Highlands circuit meets FIA approval

The world-class race track at Highlands Motorsport Park will soon receive a grade 3 rating from the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), the world governing body of motor sports.

“With circuit licence granting the FIA grade 3 rating on its way any day, we’re all set to host the wings-and-slicks Toyota Racing Series during our next race meeting running over the weekend of 25 to 26 January, where they’ll feature on a full race-card with the BNT V8 SuperTourers, UDC V8 Utes and Autosure Central Muscle Cars,” says Highlands’ general manager Mike Sentch.

The 4.5 kilometre circuit has been designed for use in six configurations with the 4.1 kilometre layout, as used for November’s inaugural Highlands 101 race meeting, being utilised for the multi-category January meeting.

Sentch says last week’s visit by UK-based track inspector John Symes, also technical director of the UK’s Motor Sports Association, resulted in a few minor aspects that needed adjustment.

“We’ll soon have the photographs to demonstrate these adjustments have been completed, and then John will complete his report to the Circuits Commission and the licence will be on its way.”

Symes completed his first inspection of the Highlands race track in February and provided a list of points which have since been actioned.

Sentch adds: “We’d like to acknowledge the work by MotorSport New Zealand’s circuit safety inspector David Slater who sadly passed away just after our November event. David worked with us on the FIA recommendations to provide the temporary licence to run in November. To see the circuit now with a FIA grade 3 rating means much of David’s hard work has come to fruition. We also appreciate the assistance from a number of people at MotorSport New Zealand following David’s death to allow us to continue progress on this vital circuit rating process.”

Tickets are now on sale for the 25-26 January ‘V8s at Highlands’ event, also featuring the international and national stars of the single seater Toyota Racing Series, lots of off-track and lunchtime entertainment, food and drink options for the whole family. Programmes available onsite, $10, and commentary broadcast on local FM radio. Tickets are available from the Highlands Motorsport Park office (EFTPOS and credit card only) or online from www.ticketdirect.co.nz. Children under 16 years of age have free entry when accompanied by a paying adult. Adult ticket prices apply for all 16 years and over.

Fans can keep up with news and events from Highlands Motorsport Park by signing up for free e-newsletters via the website, www.highlands.co.nz, or following Highlands on Facebook and Twitter.