A proposed merger between Counties Racing Club and Auckland Racing Club could put the future of motor racing at Pukekohe Park Raceway in doubt.
The two horse racing clubs are set to confirm a merger in August that will see the unified body in a better financial position to meet the current landscape.
But while the move looks set to have a positive impact on horse racing in the region, it could well spell trouble for motorsport.
The racing track at Pukekohe will be transferred along with all Counties Racing Club assets to the merged entity and work will begin on upgrading Ellerslie Racecourse for all major horse racing meetings in the region.
Pukekohe Park will continue to hold race meetings while Ellerslie is upgraded but will default to being a training facility once the Auckland track upgrades are completed.
The merged entity – the Auckland Thoroughbred Racing Club Inc – will then conduct a review into the motor racing track to see whether it remains viable.
The land on which Pukekohe Park sits has long been touted as a prime spot for residential development, promoting many to think that days or motor racing at the spiritual home of New Zealand motorsport are numbered.
But motorsport lease holder at Pukekohe Gary Stirling is confident motorsport has a future in Pukekohe.
“There is no talk about losing the track,” Stirling told Velocity News.
“I have a good relationship with the board and have been kept well informed about everything.
“We are under review every day. So, nothing is new there.
“A lot of the development of the circuit comes out of my pocket,” he said. “If I didn’t see a future in the track in five years, I wouldn’t be putting my money into it now.”
Pukekohe Park is set to host a round of the Supercars Championship later this year.
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