There had been a question mark hanging over the high-octane event with the track not completed by yesterday afternoon, but organisers say that hurdle has been overcome.
"It's all sorted. The track is built and the gates are scheduled to open at 4pm," event spokesman Nathan Brown told the Otago Daily Times.
Earlier story
Assorted media gathered at the venue yesterday expecting to see competitors tearing up the track during a scheduled practice session.
The reality was somewhat different. The brightly coloured motorcycles were idle and their leather-clad riders leaning on the fence watching trucks track in and out with loads of dirt.
The track was still under construction. Wet weather had set preparations back about two days but, despite the hiccup, Williams maintained the event would go ahead come rain or shine.
"Look, it has been a bit of a setback for the track-building crew. But this is a hallowed turf and we want to do everything 100% correct to make sure the venue is left in pristine condition," Williams said.
"Fortunately, the sun is out and we've got a massive crew working to build this track. They will have it ready in time."
The track should have been finished in time for yesterday's press conference at 1.30pm, so there was still plenty to do when the Otago Daily Times spoke to Williams.
"The crew will work into the night and probably do a few finishing touches [this morning]."
The first bike is due on the track at 3pm for practice and qualifying and it will be 100% ready by then."
Poor weather is forecast for this morning but Williams said the event would go ahead "rain, hail or shine".
As far as safety was concerned, the riders would have to ride to the conditions, he said. But wet weather could level the field and provide some surprises.
American Josh Hansen has a handy lead in the series after a dominant performance during the fourth round of the championship at North Harbour Stadium in Auckland last weekend.
He won three of four races in the quad challenge final. New South Wales rider Jay Marmont was the only rider able to grab a race off him.
New Zealand supercross star Ben Townley fell during a heat and dislocated his hip. The 2004 world MX2 champion has had to withdraw from tonight's event.
Cody Cooper will take up the baton for New Zealand in Townley's absence.
"The depth of the field is unbelievable," Williams said.
"All the factory teams have got the best of the best."
While Hansen had been in impressive form, Marmont had been pressing hard and Williams said Hansen's 32-point buffer could disappear quickly if he was slightly off the pace.
"There are 50 points up for grabs this weekend so he definitely doesn't have an unassailable lead. You can have an accident one night and miss two or three races and then the championship is still alive."
