Ruapuna Park Long
Ruapuna Park Long Notes:
Ruapuna Park (now known as Euromarque Motorsport Park) is a permanent motor racing circuit owned and operated by the Canterbury Car Club Inc on land leased from Christchurch City Council, located 13 kilometres west of Christchurch, New Zealand. The Canterbury Car Club was formed in 1947, and after realizing a permanent race track was required, volunteers worked to open Ruapuna Park in November 1963. The name was derived from a Maori word, and construction followed the establishment of a dirt oval next door in 1962.
The biggest change came in 1993 when the circuit was dramatically extended to 3.3km with major renovations including a control tower, 30 covered garages, a fuel bay, a new viewing lounge with balcony, and an electronic timing suite. The track hosted the New Zealand Grand Prix in 1998 and 1999, both won by New Zealand-born Simon Wills. The circuit has undergone several naming rights changes: Powerbuilt Tools International Raceway (2004), Mike Pero Motorsport Park (2013), and Euromarque Motorsport Park (2023). The track found international fame in 2015 when it was digitized for the popular Project CARS racing game.
Long Notes:
The Long configuration at Ruapuna Park in New Zealand creates an extended layout at this comprehensive motorsport facility near Christchurch on South Island. The Long designation indicates maximum distance utilization combining multiple course sections, creating substantial circuit length appropriate for endurance events, advanced driving groups, and championship competition. This variant serves as Ruapuna's primary challenge for experienced drivers and competitive motorsport at New Zealand's South Island premier permanent circuit.
Operating the Long configuration showcases Ruapuna Park's versatile infrastructure where multiple layouts serve diverse motorsport disciplines from club racing to national championships. Canterbury region's temperate climate creates year-round potential though winter months June-August see reduced activity. The Long configuration provides comprehensive challenge serving Christchurch-area motorsport community at this facility operating since the 1960s, demonstrating New Zealand's passionate grassroots racing culture at South Island's most significant permanent motorsport venue.
