A1 GP: World Cup of Motorsport 2008/09

TAUPO MOTOSPORT PARK

Overview:

The New Zealand government has approved funds of $ 2million for improving and adding new facilities at the Taupo Motrsport Park, to enable the circuit to host big international motor racing events, such as A1 Grand Prix and Moto GP.

Taupo was recently dubbed as the "home of New Zealand Motorsport" now that it is undergoing the multi million dollar makeover, and is preparing to host it's first ever A1 Grand Prix. The circuit is gearing up to host a round of the Grand Prix of Nations in January 2007 – subject to agreement being reached with the A1 GP organisers on logistical requirements. The event is expected to generate upwards of 40,000 spectators.

Prior to hosting the round in January a planned Pit Lane service complex must be constructed and an area of the original track upgraded to FIA Grade 2 standard. The overall development will feature related facilities such as a pit lane complex with hospitality suites, pit garages, media centre and race control centre.

In addition to the circuit the upgraded complex will also house an international drag racing strip, driver training centre, corporate function facilities and a motorsport specialist business park.

Specifications:

Location: Close to the shore of Lake Taupo, 12kms to Taupo Airport, and approximately three and half hours drive south of Auckland.
Track Length: 3.5km (combined old/new track)
Turns:
Laps: TBC
Lap record:
Direction: Anti-clockwise
Address: Broadlands Road, Taupo, New Zealand

History:

The Motorsport Park has been managed by the Taupo Car Club since 1959.

The new site has been taken over by MIT Development Ltd, who are responsible for the transformation of the complex. Part of the new circuit was officially opened on 19th March 2006.

Lake Taupo lies in the centre of the North Island of New Zealand. Famed for its trout fishing and boating, the lake merely fills the caldera of one of the largest super-volcanoes in the world in a still active geological region. It has a perimeter of approximately 193 kilometres, a deepest point of 186 metres and a surface area of 616 square kilometres. It is the largest lake by surface area in the country. Lake Taupo is 90 percent of the physical size of the island of Singapore.

Directions:

From 'Woolworths' at the northern end of Taupo, turn into Spa Road and proceed for approximately 8 kms out of the town to 'T' intersection, corner of Centennial Drive and Broadlands Road. The circuit is situated on your left.