Ruapuna a circuit to be proud of

Press, 23 November 1988, Page 50

Ruapuna a circuit to be proud of

Canterbury motorsport enthusiasts owe a vote of thanks to the early Canterbury Car Club members who volunteered their time and toil to create a permanent, sealed motor racing circuit at Ruapuna Park, which was opened for racing in November, 1963.

Then, as now, the upkeep of the track and surrounds was left to a small band of volunteer workers, and the spirit of these early club members is continued today by a small group of enthusiasts who strive to maintain and improve the facility.

Over the years many improvements have been made to the park, possibly the most notable being the addition of the interesting infield section,

which was added to create extra challenges for competitors and provide closer racing for the spectators. Other improvements have included the addition of Armco safety barriers, raised spectator banking for unobstructed viewing of the races, and concrete curbing which has replaced the original half buried tyres which used to mark the corners. The present, committee have even bigger plans which will be implemented as finance allows. The first stage of the present plans was completed during the offseason, when the club enlarged the previously cramped pit area. The next stage, a much needed new timekeepers’ stand, is virtually finished.

while later an extended control tower will include a first aid and stewards’ room, a media room and possibly a sponsors’ hospitality suite. This building will be finished to coincide with the completion of the new pit exit lane and dummy grid. Ruapuna Park today, 25 years after its opening, is a place its constructors would be proud of.