No more motor racing at Pukekohe

Motorsport is about to finish at Pukekohe Park Raceway.

Photo: Photosport Ltd 2018

The multi-pupose venue, which is owned by the Counties Racing Club, will only be used for horse racing.

Auckland Thoroughbred Racing has confirmed the chequered flag associated with motorsport activities at Pukekohe Park will wave for the last time next year amid plans to further develop the site for the Club’s own purposes.

The last motorsport event at the racecourse will be on 2 April 2023 before the site turns its focus to ATR’s thoroughbred racing activities.

ATR chief executive officer Paul Wilcox says that while the motorsport closure does represent the end of an era; it will pave the way for the Club to continue in its widely reported plans to futureproof the sport of thoroughbred racing in Auckland.

Supercars CEO Shane Howard has responded.

“It’s obviously a great loss to farewell a circuit with so much history and heritage to both New Zealand and Australian racing.

“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 motorsport park was opened in 1963 and did host the New Zealand Grand Prix.

Legends of the sport including Stirling Moss, Jackie Stewart, Graham Hill, Jim Clark, Chris Amon and Bruce McLaren have all raced there.

It’s first Australian Supercars race was in 2001.