Pukekohe confirmed as V8s venue for 2006-07

New Zealand has been given a two-year conditional lifeline to host V8 Supercars racing, it was confirmed today.

Tony Cochrane, chairman of the Australian Vee Eight Supercar Company, announced this morning that a round of the championship series would be held at Pukekohe Park Raceway in 2006 and 2007.

It ends months of speculation that New Zealand would lose the race after failing to come up with a suitable event.

"This decision to return to Pukekohe in the interim was made as a commitment to the people of New Zealand and motorsport in general in this country," Mr Cochrane said.

"This is the first step to ensure the event has longevity in New Zealand."

As part of the deal, promoters Capital Streetrace Management, led by Dean Calvert, will pay to airfreight the 32 Supercar teams into the country.

Mr Calvert, who promoted the event at Pukekohe for the past five years, said it was well worth it.

"This event attracted 90,000 fans to Pukekohe this year and has a potential global television audience of 850 million," he said.

"We will do everything in our power to find a new venue after the two years to ensure the event does not leave our shores because if this happens, it will be gone for good."

The race will be held from April 21-23 next year.