KEY POINTS:
Petrolheads rejoice - everything is right on schedule for next week's inaugural Hamilton 400 street race.
Getting a brand new track ready in the middle of a busy city for New Zealand's only round of the V8 Supercars championship was no easy feat, but it is nearly ready for race day.
Over 70,000 hours have gone into the construction of the 3.4 kilometre, eight-turn track, plus grandstands and other facilities, according to event director Steve Vuleta.
"All of the pre-event concrete barriers are now in place, although we have still allowed for access for local residents and businesses. The remaining barriers will be slotted into place from midnight on Wednesday," Mr Vuleta said.
"We are completing the placement of tyre barriers today which is also bang on schedule."
The circuit comprises of 2000 of the 4.5 tonne concrete barriers, 9kms of fencing, four bridges over the track for pedestrians, three over-track gantries, the pit structure and race control. It is tied together with over 250kms of wiring.
Kiwi V8 Supercar driver Greg Murphy drove the track last week, albeit nowhere near race pace, and said it would be extremely quick, with numerous spots ripe for overtaking manoeuvres.
"I can't wait really," said Murph, "I've been involved since the early stages of planning and it is exciting to see it take shape. I am so impressed with everything that has been put in place. As a New Zealander you have to be proud of what's been achieved here."
Aussie veteran Russell Ingall, on the other hand, seemed less than impressed.
The so-called 'Enforcer' told AAP that the Hamilton event was going to be a crashfest.
"It's got long straights and tight, 90 degree corners so there'll be a lot of drivers making big lunges under brakes," he said.
"Qualifying is more important than most races, and the pit stops will come into play as usual, but there's lots of concrete and not a lot of run off so there's going to be some carnage - lots of crashes."
More than 150,000 tickets have already been sold for the event from 18-20 April, although organisers have confirmed there are still grandstand and general admission tickets available.
- NZ HERALD STAFF
