Stadium to turn to jet boat heaven

Excavation work begins next week on transforming ASB Baypark Stadium into a fast-paced jet boating wonderland.

Diggers will be on site from Monday, moving soil to create a complex network of water-filled channels as ASB Baypark prepares to host the world's first V8 Jetsprint races inside a stadium arena.


ASB Baypark Stadium will be transformed into a fast-paced jet boating wonderland next week.

The high-octane ENZED V8 Jetsprints will be staged on Saturday, January 25.

It will mark Round two of the NZ Jetsprint Championship Series.

Round two is attracting strong interest as it will be the first time the sport is held in an enclosed seated sporting stadium anywhere in the world.

Bay Leisure and Events CEO Gary Dawson says the stadium setting will give spectators a unique opportunity to get 'up-close” to the racing action.

He says the V8 jetsprints are a highlight of the venue's summer events calendar and could lead to far greater things.

'We're delighted to be able to partner with Jetsprint BOP and the NZ Jetsprint Association to offer something new and exciting to local residents, as well as offering a real draw-card to people from around the country, enticing them to spend the long weekend in the Bay.”

The temporary circuit, which will be dug out in the stadium's centre, will feature twisting, five-metre-wide channels covering 450 metres in total, at a depth of between 40 to 70 centimetres.

The channels will include hair pin bends and straights. It is estimated that 1800 cubic metres of dirt – about 180 truckloads – will be trucked out of the stadium.

The soil removal is expected to take three days, with the channels filled with water during the week preceding the event.

The soil will be stored on ASB Baypark fields adjacent to the stadium and will be returned to site and re-turfed post event.

The Auckland Anniversary Weekend event has been nearly two years in the making with the New Zealand Jet Sprint Association teaming up with event promoters, Jetsprint BOP and ASB Baypark, to bring this world-first spectacle to Kiwi audiences.

The action-packed jetboat racing event is generating strong interest and organisers are hoping to attract crowds of up to 15,000 to the event.

With NZ scheduled to host the 2015/16 World Jetsprint Championships, ASB Baypark's Stadium could be set to become the jewel in NZJSA's crown.

Conversations would be held regarding the possibility of the Anniversary Weekend local championship round becoming the precursor to hosting that international event.

Meanwhile, tickets to the upcoming event are available at eventfinda.co.nz, ASB Baypark Arena reception and Creative Tauranga office until January 24.

A day pass for a family of five costs $65.00, with adult GA tickets priced at $25 and Senior and Child passes at $10. Tickets will also be available on the day with a $10 gate surcharge on Adult and Family tickets.

Race elimination rounds will start at 2.30pm, followed by a dinner and entertainment break around 5:30-6:30pm, prior to finals racing.

The action will continue through until 10pm, therefore offering up to eight hours of spectacular, high-octane day/night racing. Finishing under lights will heighten the drama, organisers say.

Jetsprint BOP event manager Pip Minnell says the event is not just for jetsprint, boating and motor sports enthusiasts.

Pip says the thrills and spills will extend beyond the racing track with family entertainment on and off the track.

Organisers have set up an area for children, which will include a giant slide, water slide, bouncy castles and food and drink outlets. Plus, the pits area will be open for a limited period to enable parents and children to check out the V8 boats and meet the crews.

ASB Baypark Summer Events Calendar

Jan 18 – 19 D1NZ National Drifting Championship Series

Jan 25 V8 Jetsprints @ ASB Baypark – NZ Championship Series Rnd 2

Feb 1 Speedway – Earth Mover Tyres North Island Sprint Car Championship / SS Cars Burger King Series

Feb 15 Speedway – Rowe Motors Caravan Derby / Pacific Kart Sport South Pacific Super Saloon Camps (30 laps) Bay Champs SC

March 1 Speedway - Sunlive School Principals Challenge / Stock Car Teams

March 15 Speedway - Red Ant Design Sprint Car Gold Cup + Bay Champs Super Saloon + Ramp Demolition Derby

March 29 Speedway - Base up Fireworks Extravaganza / Harry Fredrickson Gold Cup / Golden Oldies Stock Car Invitation / Super Stock Hit to Pass

April 12 Speedway - Warehouse Cars Saloon Bay Champs / Stock Car Teams / Super Stock Best Pairs

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5 comments

So there is life after rugby!!!

Posted on 11-01-2014 18:26 | By Sambo Returns

bring it on, more things like this please, lets get some return from this so called "stadium", well done to the promoters, a reasonable entrance fee, and the crowds I am sure will come.


Not if the Mayor has his way

Posted on 11-01-2014 20:15 | By tibs

There'll be no hope of large crowds if the Mayor Cros gets his way and takes some of the seats away. There'll be two "part" venues. Neither with enough seating for their potential. Still, that's nothing new here.


weird

Posted on 11-01-2014 22:22 | By Capt_Kaveman

last yr the D1NZ were told off for leaving wheelie marks on the in field grass now they want to dig the whole thing up, ok if this is a public hit but why use BP could use the out paddocks and make raised banks and be permanent


Umn Sambo wants a return on investment

Posted on 12-01-2014 21:28 | By Murray.Guy

I suspect Sambo that you and the community might be the biggest investor in this event, the biggest risk taker. It should be a great event but the financial risks are high!


nice 1

Posted on 12-01-2014 23:57 | By Wonkytonk

good to see a different event here, even though bay park is a bit "old" this event should have good crowd numbers...well done..


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