Manfeild loses NZ Grand Prix hosting rights

Manfeild race track has lost the hosting rights for the prestigious New Zealand Grand Prix, with the event moving to Waikato after 12 years in Manawatu¯.

The Feilding motorsport venue has held the grand prix since 2008, but in recent years had come under fire over concerns Manfeild no longer offered the profile the national race deserved.

Manfeild narrowly fought off a rival bid for the hosting rights from Waikato track Hampton Downs in 2017, with the support of councils from Wellington to Hawke’s Bay, and $100,000 from the Manawatu¯ District Council and Palmerston North City Council.

That kept the race in Feilding for a further three years, but Hampton Downs, with the backing of Speed Works Events, managed to secure next year’s grand prix yesterday.

The grand prix is held as part of the annual Toyota Racing Series, and normally attracts international drivers and attention.

The race is one of only two Federation International de l’automobile sanctioned events allowed to carry the grand prix title that aren’t part of the Formula One World Championship – the other is the Macau Grand Prix in China.

Manawatu¯ mayor Helen Worboys said Feilding had lost the prestige of the grand prix name, but there was still an opportunity to capitalise on Manfeild hosting the finale of the Toyota Racing Series.

The venue will host the third round of next year’s Toyota Racing Series between February 12 and 14.

Worboys said that was when the points were adding up and the top contenders were battling to win the series title.

Although it didn’t carry the cachet of the grand prix, it still put a lot of eyes on Feilding and would attract visitors.

Manfeild chief executive Kathy Gibson said she expected Hampton Downs to claim the grand prix.

In a statement she said the bidding process for the grand prix was lengthy because of the coronavirus crisis and Manfeild was pleased the event would be held.