Kart Sport Whangarei's newly extended track was put to the test over the weekend by local racers, including Classic Hits Northland presenter Mike Plant (main photo).
The race track in Austin Road, Maunu, has been extended by about a third, lifting its rating on the Kart Sport New Zealand regulationsto allow it to host bigger race meetings in the process.
Kart Sport Whangarei president Terry Sage was excited about what the extension meant for the sport in Northland, saying the returns could be seen as early as January even though the track only opened on Sunday.
"The idea to extend was first mooted in the late 90s but dropped off the radar because there was talk the whole track might move elsewhere, but that never eventuated.
"We got a quote of about $120,000 and we've managed to do it for nearly half because club members have pitched in.
"Apart from elongating the track, it's also given us a 'C' rating which is the next step up from where we were within the Kart Sport New Zealand's regulations - which means we can now host other clubs up here and also run larger events."
