NZCT Gets Ruapuna Speedway Back on Track

New Zealand Community Trust (NZCT) has awarded the Christchurch Speedway Association a $40,000 grant to support track maintenance at Ruapuna Speedway, ensuring a safer and higher-quality racing surface for competitors and spectators.

Track curator Ray Baughan says, “A lot of work goes into getting the track right and most of it happens behind the scenes. This funding lets us do some of the bigger jobs properly, which takes the pressure off the track team and allows Ruapuna Speedway to keep raising the bar.”

Ruapuna Speedway has been a hub for open-wheel racing in Canterbury since 1963. The track hosts major events including the Canterbury Championships, Fireworks Nights, and the Gold Cup finale. It licenses drivers across six classes, from youth competitors to seasoned speedway drivers, making it a key venue for motorsport in the region.

As a clay-based Speedway, Ruapuna’s racing surface is constantly affected by weather conditions, racing activity, and natural wear. This requires significant preparation in the lead-up to events, as well as extensive work throughout the winter off-season. The racing surface, drainage infrastructure, and track base all require ongoing maintenance and periodic improvements to ensure a consistent, high-quality surface that meets safety standards and supports Ruapuna Speedway’s reputation as one of the leading Speedway venues in the country. This NZCT grant allows Ruapuna Speedway to carry out essential repairs and ongoing maintenance, ensuring a safe and reliable racing surface for both competitors and spectators year-round.

Speedway Life Member and long-time announcer Allan Batt says, “I’ve been the announcer at Ruapuna Speedway for twenty-seven years and am acutely aware that the quality of the show for competitors and fans begins with the race surface which can impact greatly on the safety aspect for everyone. Funding such as this is a win-win-win. The drivers get a safer and better surface to race on. The spectator experience is enhanced by the ability of the drivers to ‘perform’ and officials get the opportunity to put that track into tip top condition.”

Garry Clark, Daltons, major sponsor adds “Seeing funding for future track upgrading is great for this club, the competitors, and the future of the sport here.”

NZCT’s General Manager of Grants, Marketing and Communications, Ben Hodges, says. NZCT can fund this community good thanks to the fundraising partnerships we share with local hospitality venues via their responsible gaming lounges.”