‘Blindfolded’: Speedway NZ says no decision has been made about Western Springs exit

Photo: Photosport

Speedway New Zealand says it was “blindsided” by the decision to move the race track away from Western Springs in Auckland.

Auckland councilors voted 11 to 8 on Wednesday to spend $11 million to upgrade Waikaraka Park in Onehunga, where the event will now be held from 2025.

Speedway New Zealand President Lani Thompson said this. Morning report they supported upgrading Waikaraka Park but never agreed to close Western Springs.

“We were left in the dark… We were completely left behind, so we’re still trying to catch up.”

While there were rumors that the freeway would leave Western Springs, key stakeholders were not consulted, Thompson said.

“Until you get information from officials, these are just rumors and speculation.”

She said they felt blindsided at being denied access to “one of our oldest and most treasured tracks.”

Speedway New Zealand met with Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown on Tuesday when news of the vote broke.

“This appears to be a final resolution, but we are still trying to figure out how this all happened,” Thompson said.

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