NZ’s Home of Motorsport

Taupo’s inaugural A1 Grand Prix meet for the World Cup of Motorsport was a huge success, with 80,000 spectators packing the stands. Adding to the experience, Team NZ placed third overall in what was the first podium finish by a host team in the event’s history. “That was a tough race for us all and I’m happy with third place,” said NZ driver Jonny Reid. “This is our second best overall placing at an A1GP event so we can take those points and look forward to Eastern Creek (Sydney).” Auckland businessman and motorsport enthusiast Colin Giltrap came up with the idea of holding an A1GP event in Taupo and has pulled it off despite numerous naysayers. “A couple of years ago Aussie V8 boss Tony Cochrane sneered at Taupo’s ability to host a big event,” notes NZ Herald columnist Bob Pearce, “As he contemplates the three men and a camel who watched his Bahrain Supercar venture, he might have to eat his words.”