After 96 years of thrilling motorsport action, Auckland’s Western Springs Speedway is set to host its final meeting this Saturday, March 22, 2025, despite strong opposition from the Speedway and wider motorsport community and the reported fraudulent handling of the process by the Auckland Council.
This historic event marks the end of an era for a venue synonymous with speedway racing since 1929.
Since its establishment in 1929, Western Springs Speedway quickly became a cornerstone of New Zealand’s motorsport culture.
Over the decades, it has showcased various racing disciplines, from midget car racing to sprint cars, attracting local and international talent. The track’s unique atmosphere and rich history have made it a beloved venue for racers and fans alike.
The highly controversial decision to relocate the Speedway comes after extensive discussions and planning by the Auckland Council. In 2024, after a seven-hour debate, the Council voted 11-8 to invest $11 million into upgrading Waikaraka Park in Onehunga, intending to make it the Speedway’s new home from the 2025-2026 season.
The Auckland council is now facing legal action, and the Serious Fraud Office is involved. They are investigating multiple letters of support used in the final meeting with TAU and local governing bodies.
One of these letters was written by Speedway New Zealand, the sport’s governing body, but it was not used by TAU and the Council in the way intended and was used to mislead the councillors during the seven-hour meeting. SNZ was only supportive of the investment and upgrades at Waikaraka Park.
Since hearing of this, SNZ stated their position had been a “complete misrepresentation” and noted for the record that they at no time ever considered supporting the closure of the historic speedway venue and, to date, have not been formally informed by Auckland Council or anyone from the governing body that this was an option being considered.
This left SNZ feeling “completely blindsided.”
In a statement made by the General Manager of SNZ, Aaron Kirby stated,
“The sole intent of the letter was to support the ongoing investment by Tataki Auckland Unlimited to upgrade the facilities at Waikaraka Park. To have the letter recorded in the agenda and its attachments as support for the consolidation of the Speedway at Waikaraka Park is a complete misrepresentation of the letter’s intent.
“Speedway New Zealand does not support the closure of Western Springs Speedway for numerous reasons that we feel have not been given an opportunity to speak to, let alone consult our members on.
“Should the true intent of our letter not be conveyed to the members in accordance with today’s meeting, we would like it noted that we withdraw the letter of support altogether as we believe the implication that we support the masterplan will have far-reaching consequences of both our organisation and the sport.”
During the final meeting, TAU and Auckland Council ignored this statement and decided to close Western Springs Speedway and allocate the $11 million in funding towards the upgrades at Waikaraka Park.
An open letter sent to the Auckland Council and made public on March 11 2025, by the Western Springs Speedway Association, stated that –
“Two more letters required for the presentation to the TAU board for support of consolidation were not created by the claimed authors and were not sent to the claimed recipient. These have been referred to the Serious Fraud Office.
“The case has been accepted by the Ombudsman. The Western Springs Speedway Association was formed to represent the community, drivers and car owners. We have 780 paid members and provide ‘the voice’ that has been silenced by the arrangement between TAU and Promotion.
“This is the THIRD request for Auckland Council to act properly and abide by its Governance Manual and the Local Government Act. Under fair, reasonable, and lawful operation, this process would be halted by the Council, and a resolution would be sought that is in the best interest of the people of Auckland.”
Albany Ward Councillor John Watson has since alleged that a recent official information release revealed that another three of the multiple letters of support in moving Western Springs Speedway to Waikaraka Park were actually provided and written by the CCO Tataki Auckland Unlimited (TAU), adding dates and various addresses in the letters, classing them as “completely fabricated, fraudulent and misleading.”
It’s disheartening for all involved that such a decision involved zero public consultation, denying thousands of fans, drivers, sponsors, teams, and locals a say in the future of their beloved sport.
It is the Council’s due diligence to ‘seek and give consideration to the views and preferences of persons likely to have an interest in the matter’ as stated in the Local Government’s Act as a requirement.
This move aims to provide a sustainable, long-term future for the sport in Auckland, according to Mayor Wayne Brown, who noted that Western Springs faced constraints such as limited event numbers and operational losses, making the relocation “a practical solution.”
However, there is no formal agreement for Open Wheel Speedway to operate at Waikaraka Park, as it is primarily known as a “Stockcar and Saloon Racing Facility.”
“Auckland Council have transferred $11 million in funds under a misrepresented purpose that misled councillors.” said in a statement in the open letter from WSSA.
The $11 million grant is to facilitate a much-needed upgrade to Waikaraka Park, accommodate open-wheel classes from Western Springs, and name it “The Home of Speedway” in Auckland.
Councillors called during the seven-hour meeting to approve the $11 million funding, but on the condition that the Speedway remain at Western Springs.
When questioned about the operational costs of the Speedway, TAU’s Director of Auckland Stadiums, James Parkinson, confirmed the theoretical gains were of more concern, stating;
” The greatest cost to TAU of Speedway at Western Springs is the opportunity cost through not being able to host higher yielding activity.
“If we were in a position of operating the stadium without Speedway that, there would be a projected improvement of up to $1.1 million.”
$11 million of funding is said to be insufficient for a venue forecasted to need $18.3 million in upgrades. The group calls the approved funding allocation a “drop in the ocean” and insufficient for what it proposes regarding the future of Waikaraka Park.
Former Western Springs Promotor Bill Buckley weighed in on the matter in a statement;
“$11m will count for nothing. They are not going to look after us. They are looking after them bloody selves.” said Buckley
“It’s not a fair playing field. All this bulls**t about 12 meetings (maximum) and noise there: that should all go by the board. Surely, we have grown up by now. I’m really p***ed (off).”
The timing of this decision is also a concern to those involved and affected by it. The closure of WS Speedway and the ability to upgrade Waikaraka Park in time for the 2025/26 season leave those doubtful.
Meanwhile, the strong fight continues with a “Save Our Speedway” protest march scheduled for this Saturday at 9:30 AM. The march departs from Stadium Road outside the main speedway gates at 9:30 AM and wraps up at around 11 AM. It will march from Western Springs to Pt—chevalier shops via Great North Road, approximating the march to be a one-hour walking round trip.
Everyone is encouraged to attend, and they invite everyone who wants to take a stand against Auckland Council’s poor decisions and lack of public consultation and accountability.
“The current promotions’ last race meeting will also be held later that afternoon. As with every Western Springs Speedway race meeting, we encourage everyone to attend and enjoy our sport at home.”
If all goes ahead and the legal fight ends without the intended outcome, the venue will likely be redeveloped and become the home of the A-League team, Auckland FC.
The final meeting at Western Springs promises to be a memorable occasion, celebrating nearly a century of motorsport heritage. Fans can expect a full schedule of races featuring various classes that have graced the track over the years and a monumental 96-lap Midget Car race. Drivers and teams are preparing to give their all, aiming to etch their names into the storied history of this iconic venue one last time.
The 96-lap race includes retired speedway drivers required to race the cars in qualifying, giving them a chance to complete some final laps around the iconic track.
As the engines roar and the checkered flag waves for the final time at Western Springs, attendees will not only witness high-octane racing but also partake in a poignant farewell to a site that has been integral to Auckland’s sporting landscape. This event offers a chance for reflection on the past and anticipation for the future of Speedway at its apparent now home at Waikaraka Park.
Tickets are available through Ticketmaster for those wishing to be part of this historic moment. Given the event’s significance, a full house is expected, so early purchase is advised. Gates will open at 2:00 PM, with racing set to commence at 5:00 PM. They are currently sitting at over 50% of their total capacity.
While the fight against the closure of Western Springs Speedway is not over, this ‘final’ meeting of the 2024/25 season marks the end of a significant chapter.
Join the community this Saturday to honour Western Springs Speedway’s legacy and celebrate the enduring passion for motorsport that has defined this iconic venue for nearly a century. Join the protest march on Saturday morning to have your voice heard in the fight against the closure of New Zealand’s most iconic Speedway venue.
Header Image: Jessica Barnes / Blissful Photography
