fading into history, Baypark is one of the last strongholds for open-wheel speedway in the North Island. This proposal offers a practical, sustainable future for the sport, the venue, and the city.
If you value the high-octane magic of Speedway, the community spirit it builds, and the economic activity it drives, now is the time to speak up.
Support Speedway at Baypark. Have your say. Keep it running strong until 2039.
Full Proposal details can be found HERE
FAQ’s:
Why sell the North Stand?
The North Stand requires significant investment for renewals works to keep the facility operating (estimated at $2.1m). Reducing spectator numbers and limited events annually, coupled with the poor state of repair of the North Stand, means that it has limited financial value.
What happens if the North Stand isn’t sold?
If the North Stand remains in Council ownership, Speedway will still operate until 2029 under the existing agreements. However, without a long-term commitment, Speedway Racing Ltd has advised it won’t invest in upgrades, meaning the stadium could fall short of meeting community expectations for future use.
Could Baypark still host other sports or events if Speedway stays?
Yes, although speedway would remain the primary use, there is potential to accommodate additional motorsport events and limited non-speedway activities. Any wider redevelopment for high-participation sport is being delivered as part of the longer-term Baypark masterplan.
How much would speedway pay to stay at Baypark?
The lease through Bay Venues is expected to be a circa 7% of gross speedway revenue. Speedway would also invest in upgrades such as new pit services, a workshop, and chutes.
What could happen at Baypark after 2029 if Speedway ends?
That depends on what the community tells the TCC through this consultation and the 2027 Long-term Plan process. Ideas could include sporting facilities, commercial development, event space, or other recreational uses, but any redevelopment would require funding, further planning, and community support.
How will my feedback be used?
All feedback will be carefully considered to help us make the best decision for the future. We’ll use the insights gathered from the consultation to evaluate the options and consider potential impacts, ensuring that decisions align with community needs, available funding, and long-term sustainability. Feedback will be provided to the council for consideration and submitters will have the opportunity to present to Council.
Header Image: Jessica Barnes / Blissful Photography
Keep baypark as it is the speedway track was there well b4 people moved around it .don’t let the council and the speedway haters close it down
keep bay park in tauranga it belongs hear in the city brings alot of mony in to local busness.