Following yesterday’s announcement that Pukekohe Park Raceway will cease all motorsport activity from 2023, Supercars has announced that it is exploring alternative venues for future rounds.
Supercars first raced at Pukekohe in 2001, with local hero Greg Murphy winning all three races.
Pukekohe hosted Supercars between 2001 and 2007 before the NZ event shifted to the Hamilton.
The Hamilton street circuit was home to the annual Supercars round between 2008 and 2012. You can still find the track markings and grid spots on the streets today where the race was once held.
Supercars then returned to an upgraded Pukekohe in 2013, and hosted racing until 2019.
It’s possible the next venue could be Hampton Downs in the Waikato, just down the road from Pukekohe. Supercars was confirmed to race there in 2020 but the plans were undone due to COVID-19 restrictions, which also put a stop to the 2021 event.
However, this year’s event will be the last Supercars round ever at the Pukekohe.
“It’s obviously a great loss to farewell a circuit with so much history and heritage to both New Zealand and Australian racing,” said Supercars CEO Shane Howard said.
“Legends were created here, and it was the location of Supercars’ first ever international Championship race, it’s legacy will live on for many years to come.
“While 2022 will mark our final weekend of racing at Pukekohe, we appreciate that through our time racing at the circuit, we have forged great partnerships with Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, long-time naming rights partner of the event ITM and amazing support from our loyal Kiwi fans.
“We have other great venue options available and will now begin discussions regarding our 2023 calendar.
“It’s our absolute intent to continue racing in New Zealand and we are now exploring alternative venues for the New Zealand event for the future.”
The ITM Auckland SuperSprint on September 9-11 will be the final Supercars round at Pukekohe.
