The Canterbury Car Club, owners of the iconic Euromarque Motorsport Park, have announced the launch of their new strategic plan aimed at ensuring the future of Motorsport in New Zealand.
As the heart of South Island Motorsport, this legendary Club-owned track, which many know as Ruapuna, attracts competitors and spectators from all across New Zealand, with over 80,000 people through the gate annually, making it a crucial asset for current Motorsport fans and the next generation of racers.
Canterbury Car Club is proud of its long-standing heritage, but it is now focusing on the future with a bold new vision for
growth, which will also enable the track to host signifcant events in the years to come.
“We are excited to unveil our 10 year strategic plan, which will guide the Club through the next decade as we continue to race towards the future” said Lewis Low, President of the Canterbury Car Club.
“Our vision is to create a world-class Motorsport facility that is accessible to everyone, from seasoned racers to young enthusiasts just getting started.”
The Club’s new strategic plan focuses on several key areas of growth and development over the next ten years:
Track & Facilities Upgrade – The Club is committed to upgrading the track, pit garages, and other essential facilities to world-class standards.
Accessibility – Keeping event and membership costs affordable, making Motorsport accessible to everyone, regardless of their financial situation.
Growth & Sustainability – The strategic plan includes a focus on sustainable infrastructure to guarantee the Club’s longevity for another 77 years.
The Environment – As New Zealand’s frst track to introduce an electric safety car, the Club is committed to being a climate-positive venue. Their regular tree-planting initiatives, promotion of renewable fuels, and tyre recycling programs ensure that they
remain an environmentally conscious organisation dedicated to sustainability.
To bring this vision to life, the Club, which is a not-for-proft organisation, is launching a ‘Club Asset Rebuild Project (CAR Project), aimed at upgrading the parks facilities.
With support from donors, sponsors and the community, and a goal to raise $11.2 million to complete the project over the next 10 years, it will allow the track and buildings to meet world-class standards and provide the necessary infrastructure for Motorsport to continue thriving in New Zealand.
The project will begin with upgrading the track, rebuilding the supporter’s lounge, addressing kerbs, improving drainage, and updating flag point lights and cameras.
The control tower will be expanded to accommodate more race and volunteer officials, as well as essential control technology upgrades. This stage will also see improvements to changing rooms and toilet facilities.
The relocation of the pit lane garages will see the construction of new purpose-built garages, and the addition of viewing platforms and corporate suites. The children’s playground will also be upgraded to ensure a family-friendly experience.
Beyond Motorsport, Euromarque Motorsport Park serves as a venue for a wide range of community events, including local and national school duathlons and cycling events.
The Club is proud to provide afordable access to community groups and support initiatives like the South Island School Road Cycling Championships, where the sealed race track allows for a smooth, safe, and spectator-friendly experience.
With this new strategic plan, Canterbury Car Club is ensuring that Euromarque Motorsport Park remains a beacon of Motorsport for future generations.
The Club’s commitment to facility upgrades, inclusivity, growth, and sustainability will ensure the sport continues to thrive, bringing together racers, fans, and the local community for many years to come.
Words & Images: Supplied
All a wonderful idea except for having that electric crap anywhere near the track. There is nothing green about these useless things as we have a co2 level of 0.04% which is what we must have to survive but we are being brainwashed by media and all this propaganda and garbage thats costing a fortune to do nothing for our enviroment at all. But all the rest I wish you guys good luck and though i might be only small I would help all I can to help you make a success of this for motor racing fans and international representation in NZ of this magic sport. I used to go to Aranui Speedway so have been following it for a few years now. Electric cars wont help this planet not even slightly. Dont support something that could kill our motor sport in NZ.
what happens when the fuel runs out?
The moment the rich pull their money out of oil company’s thats the day to worry.
The cost to produce electric cars starting at the mining end using fossil fuels will take its toll on the planet and the sooner everyone wakes up to this BS scenario the better off the planet will be.
Yes I’m another fan encouraging you to drop the Electric safety car BS idea. If you were to survey the over 80,000 fans you get thru the gates in a year I bet you would find the majority with the same sentiments. Zoom in on the picture you have posted with this article of the fans vehicles packed on the bank…. Not an EV amongst them. I would respectfully suggest your marketing team go back to the drawing board on this one. Think about your paying loyal fans, not the Greta Solbergs that will never contribute to the longevity of motorsport.
I think the refurbishment is a great idea. I just hope there’s still a place in the plans for those who enjoy Drag racing.
Hi. Being avid followers of motor sport & owning a motohome & traveling all the time & would love to come to your meets as we do all meets all over South Island & stay at most tracks But have a small dog. & A sign at your gate says No dogs! Disappointing after traveling from way down south to see this sign at gate also noticed over to the left through the gate up on the hill 4 or 5 campers parked up for the weekend. They must have been motor Homer’s without dogs?
I’m with the rest of the comments. Drop the electric car. Look at hydrogen perhaps down the track but if you care about the planet drop the electric car.
Agree 100%
Its the modern age of consent unfortunately. These things are a “must do” not a “we want” to meet consenting regulated protocols and rigmarole. It effects all sorts of activities which leads to everything costing us all… our wallets and our sanity.
Great to see upgrading of facilities and track. Hope your plans still include PBDRC as they have been great supporters in paying for the track use over many years. This is a great opportunity to make it a multi purpose track the same as many in Australia and have the best Circuit and Drag racing track in the South Island. Hope discussions are held between you both so as to have a great future together.