New traffic information 'backs V8 race'

1.20pm

Event organiser IMG is more confident of winning approval for the V8 Supercar race in Auckland following additional traffic information.

IMG and Auckland City Council were asked by independent commissioners hearing a resource consent application for more detailed information on traffic and other effects of the race.

They have been working with roading authority Transit on a full scale review.

IMG spokesman Dean Calvert said many questions have now been answered and the report said many perceived problems can be met.

Mr Calvert said they have gone back to the original data and asked if it all stacks up and the outcomes are very positive.

He said Transit's involvement has smoothed the path and the outputs are favourable.

The information will be presented when the hearing resumes next month.

However, a question mark still hangs over the proposals to run the race in Auckland following the election of new mayor Dick Hubbard and councillors, who may not be as committed to the race as the last council

The door is still open for the V8 Supercar race to take place in Wellington, according to mayor there Kerry Prendergast.

Ms Prendergast said initially her council did not bid for the race because it did not meet the benefit-cost ratio.

However she said with a little co-operation from race organisers in covering some of the financial risk, there is no reason why it could not be held in the capital.

- Newstalk ZB