Revitalised Taupo Ready For Racing

With the purchase of Taupō International Motorsport Park in late 2021, Highlands and Hampton Downs owner and entrepreneur, Tony Quinn, added a third Kiwi track to his network. And replicating the successful model employed at the sister tracks, there are already firm plans afoot to revitalise this stalwart of motorsport on the Central Plateau.

“Taupō gives us a big opportunity to establish another destination track,” says Josie Spillane, Chief Executive Officer at Highlands, Hampton Downs and Taupo International Motorsport Park.

“The wider Taupō region offers so much, and we want the track to be re-established as a big component of the tourism industry focus and conferencing and event scene.”

Renovations are already underway at the track, with Josie saying 2022 will be a “bit of a learning year for us” as the circuit becomes a full and recognisable part of the network.

“We are looking to replicate much of what we do at Hampton Downs at the Taupō circuit. A big focus will be on attracting conferences and business events to the circuit. We have seen considerable growth at Hampton Downs in this area, so we know what works: mostly that is providing great service and a modern, high-quality venue.

“We also know team building activities are an important component for business events and the consumer alike,” she adds.

Plans to build a new Go Kart track – to rival the success of similar tracks at Hampton Downs and Highlands – are already underway and will be open before next summer. Opportunities for the public to get out on the main motorsport track in various vehicles are also being explored.

“Taupō International Motorsport Park has been through such a journey over the years, and we really want to encourage people to come back and experience the track again,” she says.

As a result, there will be no joining fee in year one for Taupō members to come along and see what changes we’re implementing. They will simply pay a green fee but will be able to utilise the track during scheduled sessions at no other cost. Our existing GT Membership programmes will also extend to Taupō International Motorsport Park in due course.”

There is a lot to do, but also a lot that has already been achieved. Tony’s enthusiasm for Kiwi motorsport is well-known, as is his philosophy that the tracks are only part of the picture.

“Getting involved in the communities surrounding the circuits is important to us, so we will engage with the broader Taupō community in other ways. We’ve been privileged to be able to operate within a community like Cromwell and hopefully we bring opportunity to it through what we do. In time, Taupō will be the same.

That starts from the ground up, quite literally, and all local contractors and earthworks companies will be engaged for site developments.

“With Taupō strengthening our proposition, we now have the best three circuits in New Zealand and we’re very proud of that.” Josie concludes. “Together as a team we’ve built fantastic facilities and created experiences for people from all walks of life. Taupō International Motorsport Park represents the next chapter.”

If you’re interested in the GT Membership programme or holding your next business event at Taupō International Motorsport Park, contact Anna McDonald on functions@taupomp.co.nz or visit www.taupomp.co.nz