Wigram Airfield Circuit
 | |
| Location | Christchurch, New Zealand |
|---|---|
| Time zone | GMT +12 |
| Coordinates | 43°33′5″S 172°33′6″E / 43.55139°S 172.55167°ECoordinates: 43°33′5″S 172°33′6″E / 43.55139°S 172.55167°E |
| Owner | Ngai Tahu Property |
| Major events |
Lady Wigram Trophy Tasman Series New Zealand Grand Prix |
| Length | 3.540 km (2.200 mi) |
| Turns | 8 |
| Lap record | 1:03.6 (Peter Gethin, Chevron B24 Chevrolet, 1974) |
Wigram Airfield Circuit was a temporary motor racing circuit at Wigram Aerodrome, Christchurch, New Zealand. The airfield is a former base of the Royal New Zealand Air Force. It is named after Sir Henry Wigram. The temporary circuit was 3 km (2.1 mile) with a 1.3 km (0.8mile) main straight.[1] The first summer meetings held at Wigram Aerodrome in 1949 considered as the oldest motor race in New Zealand.[2] The track hosted the 1964-1969 Tasman Series. For safety reason, the last race at Wigram was in 2000 for classic racers.
Wigram also held the 1974 New Zealand Grand Prix which was won by Australian race driver John McCormack.
The Lady Wigram Trophy which has been organized by the Canterbury Car Club had used to be raced at Wigram Aerodrome since 1949.[3] The race for the trophy has moved to Powerbuilt Raceway at Ruapuna Park recently.[1]
Ngai Tahu Property, the owners of the aerodrome, is acquiring the site as part of a treaty settlement claim. The aerodrome was closed to air traffic in September 2008 and will become a housing development.[4]
References
- 1 2 Wigram track at Tasman-Series.com
- ↑ Motor Racing at Te Ara Encyclopedia of New Zealand
- ↑ Lady Wigram Trophy Winners - The Canterbury Car Club
- ↑ "Wigram air traffic to end". The Press. 10 July 2008. Retrieved 3 December 2011.