Murphy gives thumbs-up to revamped Pukekohe circuit
The King ofPukekohe, Greg Murphy has given his thumbs-up to the revamped Pukekohe ParkRaceway for next month's ITM 400 Auckland V8 Supercars race.
The $6.6mproject includes improving and replacing safety barriers, debris fencing andcurbing, some resurfacing, major alterations to the pit area, new pit garages,control buildings and addition of three new corners on the back straight.
Murphy, theevent’s ambassador, said he is impressed at the changes to his favouritecircuit, after driving media around Pukekohe Park Raceway today.
“For thoselike me that know it well, you will hardly recognise it. The changes are quitestunning,” Murphy said.
“Forstarters it is a much safer circuit which it needed to be. Overall the changesare fantasitc and it has really injected new life into the circuit, which ispretty fitting given it is the 50th anniversary of Pukekohe.”
Murphy, whoconfirmed he has been unable to secure backing for a wildcard ride for the NewZealand race, said he was initially reticent about the changes made to thecircuit especially the controversial new corners on the back straight.
“But afterseeing them and driving around it, they are going to add a significant newchallenge to drivers and some new passing opportunities.
“At thesame time the rest of the track itself is unchanged in its nature and so it isstill fast and flowing with all the bumps that has makes Pukekohe such a greatcircuit.”
The Holdendriver, who won the V8 Supercars Championship round three years in successionat Pukekohe from 2001 to 2003, believes the fans will also be the big winners.
“With thenew overbridge out to the new corners, the spectators are going to get close towhat is going to be some serious action during the racing.
“I was okaywatching the opening round at Clipsal from the sidelines but it is going to behard watching on as the V8 Supercars tackle this circuit.”
The newcorners of five, six and seven have now been sealed, with the new pitstructures and control buildings in place.
Contractorsare busy with finishing work including grassing, electrical and painting aheadof the ITM 400 Auckland on 12-14 April.
Along withthe track changes, there are refurbished spectator facilities including newviewing grandstands and premium viewing areas.
Tickets are on sale for the ITM 400 Auckland from Ticketek for as littleas NZ$30 plus fees, with three-day general admission for NZ$110 and three-daygrandstands from NZ$145. Kids 12 years and under are free with a ticketcarrying adult.
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