Manfeild GP rights on hold

MOTORSPORT

Manfeild might have to wait for two years before knowing whether it will host the New Zealand Grand Prix long term.

That was the impression a Manfeild delegation derived after a presentation to the MotorSport New Zealand executive at Wellington seeking an extension of hosting rights from 2010 to 2014.

Manfeild Park Trust Board chairman Ben Vanderkolk said the national body expected to take two years "analysing and studying" the concept.

That's not ideal because it makes it difficult for Manfeild to plan ahead.

"The positive is that we have two years to prepare ourselves," Vanderkolk said.

The Manawatu circuit is now likely to submit a formal bid in a year's time.

It already has the rights to next year's Grand Prix, in February, and New Zealand's premier single-seater race might roll over to the following year at Manfeild before MotorSport New Zealand makes a decision.

The other members of the Manfeild delegation were Manawatu District Council mayor Ian McKelvie, Toyota New Zealand's John Fowke, Manfeild board member Ian Warrington of Massey University and Manfeild chief executive Heather Verry.

Manfeild want to host the Grand Prix until 2014, which is when the Toyota Racing Series renewable contract expires.

"It wasn't strictly a bid; more a report," Vanderkolk explained. "We will make a further submission but now it is a question of proving ourselves."

The original three-year deal was thought to include a two-year right of renewal but the renewal option appears to have fallen by the wayside, perhaps overtaken by Motorsport NZ's review.

Debate took place in response to MotorSport NZ's suggestion that the Grand Prix be a one-off race, even outside the championship proper.

That has been the case when the series had been a support event at the last two V8 Supercar meetings at Hamilton. But it is unlikely to find favour with Manfeild or Toyota New Zealand.

Vanderkolk was adamant the other Tier 1 support classes should be part of the Grand Prix weekend, that the event needs maximum exposure rather than be turned into a novelty event.

"If it is a full Tier 1 with championship points, it is easier for us to promote it," he said.

Other circuits are believed to be interested in hosting the Grand Prix but the Manfeild men stressed their's was Toyota's home track. The Toyota New Zealand headquarters is in Palmerston North and the company puts more into circuit racing in New Zealand than any other.

The new Hampton Downs circuit south of Auckland was likely to come on stream in the next two summers, replacing Pukekohe.

Vanderkolk considers Hampton Downs to be complimentary to Manfeild because his track serves the lower North Island.

"From that point if view, we're spreading motorsport through the country," he said.

The Toyota Racing Series has been running for five years and the Grand Prix has been part of it for the past four, since taking it over from Formula Ford. The first two in the Toyota series were at Teretonga, Invercargill, and the past two at Manfeild.

Next year's will be part of the international series so overseas drivers will be taking part.

- © Fairfax NZ News