Hampton Motorsport Parks wants to surpass Taupo!

A new circuit is expected to be built in New Zealand. Located in the city of Hampton, this future circuit aims to surpass the Taupo circuit and reclaim the annual A1 Grand Prix event from the 2008-2009 season onwards.

The director of Hampton Downs Motorsport Park, Tony Roberts, told the New Zealand press from the Waikato Times: « Hampton Downs would suit the event much better than the Taupo circuit because it’s a very narrow track where single-seaters have difficulty overtaking. This circuit is indeed better suited for motorcycles or small cars. »

« We don’t want to try to steal all the events organized in Taupo. But in New Zealand, the population is so small that you can’t fill two circuits. »

« Therefore, our objective would simply be to build the best track and if, in addition, the biggest championships decide to come, all the better. » continues Roberts, who has already invested 20 million dollars in the project.

However, with the success of the two events organized by Taupo in the A1 Grand Prix, and especially Jonny Reid’s home victory for A1 Team New Zealand, it does not seem to be going in Roberts’ direction.

Gary Dawson, the director of the Taupo circuit, is also very reserved: « They would really need to have good reasons if they want to move the annual event. »

« From the beginning, we have had very successful weekends. So over time, the show and the regulations will improve, which I think will give us the advantage. »