Pukekohe Raceway upgrade on track for ITM400 Auckland V8 Supercars

Work is progressing on schedule on the $6.6 million upgrade of Pukekohe Park Raceway in readiness to host April’s ITM 400 Auckland V8 Supercar event.

‍The works include improving and replacing safety barriers, debris fencing and curbing, some resurfacing, major alterations to the pit area, new pit garages, control buildings and addition of two new corners on the back straight. After two months of demolition, earthworks and infrastructure improvements, construction is set to begin on the new pits and control buildings.

“Work is largely on schedule and helped by the excellent weather,”

said project manager, Christian Butler from Integrated engineering Delivery Management (iEDM).

“We have added to the original scope of works with more infrastructures especially around drainage and storm water.“In the next two weeks the public will begin to see some major development. We have nearly finished the concrete pad and will begin construction of the new pits and also the control building.”

The work has included the removal of 9000 cub m of soil to enlarge and level the pit area.

“There’s now a large concrete surface to provide not only for the 32 pit garages but also service area behind the pits, and we have also re-aligned the pit lane as well.”

The soil removed has been used on other parts of the circuit including the new corners on the back straight, designed to meet the new FIA safety standards for a grade 2 certificated circuit.

“The curbing and work has been completed on the two new corners and we plan to seal that new area of the track in the next two weeks.”

V8 Supercars Mark Skaife, the former five time champion, has headed the design changes to the circuit.

“Mark is thrilled with how the changes have come up. He strongly believes they will add considerably to the circuit in terms of creating two new passing opportunities and also add a real driving challenge that will be spectacular for drivers and fans alike.”

Skaife will return to Pukekohe next month for the official track inspection by FIA officials ahead of the ITM400 Auckland event on 12-14 April.

Full details: www.v8supercars.co.nz

‍CAPTION TRACK 1: View of the turn five and turn six at Pukekohe Park Raceway.

CAPTION TRACK 2: View of part of the extended concrete pad that will house the new 32-pit garages for Pukekohe Park Raceway.

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