(For immediate release – Auckland Stadiums)

March 11, 2019

Speedway’s future takes a hit from stadium decision

Speedway New Zealand fears recent decisions regarding Western Springs could negatively impact the sport for years to come.

SNZ general manager Zoe Irons said the organisation was shocked to learn last week March 16th would end the sport’s long-standing involvement at the iconic Western Springs venue.

“Speedway’s history spans over 90 years at that track and we believe that deserves to be respected,” she said.

“Instead, not only have we been stripped of a venue, we have also not been given an alternative despite numerous reassurances from the parties involved. That’s unacceptable.

“The uncertainty this creates has a huge impact, particularly given the reality we will lose competitors and sponsors which could take years to rebuild from.”

In December, SNZ President Ricky Boulton and Vice President Wendy Coutts attended two separate meetings with representatives of Regional Facilities Auckland (RFA) and Auckland Council to discuss the ongoing stadium strategy and its impact on both Waikaraka Park and Western Springs venues.

“The purpose of those meetings was to address issues impacting both Speedway NZ venues around infrastructure and to ensure the sport had a voice in the well-publicised stadium debate,” Irons said.

“It was confirmed at both meetings neither the RFA or Council saw a merger of both Waikaraka Park and Western Springs as a viable option for both the sport and long-term stadium strategy.”

It was advised speedway activity at Western Springs was coming to an end and a relocation would be taking place due to the stadium being earmarked for cricket as part of the long- term stadium strategy.

Reassurances were given to securing a new home for the sport at Colin Dale Park, protecting speedway’s future for competitors, car owners, sponsors and race fans.

“It was made clear that any transition to a new stadium would need to be seamless to ensure the sport was not impacted by the stadium shuffle. Instead we feel like our needs as a sporting code have been completely disregarded in this case,” Irons said.

Historical data highlighted the long-term damage on the sport following a facility closure and any subsequent delay of a replacement venue, with a major impact on competitor numbers, car ownership, sponsorship opportunities and, ultimately, race fans.

“An extension of the lease at Western Springs whilst discussions continued should have been an interim measure provided to speedway,” Irons said.

“We now see the sport in an unimaginable position, with the facility at Colin Dale Park tabled for further discussion in April and the curtains set to fall at Western Springs for a final time.”

SNZ respected the passionate stance of its members around the country who have been vocal in their support on the issue, prompting a #speakupforspeedway campaign to be initiated by the governing body.

“We need people to speak up for speedway and join us to support our competitors, car owners, sponsors and race fans,” Irons said.

“While it’s the elite grades of our sport which feature at Western Springs, the flow-on effects are significant and can’t be ignored. It feeds our grassroots racing, gives our emerging drivers something to aspire towards and is a vital part of our pathway in the sport. We need to protect that.”

Ends.

For further information, contact: manager@speedway.co.nz

Article added: Monday 11 March 2019