NEWS IN BRIEF

Pukekohe Qualifying Crash makes Pitlane's "Crashes of the week"

The in-car footage of Stefan Webling and Matthew Stubbs crashing at Pukekohe was shown last night (6th Dec) on Sky Sport's 'Pitlane' program during a small segment call "Crashes of the week". Although a very small segment, this is a little milestone for Formula First in that it is the first time any of our in-car footage has been broadcast. The producers of the TV show(s) are keen to use in-car race footage in future shows where Formula First is filmed.

For those of you who missed the program, check your Sky TV listings for repeats. The show is repeated every night for the next three-four nights. ---------------

Elite Motorsport Academy applications now open

Applications for the 2006/2007 Elite Motorsport Academy have now opened. The academy's focus is;

• To provide a one-week intensive “in camp” programme of physical and educational training assistance package to up to nine MotorSport NZ recognised Race or Rally competitors who have already demonstrated the ability to excel in their chosen motorsport discipline.

• To provide a tailored twenty four month follow up package for the academy graduates to ensure they retain and further develop the training regimes and educational opportunities demonstrated “in camp’

Past Formula First drivers such as Sam MacNeill have gone through the program. In fact Sam was the top student in last year's intake.

Application forms can be downloaded from Motorsport NZ's web site here. ---------------

Hamilton obtains resource consent for the V8 Supercars

Hamilton has been granted consent to run the Aussie V8 Supercars starting in 2008. Hamilton will host the race on a temporary street circuit and expect the event to be a massive boost to the local economy. Hamilton succeeded where Auckland couldn't, by fast-tracking some of the resource consent process and ensuring that their 'can-do' attitude prevailed.

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Hampton Downs circuit gets the go-ahead

Perhaps the biggest news of the past week or so was that the proposed Hampton Downs circuit has been granted resource consent. The circuit will be situated near Meremere drag strip and will be easily accessible from State Highway 1 (New Zealand's main highway). Earth moving is to begin in February 2007. The circuit is aiming for an FIA grade 2 rating, meaning that certain major international events will be able to be held there. This is exciting news for New Zealand motorsport competitors as this provides another venue as a possible replacement for the aging Pukekohe circuit. Rumours have it that Pukekohe's days as a motorsport venue are numbered. For more information visit www.hamptondowns.com.