Transit keeps V8 race intentions to itself

By BERNARD ORSMAN

Transit New Zealand is not saying if it will support the proposed V8 car race when the resource consent hearings resume next week.

Acting Auckland regional manager Richard Hancy issued a brief statement yesterday saying Transit was in the process of finalising its position which it would present to planning commissioners next week.

"As this is a statutory process, Transit believes it would be inappropriate to respond further at this stage," the statement said.

However, a source close to the process indicated Transit would give the race its blessing so long as the Auckland City Council and event organiser IMG agreed to strict conditions to keep the motorway network running smoothly.

Transit has previously opposed the race on the grounds that the central city race would cause motorway mayhem but agreed to study more detailed plans for getting round the traffic problems.

The source said if the three planning commissioners granted resource consent, the conditions were likely to impose costs that could scare off IMG and the council.

The council has promised IMG an interest-free loan of $3.5 million, costing ratepayers $888,000 over the seven years of the race.

It has also spent about $500,000 on the resource consent process.

If resource consent is granted, the event will go to the council for final approval next month.

The 10 City Vision-Labour councillors, including independent Faye Storer, are opposed to the race location.

Seven councillors are in favour and the two Action Hobson councillors are undecided.

Mayor Dick Hubbard, who has the casting vote, said his support was conditional on Transit backing and a successful resource consent outcome that satisfied IMG.