The motorpsort and automotive industry is one which holds great attraction for people of all ages.
Motorsport within the Franklin region is a multi-million dollar industry, which encompasses motorsport related events, training, research and development, facilities, exports and more.
Enterprise Franklin considers Motorsport one of several key economic clusters which contribute significanty to the local and regional economy. It is of primary focus in our work as an Economic Development Agency and we are committed to it's further development alongside that of key industry sectors including the Equine Industry; Broadband; Waiuku Waterfront Project, Visitor Experience; Strategic Business Land Development and Horticulture.
From a New Zealand perspective, a motor sport related industry cluster that delivers innovative products and services can increase exports dramatically. By collaborating and growing partnerships and providing education the local industry will grow. By supporting research and development new products and new ways of doing new things can emerge. This in turn reflects on the performance of our vehicles, our drivers, our pit crews and our motorsport team management skills - overall enhancing our image in the international marketplace.
Traditionally, motor sport and related activities have developed ad hoc with each venue and each club of enthusiasts developing in their own location and in their own direction. The economic impact from pooling resources and creating standards of excellence will be great, both in terms on national industry and export potential.
Hampton Downs Motorsport Park
Located 65 km south of Auckland City, and 65 north from Hamilton, Hampton Down has under gone a dramatic transformation in recent times. Of most note, from a motorsport perspective, is the impressive, NZ$62 million development of Hampton Downs Motorsport Park – a world class, state of the art motorsport track, complete with accomodation, business workshops, testing facilities, ancillary events, non-motorsport related activities and more.
Spearheaded by Tony Roberts and Chris Watson, motorsport enthusiasts and business entrepreneurs, their dream was to build motorsport circuit and facilities in New Zealand. After several years of looking at possible location across New Zealand, 400 acres of farmland was purchased in December 2003. So started the development of Hampton Downs Motorsport circuit, near the already established Drag Way at Mercer.
The circuit was officially opened on Sunday 24th January, 2010 – the same weekend as the inaugural New Zealand Festival of Motor Racing celebrating Bruce McLaren, an event which attracted thousands of vistors and competitors from New Zealand and overseas.
Several years ago, Enterprise Franklin approached Manukau Institute of Technology (MIT) with a desire to develop a Motorsport Hub in Pukekohe. A key component of the venture was the development of trade training and employment opportunities for surrounding districts. Suitable course content was developed that focused on the practical aspects of Automotive Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Fabrication, Collision Repair and Refinishing. All these skills would be required for the students to modify a vehicle suitable for car club events during the course of their training.
Following an extensive consultation period the course content was approved, the academic requirements met, premises leased and a fully subscribed and resourced year long Motorsport programme commenced on 12 February 2007 from a business unit on Manukau Road in Pukekohe.
This unique course that captures the enthusiasm and commitment of the students in preparing them for work in the motorsport industry and using motorsport as the vehicle to success. As well as the course requirement to build eight identical club cars, there is also on going development on a production saloon for speedway and a Targa car.
Students have gone on since to fill team positions in a number of high profile race teams at the V8 Super Car meeting and are working hard to continue this type of involvement with local race teams.
The course actively encourages visits and input from industry and those in the motorsport fraternity that wish to know more about the programme or who would be prepared to share their knowledge and experience. The programme continues to run superbly, with excitement levels increasing as the students see the results of their labour take shape as they build for the highlight of the programme - a race meeting where the eight cars the students have constructed are displayed and raced.
Local Industry stands to benefit tremendously from this exciting new trade training initiative, as young people continue to gain hands on practical experience while doing something that captures their imagination and fosters a willingess to learn.
Enterprise Franklin Contact Person: Sharon McGinity – Project Manager Motorsport
Physical Address: Postal Address: Enterprise Franklin Enterprise Franklin Cnr Roulston & Massey Ave PO Box 710 Pukekohe Pukekohe New Zealand New Zealand
Ph: 09 237 0005 Fax: 09 237 0006 E:
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W: www.enterprisefranklin.co.nz
Motorsport in Franklin
Enterprise Franklin and Motorpsort Background
The motorpsort and automotive industry is one which holds great attraction for people of all ages.
Motorsport within the Franklin region is a multi-million dollar industry, which encompasses motorsport related events, training, research and development, facilities, exports and more.
Enterprise Franklin considers Motorsport one of several key economic clusters which contribute significanty to the local and regional economy. It is of primary focus in our work as an Economic Development Agency and we are committed to it's further development alongside that of key industry sectors including the Equine Industry; Broadband; Waiuku Waterfront Project, Visitor Experience; Strategic Business Land Development and Horticulture.
From a New Zealand perspective, a motor sport related industry cluster that delivers innovative products and services can increase exports dramatically. By collaborating and growing partnerships and providing education the local industry will grow. By supporting research and development new products and new ways of doing new things can emerge. This in turn reflects on the performance of our vehicles, our drivers, our pit crews and our motorsport team management skills - overall enhancing our image in the international marketplace.
Traditionally, motor sport and related activities have developed ad hoc with each venue and each club of enthusiasts developing in their own location and in their own direction. The economic impact from pooling resources and creating standards of excellence will be great, both in terms on national industry and export potential.
Hampton Downs Motorsport Park
Located 65 km south of Auckland City, and 65 north from Hamilton, Hampton Down has under gone a dramatic transformation in recent times. Of most note, from a motorsport perspective, is the impressive, NZ$62 million development of Hampton Downs Motorsport Park – a world class, state of the art motorsport track, complete with accomodation, business workshops, testing facilities, ancillary events,non-motorsport related activities and more.
Spearheaded by Tony Roberts and Chris Watson, motorsport enthusiasts and business entrepreneurs, their dream was to build motorsport circuit and facilities in New Zealand. After several years of looking at possible location across New Zealand, 400 acres of farmland was purchased in December 2003. So started the development of Hampton Downs Motorsport circuit, near the already established Drag Way at Mercer.
The circuit was officially opened on Sunday 24th January, 2010 – the same weekend as the inaugural New Zealand Festival of Motor Racing celebrating Bruce McLaren, an event which attracted thousands of vistors and competitors from New Zealand and overseas.
Several years ago, Enterprise Franklin approached Manukau Institute of Technology (MIT) with a desire to develop a Motorsport Hub in Pukekohe. A key component of the venture was the development of trade training and employment opportunities for surrounding districts. Suitable course content was developed that focused on the practical aspects of Automotive Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Fabrication, Collision Repair and Refinishing. All these skills would be required for the students to modify a vehicle suitable for car club events during the course of their training.
Following an extensive consultation period the course content was approved, the academic requirements met, premises leased and a fully subscribed and resourced year long Motorsport programme commenced on 12 February 2007 from a business unit on Manukau Road in Pukekohe.
This unique course that captures the enthusiasm and commitment of the students in preparing them for work in the motorsport industry and using motorsport as the vehicle to success. As well as the course requirement to build eight identical club cars, there is also on going development on a production saloon for speedway and a Targa car.
Students have gone on since to fill team positions in a number of high profile race teams at the V8 Super Car meeting and are working hard to continue this type of involvement with local race teams.
The course actively encourages visits and input from industry and those in the motorsport fraternity that wish to know more about the programme or who would be prepared to share their knowledge and experience. The programme continues to run superbly, with excitement levels increasing as the students see the results of their labour take shape as they build for the highlight of the programme -a race meeting where the eight cars the students have constructed are displayed and raced.
Local Industry stands to benefit tremendously from this exciting new trade training initiative, as young people continue to gain hands on practical experience while doing something that captures their imagination and fosters a willingess to learn.
From a New Zealand perspective, a motor sport related industry cluster that delivers innovative products and services can increase exports dramatically. By collaborating and growing partnerships and providing education the local industry will grow. By supporting research and development new products and new ways of doing new things can emerge. This in turn reflects on the performance of our vehicles, our drivers, our pit crews and our motorsport team management skills - overall enhancing our image in the international marketplace.
The circuit was officially opened on Sunday 24th January, 2010 – the same weekend as the inaugural New Zealand Festival of Motor Racing celebrating Bruce McLaren, an event which attracted thousands of vistors and competitors from New Zealand and overseas.
Following an extensive consultation period the course content was approved, the academic requirements met, premises leased and a fully subscribed and resourced year long Motorsport programme commenced on 12 February 2007 from a business unit on Manukau Road in Pukekohe.
The course actively encourages visits and input from industry and those in the motorsport fraternity that wish to know more about the programme or who would be prepared to share their knowledge and experience. The programme continues to run superbly, with excitement levels increasing as the students see the results of their labour take shape as they build for the highlight of the programme - a race meeting where the eight cars the students have constructed are displayed and raced.
