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With just over a month to go until New Zealand's first dedicated motorsport expo, organiser and Auckland-based race driver and driver training expert Keith Sharp is getting excited about the wide range of cars which will beon display.
"For motorsport enthusiasts and me, it's going to be a real thrill walking into the Pacific Events Centre in Manukau and seeing all these fantastic cars," said Sharp.
Those who are into classic or historic racing cars will undoubtedly enjoy seeing the McLaren M22 on show at the McLaren Trust's site. One of the key people in the new Hampton Downs racing circuit, Tony Roberts, has bought the 1972 M22 F5000 race car from an American collector with the intention of racing it in New Zealand.
On the other extreme, a 1000-horsepower street-legal Holden ute will feature in a special street machine exhibit. Owner Ross Misson takes the stunning white ute to shows all over New Zealand and Australia.
"It's a one-of-a-kind proven show winner with over 40 trophies to prove it," says Misson. The intercooled V8 produces just over 1000-horsepower at the flywheel and delivers over 890 horsepower at the rear wheels.
Other interesting cars for fans to see include an ex-Ian Algie 5.0-litre Alfetta that hasn't been seen in public for 20 years, according to Matamata-based owner Gordon Burr, who has just completed its restoration. There is also on show a Brabham BT29 being exhibited by owner Warwick Mortimer.
"Alongside these fascinating vehicles, we have a wide range of companies exhibiting at Speedshow," says Sharp.
Racing apparel, performance enhancement specialists, race tyres, race karts ... you name it, if they're associated with motorsport, they'll be at Speedshow.
Many of New Zealand's best-known race teams will also make their presence known at Speedshow with Sharp having recently confirmed participation from A1GP TeamNZL, David Taylor's Motorsport Services Porsche GT3/BMW Mini Team, GT Racing with their star NZV8 driver Dean Perkins, drift championship organisers D1NZ and Team Kiwi Racing.
Subaru will be represented by top rally driver Emma Gilmour, while Mitsubishi exhibitors include Ralliart and one of the youngest rally drivers in New Zealand, 15-year-old Sloan Cox, who will have his Mitsubishi EVO 8 on display. Another young competitor, 15-year-old Mini Challenge front runner Richard Moore, will present his Scutum-sponsored car.
So whether you're into speedway, rally, off-road, karts, drifting or circuit racing, come along to Speedshow at the TelstraClear Pacific Events Centre, September 22-23.
There's sure to be something to get your pulse racing. And keep an eye on the website www.speedshow.co.nz for up-to-the-minute news on the many displays.
