Waikaraka Park is entering a bold new era, with major redevelopment works already well underway as part of an $11 million upgrade to the Auckland speedway venue.
The project, now in its Stage 2 phase, is transforming the facility in preparation for the 2025/26 racing season, which is set to begin in November. Key changes include the complete removal and stockpiling of the existing track surface, demolition of the old race wall, and installation of a brand-new, widened track complete with modern safety features.
In the coming two months, attention will turn to constructing the new concrete race wall and completing major earthworks for the pit lane area.
According to project timelines, all essential work required to resume racing is expected to be completed by October, giving teams and officials just enough time to prepare for the new season.
The upgrades mark a significant step forward for Waikaraka Park, solidifying its place as one of New Zealand’s premier speedway venues and enhancing both competitor and spectator experiences in replacement of Western Springs Speedway.
Alongside the physical upgrades, Waikaraka Park has released its provisional 2025/26 racing calendar in collaboration with the team behind Western Springs Speedway.
The season begins with green-sheeting events scheduled for October 4th and 11th, followed by two official practice sessions on October 18th and 25th.
The highly anticipated Grand Opening Night will roar into action on November 1st, featuring Stockcars, Super Saloons, and Modifieds in a blockbuster return to racing.
A separate Grand Opening for Western Springs is scheduled for November 15th, showcasing high-octane racing from Sprintcars, Midgets, TQs, and Quarter Midgets. November continues with weekly racing, including the prestigious Western Springs International Sprintcars meeting on November 29th.
December hosts four major meetings, headlined by the first round of the Western Springs International Midget Series on Boxing Day (December 26th) and the iconic 30-Lapper on December 28th.
The season reaches full throttle in January with a packed seven-event schedule. Highlights include the Midget 40-Lapper and New Zealand TQ Championship double-header on January 3rd, followed by the Western Springs Midget 50-Lapper just two nights later on January 5th.
The New Zealand Saloon Grand Prix is also on the bill for January 17th, cementing the month as one of the busiest and most exciting on the calendar.
February brings three events, notably the Western Springs 50-Lapper on February 14th and the New Zealand Modified Grand Prix on February 28th.
March continues the action with four weekly meetings, including the Western Springs North Island Sprintcar Championship on March 7th.
April hosts three events, culminating in the Superstock Team Champs double-header on April 25–26th. The season then wraps up in style with the “King of the Park” Grand Final on May 2nd, 2026.
It’s important to note that the calendar is provisional, and classes scheduled to race may change depending on competitor numbers.
One noticeable omission from this year’s programme is the F2 Midget class, which has been left out entirely despite its growing car count and reputation for thrilling, close-quarters racing.
The exclusion is a disappointing development for fans and competitors alike who have championed the class’s steady growth and entertainment value.
As the concrete gets poured and the track gets a makeover, anticipation is already building for what promises to be a blockbuster 2025/26 season at Waikaraka Park, a refreshed venue set to deliver racing at its absolute best.
Header Image: Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Local Board
I hope the up grade for the fans seats are not like the one on the main straight as trying to get past every one has to stand up very inconvenient needs to be able to move easily passed people like the terrace’s at the springs and more family space with prams and chilly bins and folding chairs
I hope that disabled facilities are improved including toilet access, access to grassed user friendly for wheel chairs , etc and for goodness sake a sound system that is capable of doing the job. Why not sell off to sponsors the speakers sign written making it an international standard visual reads track.
Why does speedway take over so much of the season on a stockcar venue .bloody stinks Mr mayor
Speedway should have stayed at western springs. Where it belongs. Sad day when people like this mayor can take away great family entertainment.