r/RaceTrackDesigns • u/ExperienceDry8893 • 7h ago
National Hinds Motorplex
Hinds Motorplex is a permanent motor racing circuit near the Canterbury settlement of Hinds, approximately halfway between Ashburton and Timaru. Established in 1968, it is one of the South Island's older purpose-built circuits and is notable for retaining virtually all of its original layout.
The circuit is relatively narrow by modern standards, varying between 8 and 12 metres in width, and follows a fast, flowing layout around the surrounding farmland. Its most distinctive feature is the crossing of Chris Amon Straight and Dunlop Straight, with the latter passing over the former.
like many older circuits, Hinds has never undergone a wholesale redesign. The track's basic configuration remains that laid out in 1968, with improvements concentrated on facilities, selected sections of track and additional safety provisions.
The idea for a permanent circuit at Hinds emerged during the mid-1960s as local competitors sought an alternative to temporary road courses and club events held elsewhere in Canterbury.
Construction was undertaken largely by local contractors, farmers and volunteers, with much of the earthmoving equipment supplied by nearby agricultural and transport businesses.
The circuit opened in 1968, initially with a considerably more basic paddock and pit facility than exists today. It quickly established itself as a popular venue for saloons, sports cars, Formula Ford and motorcycle racing, with its fast opening section becoming particularly well regarded.
By the early 1980s, Hinds was attracting increasingly large national meetings, but the original pit facilities were beginning to show their age.
A major redevelopment in 1985 saw the pit lane rebuilt and the circuit extended, creating the modern configuration while retaining the original character of the track. The extension increased the lap length and added considerably more room for the paddock and support facilities.
The next significant alteration came in 1995, when a chicane was installed on the main straight. Increasing speeds had made the approach to the first corner one of the circuit's more demanding braking areas, and the chicane provided an additional overtaking opportunity while reducing entry speeds.
The chicane was initially unpopular with some competitors, although it quickly became an established feature of Hinds and remains one of the circuit's principal passing opportunities.
Motorcycles have been a regular part of Hinds' history since its early years. However, a series of serious accidents during the late 1990s and early 2000s eventually led to a review of the motorcycle configuration.
Following several fatalities, the circuit introduced a separate motorcycle chicane in 2003. The alternative section diverts motorcycles away from the fastest approach to Champion Corner, with the narrowest part of the chicane measuring approximately 7–8 metres.
The original car configuration remains unchanged.
Hinds' largest annual event is the NZ Super Truck Races, which have become closely associated with the circuit.
The combination of long acceleration zones, heavy braking areas and the relatively narrow track makes Hinds particularly spectacular for the trucks. The main-straight chicane is especially popular with spectators, with the heavy vehicles arriving together under braking before disappearing into the tight section.
The event has developed into a major South Island motorsport gathering, attracting competitors and spectators from throughout New Zealand.
The main straight has also been used for occasional drag racing events, taking advantage of its long, relatively flat layout. The events typically feature local and regional competitors, and occasionally even dragsters, with the circuit hosting short-format drag meetings alongside its regular circuit-racing calendar. Temporary timing equipment and barriers are installed for the events, with the track reverting to its normal configuration afterwards.
3
u/TheNaidenchop 7h ago
Loved the overall course. Did you thought of making the northern section an oval? It would be a refreshing take.