Teretonga Park Secures Premier Racing Event

Teretonga Park in Invercargill has been confirmed as one of the venues for next season’s Premier Motorsport Championship. The circuit has been allocated the weekend of 19-21 January 2018 for the event.

While Teretonga generally attracts some of the biggest and most enthusiastic motorsport crowds in the country there are four motor racing circuits in the South Island and provision for just two South Island rounds. Timaru International Motor Raceway in South Canterbury was one circuit that produced a strong bid for a round next season, a bid backed by the Timaru District Council. The fact that the Southland Sports Car Club has won out in a tense process comes down to the hard work of the club along with the assistance of the Invercargill Licensing Trust, support from the Invercargill City Council plus the passionate support the event receives from the public at Teretonga Park.

Each year the event brings around 180 competitors to the city along with their crews for a minimum of four nights. Among those competitors are a number of international competitors and it is not uncommon for the odd private jet to be parked at Invercargill Airport while the series is in town. The economic benefit to the region is considerable while there is also global television coverage of the Castrol Toyota Racing Series which is one of the feature classes contested by a full field of international drivers. A full list of the categories destined for the 2018 event will be released in due course. In recent years two current Formula 1 drivers, Russian Daniil Kvyat and Canadian Lance Stroll, have raced at the circuit as part of Toyota Series.

Chris Ramsay, Marketing & Sales Manager of the Invercargill Licensing Trust says, “Invercargill Licensing Trust was pleased to be able help the Southland Sports Car Club in their hour of need. We’re thrilled our help has kept this premier motor racing event in the south. The vibrancy this event brings to Invercargill is unquestionable and we can’t wait for January 2018.”

Darren Ludlow, the Chair of the Invercargill City Council Events Committee says, “I’m delighted to hear the Southland Sports Car Club has successfully secured the summer series at Teretonga. We recently confirmed funding that was tied to the event being retained, and the committee is aware of the significant financial impact that major racing weekend has for the city. There are a large number of visitors that stay for several days prior to the event, plus the influx for the racing weekend – plus the outstanding international quality sport available for both locals and visitors to enjoy at an outstanding facility. I think securing the event recognises the tremendous work done by the club to ensure visitors – both competitors and spectators – have an enjoyable experience in Invercargill, and the City Council is proud to be able to support them.”

Southland Sports Car Club President, Dean Maw, say’s the club is “stoked to have the National Series back again. We are indebted to our many supporters, particularly the Invercargill Licensing Trust and the Invercargill City Council whose support has allowed us to retain the event. We also thank our spectators who turn out in their droves each year to enjoy top class motorsport.”

Motorsport fans can now mark the dates 19-21 January 2018 in their diary and get ready to enjoy a weekend of top quality racing once again next year at Teretonga Park.