Now is the time for Manawatu motorsport fans to act if they want to retain the New Zealand Grand Prix at Manfeild Park, the facility’s chief executive believes.
“Since 2008 we have been entrusted with a unique sporting event, a spectacular contest that celebrates our rich motorsport heritage and has become a major drawcard – a national championship with international competition,” commented Heather Verry about the race, at the Feilding circuit next weekend (February 11-12).
“We’d like to consider the 2012 NZGP as the launching pad for our bid to retain this event for a further term.”
Grand Prix weekend delivers a significant financial windfall to the local area, with the recognised potential to pump millions of dollars into the regional economy.
Thousands of fans, some travelling hundreds of kilometres away, come to see motorsport action involving more than 100 competitors, most with extensive support teams, in seven classes.
The record count of overseas’ drivers for the February 12 35-lap Grand Prix, this year the finale for a quickfire five-round Toyota Racing Series and a high-profile element of the Fujitsu 200 national motor-racing championship, has further elevated traditionally healthy international interest.
“The NZGP’s iconic status on the global motorsport calendar, as one of only two Grand Prix awarded outside Formula 1 by the FIA, has always made it a drawcard for overseas’ drivers, but this year’s turnout of 15 internationals this year is exceptional.”
A strengthened field for another drawcard category, NZV8s, is also anticipated. “We’re hearing talking that the popularity of the Manfeild round is such that some high-profile drivers are joining the series simply to be here.”
All up, the NZGP meeting was continuing as one of the major sports events in the Manawatu.
“It should be obvious to all by now that the Grand Prix has been great, not just for Manfeild, but also for Feilding, Palmerston North, the Manawatu … indeed, the whole of the lower North Island.
“Wellington also benefits from this event, as Manfeild is the sole motor-racing circuit serving an area spanning Taranaki to Hawke’s Bay to the Capital.”
She hoped that local people did not lose sight that governing body MotorSport New Zealand’s decision, in 2010, to keep the NZGP at Manfeild until 2014 was recognition of the region’s commitment to this heritage event.
“What we should be thinking about now is how to keep the Grand Prix here for another term. We think the fire still burns.
“The 2010 bid to continue the host rights was wholly supported by Toyota New Zealand, the Palmerston North City Council and Manawatu District Council and there has been no obvious lessening of their enthusiasm.
“We’re well poised to partner the sport in continuing to ensure the rightful place of the NZGP in the national sporting calendar,” Mrs Verry said.
“As a multi-events facility of true excellence, we have earned the right to stand tall in the national arena; our equestrian events programme is second-to-none and the Central Districts’ Field Days is clearly a major ongoing feature and there is more on the horizon, including a Royal Show next year. All these, and so much more, give us full national credibility.”
As a motorsport venue, Manfeild shone bright. “We are the only venue that is equidistant for the whole of the country, we have the best viewing and we are working to provide the best facilities and hospitality.
“We also believe that our regional pride should be considered a compelling argument – in the week ahead, it’s important to provide visible sign that ‘Grand Prix fever’ has taken hold!”
To that extent, she encouraged people to take every opportunity to fly the flag for motorsport; something that already came naturally to so many in the community, at every level.
“So many people and organisations have continuously striven to do this race proud. MotorSport New Zealand has also been complimentary of our efforts and with their president, Shayne Harris, being a Manawatu man we know he has our interests at heart,” Mrs Verry said.
“It goes without saying that Manfeild Park Trust is right behind the GP and that is why we work extra-hard to ensure a Manawatu flavour to this major event.
“This year’s programme is no exception with a continuation of our pre-event NZGP dinner and the introduction this year of a Miss NZGP contest, which has attracted contestants not only from the local area but even from as far afield as Hamilton.”
The circuit was all go for a great event. “The venue is looking fantastic. Now we are all waiting in eager expectation for some exciting racing.”
