A new motorsport and driver training facility proposed for TECT Park is progressing to the next step, after a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between Western Bay of Plenty District Council and representatives of the soon-to-be-formed Thunder Ridge Motorsport Park Trust.

This follows the council unanimously approving ‘in principle’ the proposal at their meeting on August 15.

The MOU enables lease negotiations and detailed planning to go ahead for the proposed development of around 70 hectares within TECT Park’s motor sport zone.

Focused on grassroots motorsport events, car club events and track days, the facility would include a 3.2km circuit, pit garages, on-site garages, clubrooms, and potentially a café and camping area for track users.

TECT Park is jointly owned by Western Bay of Plenty District Council and Tauranga City Council, with Western Bay being the administering body.

The park already has a 360ha designated motorsport zone, which has been leased long term to Te Matai Motorsport – a group of several motorsport clubs - since it opened.

The lease by Thunder Ridge is dependent on a number of conditions and consents, including Te Matai Motorsport surrendering its lease. Member clubs would then have their own individual leases.

“Motorsport has had a strong home at TECT Park since it opened, and this project would bring even more opportunities for clubs, fans, and the wider community to get involved,” said council’s acting chief executive Miriam Taris.

“Thunder Ridge brings professionalism and experience to this project, with a clear vision for a sealed racing track and facilities that could attract significant numbers of visitors.”

The MOU is not an approval to build, but an agreement to work through a series of processes, towards a lease agreement, Taris points out.

“There are a number of challenging issues, consents and consultations to work through before a lease is agreed. The MOU is non-binding, so if for any reason negotiations fail, it will not go ahead.”

Thunder Ridge has been working with Council over the past two and a half years, having most recently presented their vision and business plan on August 5, 2025.

“We have worked closely with the council throughout the development stage of the Thunder Ridge idea, and we are now in a position to turn that idea into a reality thanks to the unanimous support of all council members,” said Tony Roberts of Thunder Ridge’s management group.

There have also been ongoing discussions with Te Matai Motorsport and individual clubs, who are aware of and support Thunder Ridge’s proposal, pending final details.

“TMMI have been working proactively with Thunder Ridge since early 2023 and are excited to see this development reach a key milestone. The inclusion of a race circuit at TECT Park has always been a key part of our vision for the facility,” David Loughlin, Chair of Te Matai Motorsport Inc. said.

Council is in the process of developing terms of reference for a motorsport management committee with the clubs and is also working on the terms of individual leases.

The proposed lease term for Thunder Ridge is 33 years, with two rights of renewal – the same as proposed for the motorsport clubs already at the park.

TECT Park will now look to undertake the required subdivisions for Thunder Ridge and the individual clubs.

It is anticipated that detailed plans will be supplied by Thunder Ridge over the coming months. If all pre-conditions are met and the lease agreement approved, construction could start by the end of the year.