Western Bay of Plenty District Council has this week given the green light for the new Thunder Ridge motorsport facility at the Tect Park between Tauranga and Rotorua.
3D plan of the new Thunder Ridge Motorsport Park. Image: Supplied
This has been followed up by the signing of an MOU between the two parties.
TECT Park is jointly owned by Western Bay of Plenty District Council and Tauranga City Council, with Western Bay being the administering body.
“Motorsport has had a strong home at TECT Park since it opened, and this project would bring even more opportunities for clubs, fans, and the wider community to get involved,” says Council’s Acting Chief Executive Miriam Taris.
“Thunder Ridge brings professionalism and experience to this project, with a clear vision for a sealed racing track and facilities that could attract significant numbers of visitors.”
The proposal for the region’s first bespoke motorsport facility since the demise of Bay Park was met with unanimous support from all councillors at Western Bay of Plenty District Council.
“We have worked closely with the council throughout the development stage of the Thunder Ridge idea, and we are now in a position to turn that idea into a reality thanks to the unanimous support of all council members,” explained Tony Roberts of Thunder Ridge’s management group.
“It’s exciting times for us and for the region, and it will now be full steam ahead to turn the ambitious plans into reality. There’s been plenty of work over the last three years, and we’re all delighted we can make an official start.
Thunder Ridge Motorsport Park is the brainchild of Hampton Downs co-creator Roberts, long-time racer Roger Williams and former Pukekohe Park and Hampton Downs circuit manager Gary Stirling.
From left to right: Gary Stirling, Tony Roberts shaking hands with Wetsern Bay of Plenty Mayor James Denyer and Roger Williams. Image: Supplied
The circuit will not require any public funding and will be fully compliant with the world governing body of motorsport, the FIA’s stringent high standards.
The proposed lease term for Thunder Ridge is 33 years, with two rights of renewal – the same as proposed for the motorsport clubs already at the park.
The 70-hectare Thunder Ridge facility will cater for a diverse range of interests. It will be available for grassroots motorsport events, car club events, and track days and will provide the Bay of Plenty and its surrounding regions, as well as wider New Zealand, with a new, world-class, and affordable facility for multiple activities.
There have also been ongoing discussions with Te Matai Motorsport and individual clubs, who are aware of and support Thunder Ridge’s proposal, pending final details.
A digital model of the Thunder Ridge Motorsport Park. Image: Supplied
David Loughlin, Chair of Te Matai Motorsport Inc., says, “TMMI have been working proactively with Thunder Ridge since early 2023 and are excited to see this development reach a key milestone. The inclusion of a race circuit at TECT Park has always been a key part of our vision for the facility.”
Work on the facility can now begin, with the process of selling garages paramount after more than 65 expressions of interest were received when plans for the track were revealed earlier this year. Planning for building and ground works can also commence.
