Private buyout of the fallen into disrepair Lakeside in Queensland a few years ago seems to have been overall a positive for the facility from what I've heard - upgrades, improved relationships with territorial authorities etc. The ownership is held in common with the Queensland Raceway. Maybe some of our QLD motorsport forum folk could let us know how it has gone.

Whether this is comparable to the current NZ circuit situation I couldn't say. I am just a follower of the sport not a competitor but I can understand the fears many have. As Richie's optimism goes, maybe we could be hopeful for an outcome that is at least OK. After all, if the facility is run along more business-like lines this doesn't necessarily mean less accessibility and/or greatly increased fees. If Taupo has been getting in the financial cack then something like this is on the cards. If the buyer is a motorsport enthusiast with lots of coin it's going to be better than a developer or, worse, a bank stepping in.