The return of the V8 Supercars Championship to Pukekohe has proven an outstanding success according to V8 Supercars and ATEED (Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development).
The three days of the ITM 400 Auckland drew 117,167 fans to Pukekohe to see Jason Bright win the inaugural Jason Richards Memorial Trophy.
V8 Supercars CEO David Malone said he could not be happier with the first year back at the significantly upgraded Pukekohe Park Raceway; with the support from fans; the feedback from race teams and with the outstanding partnerships forged with ATEED and naming sponsor ITM.
“I think it has been a fantastic three days. Seeing the crowds here over the weekend all enjoying themselves, the big numbers and great racing – I don’t think we could have wanted for any more for the first event back here,” Mr Malone said.
“This circuit is the spiritual home of motorsport in New Zealand and I was delighted with the way the fans have engaged with the event and seeing so many families here.
“I think we have proven over the weekend that this is going to be a major event in New Zealand going forward over the next few years. We have had a massive turnout over the weekend and that was what we were trying to achieve.
“There’s been a lot of feedback from the drivers who have enjoyed the new sprint format and are very happy with the layout of the circuit which has been evidenced by the racing we have seen.”
ATEED’s Jennah Wootten said she was extremely pleased with the weekend which had delivered a world class event to motor sport fans in its inaugural year back at Pukekohe Park Raceway.
“Auckland has hosted New Zealand’s biggest annual sporting event over the last there days,” she said. “The people that have turned up, and the enjoyment they’ve had demonstrates the value this event brings to Auckland and New Zealand.”
Both organisations are looking forward to further improving the event going forward.
“This is the first of a five year contract with V8 Supercars and we look forward to helping to raise the bar further in 2014,” said Ms Wootten.
Mr Malone agreed.
“It is only our first event back here and we will review this as we do with all our events. I am sure we will make some improvements next year to make it even better.”
The ITM 400 drew daily numbers of 35,401 on Friday, 40,319 on Saturday and 41,447 today with no significant issues reported throughout.
A group of four from Te Kuiti, Blenheim, Napier and Ohope bought tickets in the CRC stands, we didn’t actually use the seats we went into the general area because the seats were so dissappointing. The view we had was of a “Pole” and the safety fence we paid $145 for this, we would have been better off if we bought general pass. There were plenty of empty seats in our area on Saturday and Sunday so either they didn’t sell or others were like us and went off to find somewhere where they could actually watch the races. The big screens, and sound system were also better in the general area. Great day but such a waste of money.