Auckland Council, Regional Facilities Auckland and Speedway Promotions Limited (SPL) will today sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that proposes Colin Dale Park in Wiri as the future home of Speedway in Auckland.
The MOU sets out a process for all parties to work together to secure a long term lease at Colin Dale Park for Speedway once its lease at Western Springs runs out on March 2019, and explore funding options for the development and construction of a speedway track and facilities at the Park. Councillor Ross Clow says,
This is a fantastic day for Speedway fans in Auckland. A purpose built Speedway facility at Colin Dale Park secures the sport’s future in Auckland and increases the number of events Speedway can hold in any given year.
Deputy Mayor Bill Cashmore says, “Speedway came to us with the Colin Dale option. Mana whenua and the local board are enthusiastic at the prospect of bringing Speedway to South Auckland, and everyone agrees that Colin Dale would be a superb new home for the sport."
Manukau Ward Councillor Alf Filipaina says, “I acknowledge the efforts of the legacy council and Lotu Fuli and the Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board for their work in developing Colin Dale Park – without it, we wouldn’t be here today. Provided we can agree funding and consents over the coming year, I look forward to welcoming Speedway to Mankau.”
Mayor Phil Goff said, “I welcome the initiative Speedway has taken in bringing to us a proposal that Colin Dale Park becomes the new home and heart of Speedway racing in Auckland. Their decision is important to the long term future of Speedway in Auckland.
It creates the opportunity for improved facilities and overcomes the constraints they faced at Western Springs. I thank councillors Clow and Cashmore for their efforts working with Speedway which have got us to this point.
RFA Chief Executive Chris Brooks said the MOU allowed time for SPL to secure a suitable alternative venue for the speedway classes it operates and for RFA to continue to progress planning on the future uses for Western Springs.
“This agreement will allow both organisations to plan with certainty for the future while allowing SPL to have two farewell seasons at Western Springs for its fans and drivers which acknowledges the historic role that the stadium has played for speedway,” said Chris Brooks.
Director of Springs Promotions Ltd. Bill Buckley says, “Our proposal to move Speedway to Colin Dale Park ensures the future of Speedway in Auckland. Our drivers unanimously agree that Colin Dale Park will be a great new home for Speedway.
"It will provide the teams and our fans with a modern, purpose built facility and the ability to increase the amount of meets we can hold per year. It’s an exciting time for Speedway and I’m looking forward to further discussions to make this a reality."
Auckland Council, RFA and Speedway Promotions Limited will now engage in further discussions on location rights and consents, and on the funding required to develop a Speedway facility at Colin Dale Park. Any final decisions on funding and location will require Governing Body approval.
