Construction of a synthetic track at Awapuni is due to begin in October. Race is also part of a venture to turn 24 hectares of land on Te Wanaka Rd, to the south-west of Palmerston North, into residential development Kikiwhenua. Robertson said he was about to turn 65 and had been working up to 60-70 hours a week, which wasn’t sustainable. “When I arrived we were $11 million in debt. [Now], we are technically debt free. “The business is now set up to be the second-most wealthiest club in the country [after Ellerslie] in the next two to three years.” Robertson said he was proud of his work turning around the finances of Race, an incorporated society.