New Zealand Festival of Motor Racing (2014)

[ERC]

Agree with Oldfart. The joy of HD is that from the spectator area you can walk to the bank and watch the exit of turn 1, through 2 and into three. Walk 100m and watch them crest the brow of turn three and down in to turn 4 hairpin. Walk 300m and see them exit turn 3 and enter/exit turn 4 and also see them exiting turn 5 (the droppng hairpin) and down to the long sweeper. Walk another 300m and park yourself on the bank and see them exit the first hairpin and through turn 5 and down to the sweeper. Move up the bank 50m and watch them through the hairpin and the sweeper up the hill and to the finish line. You can even view from the pit wall now and again after the starts at many meetings and walk along and watch them enter turn 1.

You can even sit outside Hamptons and watch them ourt of turn 1 and down to turn 2. Magic - and you have only walked a kilometre.

If you are spritely, you can even watch each lap in an 8 lap race from a different viewpoint, all of them photographically friendly. Where else can you do that?

If all you want to do is park your posterior in a seat and drink beer all day, then you aren't going get the best HD has to offer.

The only downside is that apart from Hamptons, there is little or no shade or shelter, but in that respect is is no different from Teretonga, Manfeild and Taupo. (I haven't been to the remaining South island tracks - yet.

At Pukekohe at a big meeting, you are denied access to the covered stand there too unless you have a pass - and even that courtesy isn't extended to drivers! You are also denied spectator access to the esses and until recently, the hairpin.