Mike Pero Motorsport Park

Mike Pero Motorsport Park stands as one of New Zealand's premier racing facilities, located 13 kilometers west of Christchurch at 107 Hasketts Road, Templeton. The Canterbury Car Club Inc. owns and operates this versatile motorsport venue on land leased from the Christchurch City Council. The circuit has served the New Zealand motorsport community since November 1963, making it one of the country's oldest continuously operating race tracks. The facility represents a rare example of a club-owned and operated racing circuit in New Zealand, maintaining its community roots while hosting professional competitions.

Historical Development

The circuit opened its gates in November 1963 under the name Ruapana Park. Racing activities at this location actually began in the 1960s, establishing a strong motorsport tradition. The facility operated as Ruapana Park for four decades until 2003. From 2004 to 2013, the circuit carried the name Powerbuilt Raceway at Ruapuna Park. Mike Pero, who set the New Zealand land speed record for a 350cc motorcycle at this very circuit in 1979, secured naming rights in 2013. His sponsorship lasted until 2023. Euromarque became the new title sponsor in early February 2023, beginning a fresh chapter for the facility.

Track Configuration and Specifications

The circuit operates in a counter-clockwise direction on a hot mix bitumen surface. The original circuit measured 1.609 kilometers (1.000 mile) from 1963 to 1992. A major expansion in 1993 extended the full circuit to 3.330 kilometers (2.069 miles), featuring 11 turns. The track offers seven different configurations: the 'A' Trioval Circuit, 'A' Trioval Circuit plus Dipper, 'B' Circuit, Club Circuit, Outer Circuit, Grand Prix Circuit, and Long Circuit. Each configuration serves different racing series and skill levels. The main Grand Prix circuit held an FIA Grade 3 license until it lapsed in 2022. The facility maintains National grades 1, 2, and 3 licenses for shorter variants. The track features many fast, sweeping corners that reward smooth driving styles and consistent lap times.

Racing Heritage and Major Events

The circuit hosted the New Zealand Grand Prix in 1998 and 1999, with Simon Wills winning both years in a Reynard 94D Holden. The facility regularly hosts the Toyota Racing Series and has welcomed FR Oceania, the Toyota Gazoo Racing 86 Championship, New Zealand V8s, and V8SuperTourer. The annual Skope Classic stands as a major event on the calendar, forming part of the Southern Festival of Speed. This two-day competition features practice and racing for classic and historic cars. The circuit will host the Supercars Championship ITM Christchurch Super 440 in 2026, participating in the first trans-island Supercars New Zealand Double Header with Taupō. The Lady Wigram Trophy also holds historical significance at this venue.

Facilities and Recognition

The circuit includes pit garages, a drag strip, a racing school, a speedway circuit, and a radio-controlled car circuit. The Chris Amon Clubrooms, built in 1984, provide hospitality and meeting spaces. Two grandstands serve spectators: the Bruce McLaren stand overlooks the main straight, while the Denny Hulme stand offers views of the back section. The circuit gained international recognition in 2015 when developers digitized it for the "Project CARS" racing game. The site functions as a designated motorsport reserve and houses the Christchurch Speedway dirt oval. Upcoming events include the CMG NZGP & Battle of the Buckets (January 3-4, 2026), Ruapuna Superbike Grand Prix (January 31 - February 1, 2026), and Skope Classic (February 6-8, 2026).