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From Glory to Weeds: Shane van Gisbergen Reflects on the Decline of Pukekohe Park Raceway

Redação by Redação
December 16, 2024
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 4 mins read
0
From Glory to Weeds: Shane van Gisbergen Reflects on the Decline of Pukekohe Park Raceway

Nov 9, 2024; Avondale, Arizona, USA; NASCAR Xfinity Series driver Shane Van Gisbergen (97) during the Championship race at Phoenix Raceway. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

For Shane van Gisbergen, the sight of his once-glorious hometown track, Pukekohe Park Raceway, now overtaken by weeds and silence, was a poignant reminder of a bygone era. The Kiwi NASCAR sensation recently returned to Auckland, New Zealand, during the off-season, immersing himself in dirt racing while preparing for his burgeoning Cup Series career. But a visit to the track that helped shape his legacy in motorsport left him overcome with emotion.


A Storied Past: Pukekohe’s Motorsport Heritage

Opened in 1963, Pukekohe Park Raceway holds a significant place in New Zealand’s motorsport history. Located just 40 kilometers south of Auckland, the 2.91-kilometer (1.8-mile) circuit has hosted some of the sport’s greatest names, including Stirling Moss, Graham Hill, and Jackie Stewart. Over the decades, it became a hub for major events, such as the New Zealand Grand Prix, the Australian Touring Car Championship, and, most notably, the Supercars Championship, which debuted there in 2001.

Pukekohe was a proving ground for legends, and Shane van Gisbergen cemented his name in its history books with five career victories. Alongside icons like Greg Murphy and Jason Bright, SVG brought fans to their feet time and again with his fearless driving and unforgettable battles on this hallowed track.


The Fall of Pukekohe: A Painful Farewell

Despite its storied past, Pukekohe’s motorsport days are over. The track hosted its final Supercars race, the ITM Auckland SuperSprint, in 2022, leaving fans with bittersweet memories. Auckland Thoroughbred Racing (ATR), which owns the grounds, announced that motorsport events would cease in April 2023, shifting focus to horse racing and club facilities.

As van Gisbergen returned to his roots, he visited the track and shared a somber video on social media. A rainy, overcast day framed the deserted grandstands and overgrown vegetation, painting a haunting picture of Pukekohe’s decline. The usually vibrant racetrack was unrecognizable, a shadow of its former self.

“Sad to see this place like this. So many good memories here,” SVG wrote on X, encapsulating the heartbreak felt by fans and drivers alike.


SVG’s Unforgettable Moments at Pukekohe

For van Gisbergen, Pukekohe was more than just a track—it was a theater of triumph and drama.

  • 2014 Fuchs 500 Victory: SVG won one of the most remarkable races of his career here, driving a lap down to clinch victory. His celebratory donuts became legendary after he momentarily lost control of his V8 Supercar during the routine.
  • 2016 Duel with Whincup: In a fierce battle with six-time Pukekohe winner Jamie Whincup, van Gisbergen defended his Supercars championship lead with gritty determination, ultimately prevailing after Whincup’s challenge faded with a rare mistake.
  • The 2022 Swan Song: The final Supercars race at Pukekohe in 2022 was a fitting farewell to the track. In a nail-biting duel with Cam Waters, SVG showcased his brilliance. The two traded blows lap after lap, with van Gisbergen ultimately seizing the lead on Lap 38 to claim the Jason Richards Trophy. The victory, cheered on by thousands of fans and his family, became one of the defining moments of his career.

“Winning that last race ever there and seeing all the fans and having my family there—that’s a moment I’ll never forget,” van Gisbergen recalled.


From Pukekohe to NASCAR: A New Chapter

Van Gisbergen’s success at Pukekohe wasn’t just about trophies—it was the foundation of his racing prowess. The lessons learned and battles fought on its asphalt have carried him to new challenges, including his entry into NASCAR. In December 2023, SVG officially joined the Cup Series full-time, bringing his fearless racing style to American tracks.

While Pukekohe may no longer host motorsport events, its legacy lives on through drivers like van Gisbergen, who carry its spirit to new heights.


A Larger Issue: The Decline of Racing Venues

Pukekohe’s demise is part of a troubling trend in motorsport. Rising maintenance costs and shifting priorities have led to the closure of iconic tracks worldwide. In California, the 2-mile Fontana Speedway was recently demolished, with promises of a short-track redevelopment falling through. For fans, these closures represent not just the loss of racing venues but also the erasure of cherished memories and community hubs.


A Community’s Farewell

For Shane van Gisbergen, Pukekohe will always be a symbol of triumph, growth, and home. As he prepares to make waves in NASCAR, the memories of Pukekohe will remain a cornerstone of his journey.

Pukekohe Park Raceway may now be silent, but for those who raced there, watched from its stands, or cheered from afar, its legacy will echo forever.

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