Highlands has indicated its intention to bid to host a round of the V8 Supercars at the Cromwell track in the 2026 season.
Highlands owner Tony Quinn, who also owns the Taupo track where the only New Zealand V8 Supercars round is held, has been vocal about hosting a second round in Cromwell.
Mr Quinn and Highlands chief executive Josie Spillane always believed the region had the potential to host a Supercars event.
‘‘New Zealand is very fortunate to have seven race tracks, but there is only one Highlands,’’ Ms Spillane said.
‘‘Its unique location and outstanding facilities make it an exceptional contender for a Supercars event and we are confident it would deliver an unforgettable experience for drivers, teams and fans alike.
‘‘Obviously there’s a journey and many more steps to go through yet, but I’m very confident that New Zealanders would love to see a Supercars race at Highlands and enjoy all that our region has to offer.
‘‘We are committed to absolutely playing our part to make it happen.’’
Highlands had a ‘‘fantastic’’ working relationship with the Supercars team and Highlands had already opened for viewings.
The track had been given the ‘‘tick of approval’’ and there was a consent in place to get it across the line, she said.
‘‘Our teams have already proven their ability to deliver world-class events ...
‘‘Bringing Supercars to Highlands is a bucket-list item for TQ and I, as well as our teams.
‘‘You can count on us to put our best foot forward to try and get it across the line.
‘‘We’ve a seat at the table, so watch this space.’’
Big events in the region such as the Winter Games, Warbirds over Wanaka, and the Queenstown Marathon proved the region had the capacity to host major events, making the logistics for hosting a Supercars round achievable.
‘‘It’s just having smart people involved - and the Supercars team are experts.’’
At the Central Otago District Council meeting held in Cromwell yesterday, ratepayers were being asked to stump up a quarter of a million dollars for the event.
It was on a list of items to be added to the council’s long-term plan consultation next year.
Given there was a potential rates rise of more than 23% on the table, one councillor was significantly underwhelmed.
Nigel McKinlay was unmoved by the enthusiasm shown by other councillors.
‘‘Supercars is a business. Highlands is a business. If they want to get together, good luck to them.
‘‘What on earth has that to do with council? It’s giving cold, hard cash to business... it’s not our business. What are we even [doing] contemplating it?’’
Central Otago Mayor Tamah Alley had a different view.
‘‘It’s like someone coming along and offering Warbirds over Wanaka in your town.’’
Council community vision group manager Dylan Rushbrook said the whole $250,000 might not be needed. A differential rate, costing commercial ratepayers more, could be set to raise the funds.
Mr McKinlay was the only one to vote against adding Supercars to the long-term plan consultation document.
