Taupo International Motorsport Park

Last updated

Taupo Motorsport Park
Taupo Motorsports Park.svg
International Circuit (2006)
Location Taupō, New Zealand
Time zone UTC+12:00
Coordinates 38°39′56″S176°8′39″E / 38.66556°S 176.14417°E / -38.66556; 176.14417
FIA Grade 3
OwnerTony Quinn (November 2021–present)
Opened1959
Former namesBruce McLaren Motorsport Park (November 2015–December 2021)
Taupo Motorsport Park (1959–November 2015)
Major eventsCurrent:
Supercars Championship
Taupō Super400 (2024)
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia (2024)
FR Oceania (2006–2019, 2023–present)
Toyota Gazoo Racing 86 Championship (2014, 2016–2017, 2021–present)
Former:
A1GP (2007–2009)
Website http://www.tauporacetrack.co.nz
Track 1 (2008–present)
Length3.321 km (2.064 miles)
Turns14
Race lap record1:14.679 ( Flag of Switzerland (Pantone).svg Neel Jani, Lola A1GP, 2008, A1GP)
International Circuit (2006)
Length3.500 km (2.175 miles)
Turns17
Original Circuit (1959–2006)
Length1.398 km (0.869 miles)
Turns6

Taupo International Motorsport Park and Events Centre (previously known as the Bruce McLaren Motorsport Park) is a motorsports circuit located in Broadlands Road, Taupō, New Zealand. It is owned by Tony Quinn who also owns Highlands Motorsport Park and Hampton Downs Motorsport Park.

Contents

The circuit was an upgrade from a 1.398 km (0.869 mi) Taupo Car Club's circuit to the new 3.500 km (2.175 mi) international layout in 2006. [1] The Motorsport Park was completed in 2006 at the cost of NZ$13 million. It features driver training facilities, a motorsport business park with 13 first floor corporate suites and a second floor race control, corporate and catering complex.

History

On 21 January 2007 Taupo Motorsport Park hosted the sixth race in the 2006–07 A1 Grand Prix season and on 20 January 2008 it hosted the fifth race in the 2007–08 A1 Grand Prix season. In order to create more overtaking opportunities, a tighter chicane was introduced at the end of the straight. On 25 January 2009 Taupo Motorsport Park hosted the fourth race in the 2008–09 A1 Grand Prix season. Owing to the tight 'S' bend close to the start causing collisions in the past, the rolling start was replaced by a standing start for the 2009 event's Sprint race. [1]

The Taupo Race Track project has received a Silver Award by the Association of Consulting Engineers New Zealand, praising the high-quality delivery of the project, which was designed and constructed in tandem to achieve very tight deadlines. [2] However, on 8 May 2008 Newstalk ZB reported that the motorsport park was NZ$3 million in debt and the owners were seeking equity to help keep their business afloat. [3]

The circuit was renamed Bruce McLaren Motorsport Park on 26 November 2015, as a tribute to former Formula One driver and team owner Bruce McLaren. The renaming occurred as Taupo directors announced they would be rebuilding the circuit to maintain its FIA Grade 2 status. [4] However, the circuit is renamed Taupo International Motorsport Park, after Tony Quinn purchased the circuit in November 2021. [5]

The circuit

The track includes four alternative configurations (consisting of 3.400 km (2.113 mi), 3.321 km (2.064 mi), 2.200 km (1.367 mi) and 1.300 km (0.808 mi)), two separate pit areas, a three-story pit lane complex with 32 ground floor pit garages that is currently under construction. The track also features an NHRA standard 830 m (2,720 ft) long, 17 m (56 ft) wide dragstrip with full capacity viewing for 10,000. The motor racing circuit has various licences ranging from National Grade 1 Motorsport Licence, FIA Grade 2 Motorsport Licence and International Motorcycling Safety Standards depending on which track configuration. [6] [7] A1 Team Ireland's driver Adam Carroll commented that the track has few bumps and is technical and tight. [1] [8]

Lap records

The unofficial all-time track record is 1:14.072, set by Nico Hülkenberg on the qualifying of 2006–07 A1 Grand Prix of Nations, New Zealand. [9] As of April 2024, the fastest official race lap records at the Taupo International Motorsport Park are listed as: [10]

CategoryTimeDriverVehicleDate
Track 1: 3.321 km (2007–present)
A1GP 1:14.679 [11] Flag of Switzerland (Pantone).svg Neel Jani Lola A1GP 20 January 2008
Toyota Racing Series 1:23.357 [12] Flag of India.svg Jehan Daruvala Tatuus FT-50 7 February 2016
Formula Regional 1:24.744 [13] Flag of Poland.svg Roman Bilinski Tatuus FT-60 20 January 2024
Porsche Carrera Cup 1:27.2983 [14] Flag of Australia (converted).svg Jackson Walls Porsche 911 (992) GT3 Cup 20 April 2024
Supercars Championship 1:27.6151 [15] Flag of New Zealand.svg Ryan Wood Ford Mustang GT 21 April 2024
Toyota 86 Championship 1:42.258 [16] Flag of New Zealand.svg Ash Blewett Toyota 86 27 September 2014

Other events

In a break from the usual open-road courses, Athletics New Zealand selected the Taupo Motorsport Park as the venue for 2024 New Zealand Road Relay Championships. [17]

Notes

    Related Research Articles

    <span class="mw-page-title-main">Circuit Zandvoort</span> Motorsport track in the Netherlands

    Circuit Zandvoort, known for sponsorship reasons as CM.com Circuit Zandvoort, previously known as Circuit Park Zandvoort until 2017, is a 4.259 km (2.646 mi) motorsport race track located in the dunes north of Zandvoort, the Netherlands, near the North Sea coast line and 35 km (22 mi) west of Amsterdam. It returned to the Formula One calendar in 2021 as the location of the revived Dutch Grand Prix.

    <span class="mw-page-title-main">Bruce McLaren</span> New Zealand racing driver, automotive designer, engineer and motorsport executive (1937–1970)

    Bruce Leslie McLaren was a New Zealand racing driver, automotive designer, engineer and motorsport executive, who competed in Formula One from 1958 to 1970. McLaren was runner-up in the Formula One World Drivers' Championship in 1960 with Cooper, and won four Grands Prix across 13 seasons. In endurance racing, McLaren won the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1966 with Ford. He founded McLaren in 1963, who have since won eight World Constructors' Championship titles and remain the only team to have completed the Triple Crown of Motorsport.

    A1 Grand Prix Operations Ltd. operated as A1 Grand Prix (A1GP) was a "single-make" open-wheel auto racing series that ran from 2005 until 2009. It was unique in its field in that competitors solely represented their nation as opposed to themselves or a team, the usual format in most formula racing series. As such, it was often promoted as the "World Cup of Motorsport". The series was ratified by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA), and races were held in the traditional Formula One off-season, the northern hemisphere winter. The nation-based A1GP concept was founded by Sheikh Maktoum Hasher Maktoum Al Maktoum of Dubai, initially in 2003. After a successful first season of A1GP, it was announced on 29 September 2006 that Maktoum was to sell his position as chairman and director of A1GP. The transfer of his share in the organisation of A1 Grand Prix to RAB Capital was finalized in December 2006. Tony Teixeira took control of the series in 2006, and the series later liquidated after failing to host any races during the 2009–10 season.

    <span class="mw-page-title-main">Zhuhai International Circuit</span> Motorsport race track in China

    Zhuhai International Circuit (ZIC) is located at Jin Ding town in Zhuhai City, Guangdong Province, China.

    <span class="mw-page-title-main">Sydney Motorsport Park</span> Motorsport track in New South Wales, Australia

    Sydney Motorsport Park is a motorsport circuit located on Brabham Drive, Eastern Creek, New South Wales, Australia, adjacent to the Western Sydney International Dragway. It was built and is owned by the New South Wales Government and is operated by the Australian Racing Drivers Club. The circuit is one of only two permanent tracks in Australia with an FIA Grade 2 license and is licensed for both cars and motorcycles.

    <span class="mw-page-title-main">Jonny Reid</span> New Zealand racing driver

    Jonathan Ross Reid, more commonly known as Jonny Reid, is a New Zealand racing driver.

    <span class="mw-page-title-main">Sandown Raceway</span> Motorsport track in Victoria, Australia

    Sandown International Raceway is a motor racing circuit in the suburb of Springvale in Melbourne, Victoria, approximately 25 km (16 mi) south east of the city centre. Sandown is considered a power circuit with its "drag strip" front and back straights being 899 m (983 yd) and 910 m (1,000 yd) long respectively.

    <span class="mw-page-title-main">Pukekohe Park Raceway</span> Motorsport track in New Zealand

    Pukekohe Park Raceway was a former FIA Grade 3 car racing track that was situated on the outside of the Pukekohe Park Thoroughbred Racetrack, located in the surrounds of Pukekohe.

    <span class="mw-page-title-main">Euromarque Motorsport Park</span>

    Euromarque Motorsport Park is a permanent motor racing circuit owned and operated by the Canterbury Car Club Inc on land leased from the Christchurch City Council. It is located at 107 Hasketts Road in Templeton, 13-kilometre (8.1 mi) west of Christchurch, New Zealand. It was opened as Ruapana Park in 1963, and between 2004 and 2013 was known as Powerbuilt Raceway at Ruapuna Park. Mike Pero joined the circuit as title sponsor from 2013–2023, as Mike Pero Motorsport Park. In the early parts of February 2023, the sponsorship deal was over, and Euromarque became the new title sponsor.

    <span class="mw-page-title-main">2006–07 A1 Grand Prix of Nations, New Zealand</span> Auto Race

    The 2006–07 A1 Grand Prix of Nations, New Zealand is an A1 Grand Prix race, held on 21 January 2007 at Taupo Motorsport Park, New Zealand. The sixth race in the 2006–07 A1 Grand Prix season and the first meeting held at the circuit.

    <span class="mw-page-title-main">Manfeild: Circuit Chris Amon</span> Motorsport race track in New Zealand

    Manfeild: Circuit Chris Amon is a motor sport circuit located in Feilding, New Zealand. It was built by the Manawatu Car Club in 1973 as a purpose-built course. In 1990 extra land was acquired and the circuit extension built, bringing Manfeild up to international standards. The circuit was renamed the Manfeild: Circuit Chris Amon, in honour of former New Zealand Formula One driver Chris Amon, on 25 November 2016.

    The 2007–08 A1 Grand Prix season was the third season of A1 Grand Prix.

    Timaru International Motor Raceway is a motor racing circuit situated about 10 minutes or 8 km (5.0 mi) outside of Timaru, New Zealand. The circuit is accessible from either State Highway 1 or the Timaru-Pleasant Point Highway. It is often called Levels because of its previous name Levels Raceway. The Timaru International Motor Raceway holds some of the major sporting events on New Zealand's motorsport calendar.

    <span class="mw-page-title-main">Teretonga Park</span>

    Teretonga is a 2.570 km (1.597 mi) motor racing circuit situated 8 km (5.0 mi) south-west of Invercargill, New Zealand. It is home of the Southland Sports Car Club. The circuit was established in 1957 and is the southernmost FIA-recognised race track in the world. It is also the country's oldest purpose-built venue.

    <span class="mw-page-title-main">Hampton Downs Motorsport Park</span>

    The Hampton Downs Motorsport Park is situated in rural northern Waikato, New Zealand near the Meremere drag strip and the dirt track club.

    <span class="mw-page-title-main">2007–08 A1 Grand Prix of Nations, Zhuhai, China</span>

    The 2007–08 A1 Grand Prix of Nations, Zhuhai, China was an A1 Grand Prix race held on December 16, 2007, at the Zhuhai International Circuit, China. It was the fourth meeting in the 2007-08 A1 Grand Prix season.

    <span class="mw-page-title-main">2007–08 A1 Grand Prix of Nations, New Zealand</span>

    The 2007–08 A1 Grand Prix of Nations, New Zealand is an A1 Grand Prix race, which was held on 20 January 2008 at the Taupo Motorsport Park, New Zealand. This will be the fifth meeting in the 2007–08 A1 Grand Prix season.

    <span class="mw-page-title-main">Chengdu Goldenport Circuit</span> Motorsport race track in China

    Chengdu Goldenport Circuit also known as Chengdu International Circuit in English, was a permanent circuit in Shi Sheng Road, Jin Jiang, 610023 Chengdu, People's Republic of China.

    <span class="mw-page-title-main">Surfers Paradise Street Circuit</span> Motorsport track in Australia

    The Surfers Paradise Street Circuit is a temporary street circuit in Surfers Paradise, in Queensland, Australia. The 2.960 km (1.839 mi) beach-side track has several fast sections and two chicanes, having been shortened from an original 4.470 km (2.778 mi) length in 2010. It is the third of three motor racing circuits that have existed in the Gold Coast region, after the Southport Road Circuit (1954–1955) and Surfers Paradise International Raceway (1966–1987).

    <span class="mw-page-title-main">2008–09 A1 Grand Prix of Nations, New Zealand</span>

    The 2008–09 A1 Grand Prix of Nations, New Zealand was an A1 Grand Prix race held at Taupo Motorsport Park, New Zealand.

    References

    1. 1 2 3 "OFFICIAL PREVIEW: Taupo". a1gp.com. 16 January 2009. Archived from the original on 18 July 2018. Retrieved 19 January 2009.
    2. ↑ Taupo Race Track – Innovate NZ, Brochure of the '2007 ACENZ Awards of Excellence', Page 18
    3. ↑ "Motorsport: Taupo cash crisis won't hurt A1GP". a1gp.com. 8 May 2008. Retrieved 18 November 2008.
    4. ↑ "Taupo renamed after legendary Bruce McLaren". speedcafe.com. 26 November 2015. Retrieved 26 November 2015.
    5. ↑ "New Name, Branding, and Goals Revealed for Taupo Motorsport Park". autocar.nz. 20 December 2021. Retrieved 11 December 2022.
    6. ↑ "More about the Taupo Track". downforce.co.nz. 2008. Archived from the original on 14 October 2008. Retrieved 18 November 2008.
    7. ↑ "The Track". tauporacetrack.co.nz. 2008. Archived from the original on 12 November 2008. Retrieved 19 January 2009.
    8. ↑ James Pavey (19 April 2024). "Track walk: Taupō International Motorsport Park up close". Supercars.com.
    9. ↑ "A1GP World Cup of Motorsport 2006–07 Round 6: Taupo - Results Booklet" (PDF). Retrieved 11 December 2022.
    10. ↑ "Natsoft Race Timing". natsoft.com.au. Retrieved 20 April 2024.
    11. ↑ "2007–08 Round 5: Taupo A1GP World Cup of Motorsport Feature Race - Classification" (PDF). 20 January 2008. Retrieved 11 December 2022.
    12. ↑ "2016 Denny Hulme Trophy Race Meeting - Toyota Racing Series - R15 - Race 2 Amended Result" (PDF). 7 February 2016. Retrieved 11 December 2022.
    13. ↑ "Super Sprint NZ Championship Round 2 CTFROC Taupō International Track 3.500 km R10 - Race 1 - 18 Laps" (PDF). 20 January 2024. Retrieved 21 January 2024.
    14. ↑ "2024 Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia - Round 2, 2024: Taupo, New Zealand - Race 3 Results". 21 April 2024. Retrieved 21 April 2024.
    15. ↑ "2024 ITM Taupō Super400 Supercars Race 2 Statistics". 21 April 2024. Retrieved 21 April 2024.
    16. ↑ "2014-2015 Toyota Finance 86 Championship 27 Sep 14 Taupo Saturday Race 1 Race Results" (PDF). 27 September 2014. Retrieved 11 December 2022.
    17. ↑ "Taupo Motorsport Park hosts new-look New Zealand Road Relay Championships". Athletics New Zealand . 17 November 2023. Retrieved 22 September 2024.