Hampton Downs Circuit
Location: New Zealand
Circuit type: FIA Grade 2
Length: 3.8 km
Additional info:
To visit the Hampton Downs website please click here
To visit the Fraser Thomas Ltd website please click here
Clive Bowen was commissioned in 2005 through WSR to undertake the detailed design and FIA design approval/homologation for a new hill circuit for V8 Supercars, A1GP and historic Formula 5000 race cars in New Zealand. The circuit commenced build in 2007 and held its first international event in February 2010, the Bruce McLaren festival.
Clive Bowen’s philosophy was to create a race circuit which challenged drivers, utilised natural topography to enhance the driving and racing experience and he incorporated the views of drivers, teams and the FIA to create a sequence of corners and straights that has proven to provide good racing, good spectating and be suitable for users of all abilities. Greg Murphy, four times winner of the Bathurst 1000, has declared “The facility is without doubt the best in Australasia and is spectacular!”
The circuit is overlooked by residential apartments, which assisted in the commercial viability of this project and allowed the management team to build the initial 2.8km ‘short’ circuit. The 3.8 km circuit, once completed, will have nine corners, five right-hand and four left-hand.
