The action packed 2018 ENZED Superstock Teams Champs contributed an estimated $5.2 million to Manawatu's economy, a Major Events Report by the Central Economic Development Agency (CEDA) reveals.

The $5.2m is the direct expenditure by out-of-region visitors and relates to the actual spending on event tickets, food and beverage, accommodation, transport, shopping and more. It was a $1.5m increase on 2017's event.

The report shows 14,500 people attended each day's racing event over the weekend of February 3 and 4 earlier this year, with an estimated 82.5% of event-goers coming from out of the region, an increase from 69% the previous year.

"It's exciting to see an ever increasing number of visitors coming to Manawatu for this longstanding event," says CEDA's Conventions and Events Marketing Executive, Phil Hildred.

"Highlights include a significant rise in visitor's daily spend this year which was $187.45, an increase of almost $26 compared to 2017. It is one of Manawatu's most iconic events given it's been running since 1981 and the number of out-of-region visitors it attracts."

The survey shows most visitors spent an average of two nights in Manawatu, with 37% staying in hotels and motels. Just under 20% stayed with friends or family and roughly 10% rented a holiday house.

CEDA measures between seven and 10 major events each year to keep a pulse on the economic impact they have, as well as to help event organisers, the local hospitality industry and accommodation providers to prepare for future events.

"The results are spectacular," says Speedway Promoter Bruce Robertson.

Teams Champs is one of the biggest events on the New Zealand motorsport calendar and it attracts an incredibly loyal following, he says.

The report shows visitors travelled from all around the country, with a majority coming from Waikato, Wellington and Wairarapa, followed closely by Taranaki and Hawke's Bay.

Teams Champs also attracts international spectators from the world, including Australia, America and the United Kingdom, helped by the only international team, the Great Britain Lions. "I had a woman from England asking about dates for Teams Champs in 2019 because she wants to re-book flights and accommodation as soon as she can. People make it their annual holiday," Mr Robertson says.

While it's not measured as part of the Major Events Report, Mr Robertson says spending and the flow-on effects are greater than the visitors $5.2 million, with mechanics, engineers, sign writers and other car servicing businesses such as parts and speed equipment suppliers, benefitting from the teams coming to town.

"A lot of racers choose to have their engines rebuilt here or will order a new chassis, for example. I know the Great Britain Lions team also buy speed equipment and specialised parts while they're here to take home with them."

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