- New Zealand’s only race circuit to operate as a not-for-profit sports trust.
- All profits will be reinvested into developing the Bay of Plenty facility.
- Public open days, motorcycle racing and grassroots motorsport are central to the long-term vision.
New Zealand’s newest motorsport venue says its sports trust ownership structure will ensure community access remains the priority while every dollar earned is reinvested into improving the circuit.
The team behind Thunder Ridge Motorsport Park says the Bay of Plenty circuit will be unlike any other in New Zealand, with a unique ownership structure designed to put the community ahead of profit.
Rather than operating as a commercial venture, Thunder Ridge will be run as a non-profit sports trust, meaning any surplus generated from events and activities will be reinvested into improving the facility.
The 70-hectare venue, currently under development and scheduled to open in December 2027, will initially feature a 3.3km circuit, garages, clubrooms, a café and camping facilities. Over time, profits will fund further upgrades including sealed parking areas, expanded spectator facilities and additional buildings.
The trust model also ensures the circuit remains focused on community access while protecting the site for long-term public use.
Interest in the project has continued to grow since it was first announced. Most of the planned garage spaces have already been snapped up by enthusiasts, while organisers say enquiries have come from a wide range of motorsport disciplines looking to use the venue.
That includes drifting, motorcycle racing, karting, track days, public driving events and even cycling, while organisers have also fielded international interest about hosting a round of an Asian motorsport championship.
Despite those ambitions, Thunder Ridge chairman Tony Roberts said the priority has always been making the circuit accessible to local people.
“Accessibility for the communities we will serve will always be paramount,” Roberts said.
“It always was from the moment we decided to embark on the project. Open to public days, track days and a huge array of community orientated activity on top of the bread and butter motorsport is the way to go for the future, we are convinced of that.”
One of the more unusual launch plans will see Bay of Plenty ratepayers invited to experience the circuit themselves.
“We even plan to launch the track to the region by allowing every ratepayer to bring along their car and have a drive around with only a small administration charge,” Roberts said.
“We want their interest, we want them to be part of the facility’s future and of course we want them to be engaged with everything that will happen on the track so it becomes an integral part of the community and develops and operates as a high quality facility that is genuinely customer focused.”
The trust structure also opens the door to funding opportunities unavailable to privately owned circuits, with sports trusts eligible to apply for grants specifically aimed at community recreation facilities.
Thunder Ridge has previously confirmed it aims to become a home for grassroots motorsport while also attracting national and international events, with motorcycles expected to be among the many categories using the circuit once it opens in late 2027.
To follow the progress of Thunder Ridge, make sure to follow their socials or keep an eye on www.thunderridge.co.nz.
