With just a week to go before the start of the Hamilton 400 Police have some advice for those heading into the Waikato for the ultimate V8 experience.
Up to 50,000 fans are expected in Hamilton over 16-19 April driver patience is going to be at a premium.
Waikato Road Policing Manager, Inspector Leo Tooman, said the track is really starting to take shape and had already impacted on traffic flows within the city.
"To ensure maximum enjoyment from your trip we advise out-of-towners to plan the route they intend to take to the event.
"This is particularly important for east/west movements across the city as Mill St is basically the central focus of the track," said Mr Tooman.
Parking facilities on the eastern side of the city will be well signposted.
"Those vehicles travelling to the event from Auckland will travel down SH 1 and be diverted onto SH 1B at Taupiri .
"From there race fans will travel along SH 1B (Gordonton Rd- Telephone Rd) to the intersection with Holland Rd and cross the railway line where they will find the Park & Ride facility at Ruakura. Cars should be parked there and free shuttle buses will take race fans into the venue."
Visitors from the Bay of Plenty will be directed off SH 1 at Cambridge's Church Corner to SH 26/ Morrinsville Rd to Ruakura.
"Cars travelling from the south via SH 3 will be diverted on to Airport Rd linking up with SH 1B then be directed into Park & Ride areas at Ruakura," said Mr Tooman.
"From there these fans will also travel to the venue via shuttle."
Police are asking residents and visitors alike to make use of free public transport and leave cars at home or at Park & Ride facilities to ease congestion on Hamilton streets.
"You don't need to use your car during the Hamilton 400, leave it at home, there's plenty of free buses operating within the city.
"To visitors we ask you take heed of our car security campaign, 'Lock it or Lose it. If you have valuables in your car lock them out of view."
Mr Tooman said Police are challenging Hamilton drivers and residents to actively promote the V8s and their city as an attractive place to visit.
"The Hamilton 400 is predicted to be the biggest sporting event in the country and it's important for the region visitors come away with a positive impression of the event and of the Waikato."
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