Progress is driving forward for plans to create a new motorsport and driver training facility at TECT Park.
Western Bay of Plenty Council (WBOPDC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with representatives of the soon-to-be-formed Thunder Ridge Motorsport Park Trust on August 26 to take preparations to the next step.
This follows WBOPDC unanimously approving “in principle” the proposal at their August 15 meeting.
“We have worked closely with the council throughout the development stage of the Thunder Ridge idea and we are now in a position to turn that idea into a reality thanks to the unanimous support of all council members,” said Tony Roberts of Thunder Ridge’s management group.
“It’s exciting times for us and for the region and it will now be full steam ahead to turn the ambitious plans into reality.”
The council said in a statement that the MOU enabled lease negotiations and detailed planning to go ahead for the proposed development of about 70ha within TECT Park’s motorsport zone.
Focused on grassroots motorsport events, car club events and track days, the facility would include a 3.2km circuit, pit garages, on-site garages, clubrooms and potentially a cafe and camping area for track users.
TECT Park is jointly owned by WBOPDC and Tauranga City Council, with WBOPDC as the administering body.
The park already has a 360ha designated motorsport zone, which has been leased long term to Te Matai Motorsport – a group of several motorsport clubs – since it opened.
WBOPDC acting chief executive Miriam Taris said the lease by Thunder Ridge is dependent on conditions and consents, including Te Matai Motorsport surrendering its lease. Member clubs would then have their own individual leases.
“Motorsport has had a strong home at TECT Park since it opened, and this project would bring even more opportunities for clubs, fans and the wider community to get involved,” said Taris.
“Thunder Ridge brings professionalism and experience to this project, with a clear vision for a sealed racing track and facilities that could attract significant numbers of visitors.”
The MOU is not an approval to build, Taris said, but an agreement to work through processes towards a lease agreement.
“The MOU is non-binding, so if for any reason negotiations fail, it will not go ahead.”
Gary Stirling, Tony Roberts, Western Bay of Plenty Mayor James Denyer and Roger Williams. Photo / Supplied
Thunder Ridge, which had worked with the council for nearly three years, presented their vision and business plan on August 5.
“Motorsport has had a strong home at TECT Park since it opened, and this project would bring even more opportunities for clubs, fans, and the wider community to get involved,” said Roberts, who is behind the project along with long-time racer Roger Williams and former Pukekohe Park and Hampton Downs circuit manager Gary Stirling.
The circuit will not require public funding and will be fully compliant with the stringent high standards of the world governing body of motorsport, the FIA, said Roberts, a co-creator of Hampton Downs.
The council said discussions were ongoing with Te Matai Motorsport and individual clubs, which support Thunder Ridge’s proposal, pending final details.
Te Matai Motorsport Inc chairman David Loughlin said his group had worked proactively with Thunder Ridge since early 2023 and was excited to see the development reach a key milestone.
“The inclusion of a race circuit at TECT Park has always been a key part of our vision for the facility.”
The council is working on developing terms of reference for a motorsport management committee with the clubs, and individual leases.
The proposed lease term for Thunder Ridge is 33 years, with two rights of renewal – the same proposed for motorsport clubs currently at TECT. The park will now pursue required subdivisions for Thunder Ridge and the individual clubs.
It’s anticipated detailed plans would be supplied by Thunder Ridge in coming months. If all pre-conditions are met and the lease agreement is approved, construction could start by the year’s end.