Auckland risks losing its annual Supercars round for a third consecutive year due to increased freight costs.
Velocity sources out of Australia indicate the round has already been cancelled, albeit unofficially.
While it was COVID locking the series out of New Zealand the last two years, this time, the price of getting over here is the issue.
New Zealand is combating supply chain issues in all sectors, forcing prices of goods and services to surge.
The impact drip-feeds into the sporting industry, especially when flying tonnes of machinery between countries is involved.
Auckland Unlimited pump over $1.2 million into the Supercars event at Pukekohe Park each year. However, Velocity understands they must fork out an additional $250,000 to cover the cost of freight for September’s race to proceed.
Velocity contacted Auckland Unlimited and we were told they are still in talks with Supercars to ensure the race can go ahead.
A Velocity source involved in the Supercars organisation says they have already been told the Auckland round is called off. However, nothing official has been said.
Instead, Supercars released this brief statement, emphasising their commitment to the round.
“We are currently working jointly with Auckland Unlimited on securing the best freight options available.”
The 2022 Auckland SuperSprint is scheduled for September 10-11 and is the last race before the Bathurst 1000.
