_clockwise.svg) Full Circuit (Clockwise) (1990–present) | |
_clockwise_short.svg) Short Grand Prix Circuit (Clockwise) (1973–present) | |
| Location | Feilding,New Zealand |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 40°14′15″S175°33′26″E / 40.23750°S 175.55722°E /-40.23750; 175.55722 |
| FIA Grade | 3 |
| Opened | 1973 |
| Former names | Manfeild Autocourse (1973–2016) |
| Major events | Current: FR Oceania (2005–2007, 2021, 2023–2025) Former: World SBK (1988–1990, 1992) New Zealand Grand Prix (1992–1995, 2008–2020) Super V8 Series (2003–2021, 2024) Toyota GR86 Championship (2014–2021, 2023–2024) V8SuperTourer (2012) |
| Website | https://www.manfeild.co.nz/motorsport.html |
| Full Circuit (1990–present) | |
| Length | 4.511 km (2.803 mi) |
| Turns | 13 |
| Short Grand Prix Circuit (1973–present) | |
| Length | 3.030 km (1.883 mi) |
| Turns | 7 |
| Race lap record | 1:01.457 ( Simon Wills,Reynard 94D, 2000,Formula Holden) |
Manfeild: Circuit Chris Amon (formerlyManfeild Autocourse) is a motor sport circuit located inFeilding, New Zealand. It was built by theManawatu Car ClubArchived 15 August 2013 at theWayback Machine in 1973 as a purpose-built course. In 1990 extra land was acquired and the circuit extension built, bringing Manfeild up to international standards. The circuit was renamed the Manfeild: Circuit Chris Amon, in honour of former New ZealandFormula One driverChris Amon, on 25 November 2016.[1]
The original 3.030 km (1.883 mi) circuit was built by the Manawatu Car Club Incorporated with the first event being held in 1973. A purpose designed venue with an uninterrupted view of the action, the circuit has workshop garages, hospitality suites and toilet blocks and sealed access roads throughout the pit paddock area.
The name "Manfeild" was derived from "Manawatu" being the region the circuit is in and "Feilding" the town it is in.
In 1990 the Car Club began looking at wider issues of governance and development. Extra land acquired extended the track to full International standards, and also accommodates Agricultural/Pastoral Shows.
In October 2004 three land owners,Manawatu District Council, Feilding IA&P and the Manawatu Car Club deeded their land and formed the Manfeild Park Trust. 2022 board members are Hamish Waugh (chairman), Amanda Linsley, Stefan Speller, Stella Rackham and Kevin Hansen.
Manfeild Park now encompasses what is now known as the Manfeild Circuit Chris Amon and the developing land that was the Feilding Race Course.
Manfeild has held theNew Zealand Grand Prix on seventeen occasions (1992–1995, 2008–2020).
The full circuit is 4.511 km (2.803 mi) with long three long straights and offers many passing opportunities and when in (rare) use is the longest race circuit in New Zealand. A quick lap around the circuit involves smooth entries and exits, maintaining good corner speed and maximising terminal speeds on the straights.
The main 3.030 km (1.883 mi) circuit is the only section used for competition car racing including theNew Zealand Grand Prix. The Grand Prix is not held over the full circuit. TheFIA track license is only for the main 3.030 km (1.883 mi) circuit in a clockwise direction only. However Motorcycle racing can be held in the anticlockwise direction if approved by the Steward on the day. Motorcycles can also use the full circuit, but it is not advised unless a protective airfence is bought in for the back straight wall.
The back 1.500 km (0.932 mi) circuit is used for club meetings and driver training.
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The overall 3.030 km (1.883 mi) lap record has been updated to reflect the correct record for the Clockwise direction. WhileEarl Bamber does hold the TRS record on Manfeild, it is not the official overall record. Simon Wills took the record offGraeme Lawrence who set a 1.02.100 record in 1976 in a F5000Lola T332 (Car#14 painting in Marlboro Colours). There is record of faster times around Manfeild, but not during a race. Kenny Smith is reputed to have completed a 0.58 lap in a F5000 set in the early seventies, but it was only a demo lap. Johnny Reid has also completed a sub minute lap in an A1GP car, but again only as a demonstration run and promotion for the series running in New Zealand at the time.
While Manfeild now only runs clockwise, there is also an anti-clockwise record held by Greg Murphy at 1.00.81 in aFormula HoldenReynard 92D set in 1995. As of February 2021, the fastest official race lap records at the Manfeild: Circuit Chris Amon are listed as:
| Category | Time | Driver | Vehicle | Event | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Short Grand Prix Circuit: 3.030 km (1973–present) | |||||
| Formula Holden | 1:01.457 | Simon Wills | Reynard 94D | 2000 Manfeild Formula Holden Tasman Cup round | 26 November 2000 |
| Formula 5000 | 1:02.100 | Graeme Lawrence[2] | Lola T332 | 1976 Manfeild New Zealand Gold Star round | 11 January 1976 |
| Toyota Racing Series | 1:02.845 | Brandon Maïsano | Tatuus FT-50 | 2015 New Zealand Grand Prix | 15 February 2015 |
| Daytona Prototype | 1:02.849[3] | John DeVeth | Crawford DP03 | 2019 Manfeild GTR NZ round | 10 February 2019 |
| Formula Regional | 1:03.539[4] | Matthew Payne | Tatuus FT-60 | 2021 Manfeild TRS round | 14 February 2021 |
| Superbike racing | 1:04.736[5] | Sloan Frost | Suzuki GSX-R1000 | 2019 Manfeild NZ SBK round | 30 March 2019 |
| World SBK | 1:06.970 | Doug Polen | Ducati 888 SBK | 1992 Manfeild World SBK round | 25 October 1992 |
| Toyota 86 Championship | 1:17:279[6] | Tom Alexander | Toyota 86 | 2015 Manfeild Toyota 86 Championship round | 15 February 2015 |