Trans-Tasman motorsport rivalry shifts up a gear in 2015, following confirmation that Auckland is to host a crucial late round of the V8 Supercars from Friday 6 - Sunday 8 November 2015.
The ITM 500 Auckland now follows the October Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000 and Castrol EDGE Gold Coast 600 and runs just two weeks before the penultimate Phillip Island 400.
Mayor Len Brown says Auckland's new positioning in the annual race calendar demonstrates V8 Supercars Australia's commitment to Auckland and provides a perfect opportunity for motorsport fans to enjoy high intensity race action when the rubber really does hit the road.
"Having the V8 Supercars move back to it's original November date will give race fans a real sense of excitement in the lead up to the end of the season. November really is crunch time with only two events remaining in the calendar. Get out to Pukekohe and show some support for our kiwi drivers", he says.
Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development (ATEED), on behalf of Auckland Council, invests $1 million in sponsorship annually to the V8 Supercars event as part of Auckland's major events portfolio. Independent analysis, by Fresh Info Co, shows that the 2014 event returned $7.11 million into the Auckland economy, exceeding the target of $7 million.
ATEED Chief Executive, Brett O'Riley, says the annual V8 Supercars event also provides Auckland with a series of benefits that are much wider than the sponsorship of the event itself.
"The move to November extends into the tourism shoulder season increasing occupancy in a time that isn't known for being a sell-out period for commercial accommodation. Auckland also receives a huge amount of exposure as a visitor destination via the international television coverage, especially now that we will feature so close to the end of the season.
"An event like the ITM 500 Auckland also provides an opportunity for our iwi and charity partners to raise their profiles during the event. Last year the RSA was able to raise $20,000 that they wouldn't have otherwise collected, while Ng?ti Tamaoho showcased kapa haka M?ori on the international broadcast", says Mr O'Riley.
Royal New Zealand Returned and Services Association (RSA) Chief Executive, David Moger, says he's delighted the RSA has been confirmed as the official event charity for the second year.
"Shifting the timing of the V8 Supercars event gives us the opportunity to show that we're a force for good all year around, not just on Anzac Day. In November we commemorate Armistice Day and the end of the First World War. We'll be at the V8 Supercars event celebrating this significant milestone and raising awareness and funds for the support of New Zealand's ex-service community", says Mr Moger.
Franklin Local Board Chair, Andrew Baker, welcomes the move back to November.
"The V8 Supercars last raced in November at Pukekohe in 2003. Having the ITM 500 Auckland in an otherwise quiet time sports-wise will bring a bit of excitement to the region for a great weekend of motorsport. From a corporate perspective, this could be a good way to celebrate all those Christmas functions too", says Mr Baker.
The race format returns to a three-day event, with a V8 Supercars practice day and support-class racing on Friday, two sprint races on Saturday and a 200km feature race to determine the winner of the Jason Richards Trophy on Sunday.
