New promotor for MNZ ‘summer series’
A new company, Hamilton-based Speedworks Events, will promote MotorSport New Zealand’s 2016/17 summer motor racing series.
The brief includes the 2017 Toyota Racing Series and the 2016-17 BNT Touring Car Championship with the new company’s proposal getting the green light following a structured tender process.
The process was conducted by MotorSport New Zealand (MSNZ) in conjunction with the Series Organisers Group (SOG) which comprises representatives of the main race categories.
Former driver, entrant and experienced motorsport sponsorship consultant Geoff Short is the man behind Speedworks Events. He in turn has put together a consortium of event management, marketing, media and hospitality specialists to deliver the whole motorsport event promotion package specified by MSNZ.
The move to seek out and appoint an independent promotor for the summer motor racing series was first implemented in 2015, MotorSport New Zealand finally following parent body the FIA’s model whereby the governing body delivers the sporting, technical and regulatory aspects of the championships but contracts out the promotion work to a suitably-qualified third party.
Three parties tendered submissions to promote this season’s series (including the incumbent, HRC Events) with the decision to appoint Speedworks Events made on 13 May.
Joining Short on the Speedworks Events team are event managers Gary Lathrope and Rachel Murray, media and promotions man Richard Gee, hospitality specialist Mareet Carley and graphic designer Rob Scrimgeour.
Short says that “engaging the fans and bringing them back in significant numbers will be the biggest challenge,” but added that “our plans for the show should ensure they will see non-stop action and variety and that they’ll come to know the sport, once again, as a great value for money day out for the family.”
A provisional calendar – which will be confirmed along with classes as soon as possible – will include seven dates that built around the Toyota Racing Series and the BNT Touring Car Championship.
There will be two South Island dates included in the calendar and Speedworks Events will liaise with other categories to secure the best available support classes for the calendar dates.
An eighth event is also possible if there is enough interest from racing classes.