V8 Supercars today unveiled plans for a $6.6 million upgrade of Pukekohe Park Raceway in New Zealand.

The news came today as the 2013 V8 Supercars Championship calendar was announced, which includes Pukekohe for the first time since 2007.

The popular Kiwi circuit will host the V8 Supercars on April 12-14 at the Auckland 400 next season, which will be one of three international events on the calendar alongside Texas and Abu Dhabi.

V8 Supercars Chairman Tony Cochrane and CEO David Malone were in New Zealand today to outline the details of the significant capital outlay at Pukekohe, where works will begin next month.

They include:

*    An increase in track length from 2.84-kilometres to 2.91-kilometres.

*    Introduction of three new turns on the back straight.

*    10,000 square metres of new level hardstand area

*    7000 cubic metres of bulk earthworks

*    New first and second line of protection (impact absorbing concrete barrier and debris fence)

*    New race control building

*    New timing building

*    New corporate viewing facility opposite main grandstand

*    Asphalt resurfacing while keeping character of the track

*    New pedestrian bridges for access to new viewing area

*    Improved driver safety with revised runoffs, tyre walls, transition kerbs and gravel traps

The result of the works will also allow for an upgraded FIA Safety level for the circuit.

“With improved spectator and corporate facilities, V8 Supercars has no doubt it will again become New Zealand’s premium motorsport precinct, and a significant boost for motorsport in this country,” says V8 Supercar CEO David Malone.

“Not only will motorsport and Auckland’s economy benefit in sustaining a round of the V8 Supercar series, it will prove a tremendous asset to the industry in New Zealand, not to mention to the local community in both a business sense and as a resource for a range of uses.

“The improvements are significant and will ensure Pukekohe remains a top class asset, just 40 minutes from the Auckland CBD.”

V8 Supercars announced a five-year deal to return to Pukekohe Park Raceway in July in an arrangement with the Auckland Tourism Events and Economic Department (ATEED), New Zealand Government, Auckland Council and Counties Racing Club.

ATEED will invest approximately $2.1 million per year for five years in the event. This will include a one off capital grant of $2.214 million towards the $6.6 million upgrade of Pukekohe Park Raceway and a $1 million annual sponsorship fee.

V8 Supercars Australia is underwriting the event, while the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment and venue owners Counties Racing Club also have a significant stake in the event.

Pukekohe last hosted the V8 Supercars Championship in 2007 with four of the seven events won by hometown hero Greg Murphy.

The Kiwi circuit hosted the first offshore event in V8 Supercars Championship history in 2001 before the New Zealand event moved to a street circuit in Hamilton from 2008.

The last ITM400 Hamilton street race was held earlier this year.