The Race to the Sky motorsport hillclimb event in Wanaka has been cancelled with the organiser claiming he's being held to ransom.
Race organiser Tony Quinn of Highland Motorsport had planned for a 10-year agreement to run the hillclimb in Cardrona Valley, after he brought the event back in April following a seven year break.
But Quinn says an initial offer to use the road for the next 10 years by the landowner has been reduced to three.
He says that leaves him with no alternative but to cancel the race as he cannot afford to invest in the event on such a short term basis.
Alastair McRae of Scotland contesting the 2015 Race to the Sky in Wanaka in his Subaru. Photo: Photosport
"We can no longer invest heavily in the promotion of the event when the 'goal posts' are changed in this manner. I simply see this as an opportunistic act and I will not line the pockets of others in this way nor be held to ransom!," Quinn said.
Quinn claims roading costs on the access road have almost tripled from about $35,000 in 2007 to over $90,000 for 2016.
He says neighbouring landowners were also now seeking compensation for a potential loss of income.
