Eastland Group Raceway

The Gisborne Motor Cycle and Midget Car Club built the Awapuni Road track in 1971. The speedway opened on 2 January 1971 before a massive crowd estimated at 12,000 — far exceeding expectations. Adults paid $1 admission and children 40 cents. First president Bill Northe won the first-ever stockcar race at the opening meeting. The track earned international status when it hosted Speedway World Championship qualifying rounds from 1981, and has been the venue for three NZ Solo Championship finals (1986, 1991, 2005). The Gisborne Giants superstock team won the ENZED Superstock Teams Championship — a historic first for the club. The 389-metre crusher dust track celebrated its 50th anniversary in January 2021.

This track was active from 1971–present. SpeedwayHub preserves the history and records of all New Zealand speedway venues, past and present.