Marc Lawrence appointed as Taupo International Motorsport Park General Manager

Marc Lawrence has been appointed as the new General Manager of Taupo International Motorsport Park and Events Centre.

Lawrence will join the team on 1 July to replace Martin Collins, who retires from his role at the end of July.

Boasting decades of industry experience working within series such as the British Touring Car Championship, V8 Supercars, and the A1 Grand Prix, Lawrence is ready to embrace his next venture.

“This is a very exciting opportunity,” he said. “I know it’s going to be a challenge, but I’m ready for it. Motorsport has been a huge thing spanning several generations in my family. It’s my passion, and I’m looking forward to returning to that environment.

“Martin and the team have brought Taupo International Motorsport Park up to an incredible standard in a remarkably short amount of time, and that has required a lot of hard work to produce a world-class facility that we can all be proud of.

“With the foundation now laid, the opportunity is there to build on these successes.

“Thank you to Tony, Josie, and the team for the opportunity. Some big events are coming up, so I’ll hit the ground running.”

While Collins is stepping down from GM, he will remain as a mentor and special projects manager for not only the park but the wider Quinn Group on a semi-retired basis.

“It’s been an amazing journey in terms of watching the place come to life,” he said. “It had great bones, but it just needed some lipstick and systems, and we’ve done that.

“It’s been an exciting journey, but it’s been very full on. The pace has been hot, and it has been since I started when Tony brought the venue. We haven’t stopped since then.

“Personally, it’s time to slow down and do some things for myself.

“The place is looking really good, and it’s got all it needs to succeed.

“Marc will fit in very well. He’s got an excellent background in the sport, and his personality should slot right in and see him do very well. There’s a lot to learn, but that’s why we’ve got a great team on the ground to support him. It’ll work out great.

“Thank you to Tony, Josie and the team for the opportunity and trust in bringing me on this journey with you.”

Under Collins’s management, Taupo International Motorsport Park has successfully hosted events, including Supercars, the Super Sprint MotorSport New Zealand Championship rounds, and the Taupo Historic Grand Prix, among others.

The calendar shows no signs of slowing down, with each set to return over the 2024/25 season.

“We are excited to welcome Marc and his family to our Taupo International Motorsport Park and Events Centre family,” said Chief Executive Officer Josie Spillane.

“There are many exciting opportunities on the horizon, and we look forward to taking those on with him as our new General Manager. Marty and the team have done an excellent job, and Marc now needs to take the reins and continue to grow the participation, enjoyment and use of the facilities. He’s got a great background in the sport, but just as importantly, he’s got the experience to grow the business.

“We are indebted to Martin for his efforts over the past two and a half years. What he has accomplished in that time frame is simply remarkable. All the works’ been done by him and the team in terms of the rejuvenation of the park, the safety, the procedures, the presentation, the culture – Marty hands it over in incredible shape.

“We’re delighted he remains ‘part of the family’ and the journey going forward.”

Simply put in very simple terms, Marty’s the Sausage and Marc’s the Sizzle. They are going to be a great sanger!