Tony Quinn made it known earlier in the year that the 'Festival' was one of maybe 4 or 5 'Premier' events to be run at the track per year - meaning that he sees it as a money spinner.

His stance is that these premier events effectively lock out apartment owners other than 4 'free' tickets per unit and all other visitors/guests (to a maximum of 16) have to pay a general entry fee PLUS an extra fee for what he considers a prime viewing spot.

Even if granny is baby sitting and not watching the racing at all, she is going to have to pay. This has not gone down too well with apartment owners, who reluctantly accepted these rather draconian conditions for the 101 meeting, on the basis of giving it a try, and as an expression of support for TQ to get the track moving forwards.

Whether this arrangement is going to get continued support remains to be seen and if that jeopardises the future of high profile events coming to the track is anyone's guess, but at this stage, my guess is that there are challenges ahead, as some of those who gave their support first time around, may not do so again. I must stress, that is my personal guess.

The 101 (GT meeting) obviously is one that will be on the calendar.

January Festival makes it 2. (No plans announced as yet for 2018.)

I think that motorbikes in some form will obviously be another = 3. That is also a given.

Whether the Aussie V8s make it to HD for a 4th is debatable (we have heard for and against).

TQ is keen to try and get the NZ GP to HD so that is a possible 5th.

There may be more than 1 premier bike event and who knows what else is in the offing as we do know that there are Asian based series that have expressed an interest in heading to HD.

Yes, the new HD team may still be finding their feet in term of promotion and also local knowledge, but the Captain steers the ship and sets the course.