Dropped V8 race plans could end NZ supercar racing

Wellington's plan to dump hosting a street race could herald the end of New Zealand's V8 supercar aspirations, Australian race organisers say.

The city council yesterday announced it would not pursue its bid -- which has already cost ratepayers $175,000 -- citing difficulties caused by the Resource Management Act.

Spokesman for orgnaisers Australian Vee Eight Supercar Company (Avesco), Cole Hitchcock said today the company had run out of options.

"I'd certainly say that the writing is on the wall in terms of New Zealand. I don't think there is any doubt about that, which is a tremendous shame."

There were "no venues" for consideration "at this point", he told National Radio.

"We're really left out on the cold as far as New Zealand is concerned."

The RMA would dissuade other overseas companies from bringing major events to the country.

However, only last December Mr Hitchcock indicated Christchurch could hold a round if it came up with the right proposal.

And yesterday Kerry Cooper, chief executive officer of the Motorsport Company, the commercial arm of Motorsport New Zealand, told NZPA New Zealand had five permanent venues that could host supercar races.

"There's no reason why this race could not proceed at a permanent venue, but that's up to Avesco."

Mr Cooper said the RMA was "very complex and costly and if that's the Wellington council's position then everyone has to accept it".

Seeking resource consent for the proposed circuit through central Wellington would have cost up to $1 million, the council said.

Court battles were likely to follow and would not have left enough time to organise a 2007 race.

Avesco was not prepared to wait until 2008, particularly with the uncertainty over resource consent.

- NZPA