She believed the problems may be linked to the track being built on a former landfill site.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ve started to have issues with cracking on our track and movement in the corners.\u201d <\/p>\n
Cracking and ground movement at Tauranga BMX Club\u2019s Cambridge Rd track have halted competitive racing for more than a year. Photo \/ Zoe Blake<\/p>\n
About 36 months ago, the club raised concerns with Tauranga City Council.<\/p>\n
Subsequently, at a meeting with the council late last year, the worsening track issues led to its effective closure for public use and racing.<\/p>\n
Crawford said BMX New Zealand and council officials agreed racing could not resume until the remediation work was complete. <\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re only allowed four people on the track at any one time, and we need eight riders to run a race.<\/p>\n
\u201cNo racing can happen until the remediation is complete.\u201d<\/p>\n
Last year, Tauranga BMX was forced to relocate a National Qualifying Meeting to Rotorua after the track was deemed unsuitable for competition.<\/p>\n
Crawford said the disruption had taken a toll on the club, with membership numbers declining.<\/p>\n
Sections of the track show visible cracking. Photo \/ Zoe Blake<\/p>\n
Tauranga BMX is due to host the BMX competition at the 2026 Zespri Aims Games in September, one of the club\u2019s biggest fundraising opportunities and an event that attracts thousands of intermediate-aged competitors to the city. <\/p>\n
Club president Amanda Withington said funding secured so far would ensure the track was ready for the Aims Games, but further work was needed to secure the venue\u2019s long-term future.<\/p>\n
The club had won the rights to host the 2028 BMX New Zealand National Championships and wanted the track restored to a standard befitting the event.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe will have nearly 800 riders coming for nationals in 2028, and we need the track to not only be operational but in the best possible state, so we showcase the sport to the city and vice versa.\u201d <\/p>\n
Withington said the club was grateful to funders who had already stepped in, but desperately needed community support to ensure future generations of local riders had the same opportunities.<\/p>\n
Movement in the track\u2019s corners has created safety concerns, limiting rider numbers and preventing race meetings being held. Photo \/ Zoe Blake<\/p>\n
Tauranga City Council has contributed $30,000 to the project, while TECT has approved funding of $96,017.<\/p>\n
However, the club still faces a shortfall of about $32,017.12 to complete the remediation work and ensure the track can safely host training and future competitions.<\/p>\n