Thunder Ridge Motorsport Park – the new Bay of Plenty circuit planning to open next year – is aiming to be the premier venue in New Zealand for track day enthusiasts.
Car track days have exploded into a massive global industry over the last two decades, with the car-specific segment alone commanding roughly half of a $1.8 billion global track day market.
As the countdown continues towards Thunder Ridge becoming operational, the circuit trustees have sent a clear signal that they intend to rewrite the rules on circuit accessibility.
Thunder Ridge’s comprehensive track day operation will be spearheaded by circuit trustee Gary Stirling – arguably the most experienced track day operator in the country, having run countless track days at Pukekohe, Hampton Downs and Manfeild.
Stirling says one of the main obstacles in recent years in New Zealand has been accessibility for all, from the general public curious about trying their car in a closed course environment to drivers wanting to test and develop their race cars or bikes on a regular basis.
“Thunder Ridge will be all about accessibility for anyone wishing to drive their car in a circuit environment,” he explained.
“Accessibility, be it due to cost, noise limits or other factors like full bookings, always limit what is available to the rank and file enthusiast, and we will be offering a lasting alternative.
“One area we will focus on will be entry-level track day packages designed to open the sport to a much broader demographic, moving it past just exotic or heavily modified race cars.
“We know there is a huge demand from younger drivers, and we will aim to provide a challenging and safe environment for them to drive their cars or bikes to their potential, and we know that’s a much better option for them than doing that on public roads.
In New Zealand, young drivers aged 16 to 24 make up only 14% of the driving population but account for 37% of all fatal crashes. Driving on a circuit rather than public roads, in conjunction with defensive driving courses and professional instruction, will only reduce those alarming stats. But that has to be accessible to all, and that’s what we will make happen.
“The circuit will also be accessible to anyone wishing to test a competition vehicle and, of course, to base a high-performance vehicle at the circuit itself in order to have as regular access as possible to the track.
“Individuals, car clubs, race categories and manufacturers will all be able to access the circuit on a shared or exclusive basis.”
“Foundation garage owners will also have virtually free access to the circuit every week for the duration of the 99-year lease, which was another primary focus for us when designing the circuit,” added founding trustee Tony Roberts.
“Accessibility will be unparalleled in NZ for those garage owners.”
Header Image: Supplied
