Wigram Airfield Circuit was a motor racing venue located on the former Wigram Airfield in the suburb of Wigram, on the outskirts of Christchurch, New Zealand. The circuit utilized the wartime airfield’s runways and taxiways, adapting them into a temporary road racing track that operated from 1949 until its closure in 1990.
History
The Wigram Airfield was originally established in 1916 as a Royal New Zealand Air Force base. After World II, the airfield was decommissioned for military use and became a site for civilian aviation and motorsport. The first race meeting on the airfield’s perimeter roads was held in 1949, marking the beginning of the Wigram Airfield Circuit’s use for competitive racing.
Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, the circuit hosted a variety of events, including national touring car championships, motorcycle races, and the New Zealand Grand Prix on several occasions (notably in 1954, 1955, 1961, 1963, and 1965). The layout was known for its long straights derived from the original runways, combined with tight chicanes and hairpins formed from service roads, providing a mix of high‑speed sections and technical corners.
Circuit Layout
The circuit’s length varied over its history due to modifications to the course configuration. The most common layout measured approximately 3.1 km (1.93 mi) and featured:
- A main straight of roughly 800 m, utilizing the former runway.
- A series of fast sweepers and a hairpin turn known as “The Bend.”
- A technical chicane called “The Kink” that reduced speeds before rejoining the main straight.
The airfield’s flat topography and wide paved surfaces allowed for flexible track modifications and the accommodation of both car and motorcycle events.
Events and Significance
Wigram Airfield Circuit was an important venue in New Zealand’s motorsport development. It served as a proving ground for local drivers who later competed internationally, such as Bruce McLaren and Chris Amon. The circuit also attracted overseas competitors, particularly from Australia and the United Kingdom, during the annual New Zealand Grand Prix and other championship rounds.
Closure
By the late 1980s, the increasing cost of maintaining the temporary racing infrastructure, combined with the development pressures on the surrounding land, led to the circuit’s final race meeting in 1990. The airfield subsequently returned to exclusive aviation use, and the site is now primarily occupied by the Wigram Aerodrome and associated industrial facilities.
Legacy
Although no longer in operation, the Wigram Airfield Circuit remains a notable chapter in New Zealand’s racing history. Historical photographs, race programs, and oral histories preserve its contribution to the growth of motorsport in the region. Former drivers and enthusiasts often reference the circuit when discussing the evolution of race track design in the country.