KEY POINTS:
The inaugural Hamilton 400 festivities were launched by Hamilton Mayor Bob Simcock on Thursday evening at the Hamilton Mark Porter Memorial Dinner.
The black-tie gala event's guest list included members of Parliament, V8 Supercars Australia management and drivers Greg Murphy, Jason Richards, Shane Van Gisbergen, Kayne Scott, Steven Richards, Fabian Coulthard, Paul Morris, Russell Ingall and James Courtney. This was especially fitting as the dinner honoured the memory of a much loved local V8 driver, Mark Porter. John Campbell played MC and an auction raised funds for Hospice's paediatric service Rainbow Place, which is devoted to caring for children and their families.
High point: The auction items, which included a framed Tiger Woods-signed glove and balls and a flight simulator donated by Mike Pero.
Low point: That Auckland lost this most profile-raising of events and the Ellerslie Flower Show in a matter of months - what has it got left?
Let us know about your event at flash@nzherald.co.nz
