The CRC Speedshow came back to
Auckland under new ownership. Organiser Ross Prevette embarked on driving
the show into a successful future. Speedshow is still
one of those conventions confused about its purpose. The event is still at
cross-roads between adolescence and adult-hood. However, the record 30,000 fans
had a different view. They came to look at the cars, bikes, outdoor arena
action and everything in between. I decided to head along knowing that there
would be a plethora of interesting people from different backgrounds to talk
to.
Upon arrival I was confronted by
an illustrious layout of cars starting with every model of Porsche 911 to celebrate 50 years of the iconic model, 100 year’s worth of Aston Martin marques such as: the DB5, AM V8, Virage
and the all new carbon fibre Vanquish. It reminded me of attending combined
birthday party’s growing up. Lamborghini was celebrating 50 years too! Their
line-up included the 400 GT, the Miura, Countach, Diablo, Murcielago, Gallardo
and Aventador. General Manager of Independent Prestige, Greg Brinck presented
the display saying that “the Giltrap name has been put aside for the weekend and
this is about Lamborghini turning 50. We are lucky that this display features 100
per cent local cars”.
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| Legends of Speed |
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| Tony Quinn's Mclaren MP4-12C GT3 |
Tony Quinn of VIP Pet Foods and owner/developer
of the new Highlands Motorsport Park made an appearance at the show. I was
lucky enough to have a long conversation about the recent development of the
track in Queenstown. The candid feedback from Tony was that the Speedshow was “Pretty
Cool” and he was "particularly impressed by the Hot Rod display". Quinn could not contain his praise for
V8 Supercar and V8 Supertourer driver Shane Van Gisbergen. Tony said, “Shane is the most polite young man I have ever met, and is an absolute full
credit to his family”. Tony is “over-the-moon” with the new team and with its
success in the V8 Supercar Championship.
V8 Supertourers, along with
arched rivals NZV8 made an appearance. Tension was running high between the two V8 franchises with NZV8 firing up one of their cars directly after a public announcement
about the SuperTourers. Ant Pedersen, who is currently second in the
championship, had his car on display and the franchise was promoting its next
race weekend taking place at Taupo on the 31st of August. I would
have accepted the free family pass, but I don’t have any children…that I know
of. Marketing and Event Executive Siobhan Page, confidently fronted the works
stand to promote the growing New Zealand Motorsport Franchise. Page
added that “Speedshow was an opportunity to promote the young series to fans
and the free family pass allows those with interest in the series to get a
taste without the ticket price. People give so much to the Motorsport community
and V8 Supertourers want to give back”.
‘Legends of Speed’ were the organiser's firepower for the show. They showcased 17 selected vehicles to
represent each motor racing legend. Among them, Reece Fishes top fuel dragster
that boasts 8,000 horsepower. The purpose of the legends of speed was to
recognise the achievements of all the household kiwi names that have succeeded
on the world stage. Ross Prevette recognises that people will have their own
ideas of who they regard as legends. “But, as a motorsport fan from way-back
myself, the exploits of Possum Bourne, Rod Millen and Paul Radisich have
literally made these men household names”.
Beacham Jaguar made an inaugural
appearance at the show fronted by Managing Director, Alexander Beacham. The new
Jaguar XJ, XF Sportbrake and 2013 Range Rover made up the minimalist but effective stand. When asked about the arrival of the
new Jaguar F-Type to the independent dealer’s showroom, Beacham gave a short
answer of “3 weeks” which is understood to be ahead of Jaguar New Zealand’s
first batch of customer orders.
The weekend was not without its
hurdles. Organisers cancelled the D1NZ drifting in the outdoor arena on Sunday
as a result of heavy fines by Auckland Council due to excessive noise and smoke
levels. Greg Murphy’s body language said it all when he staggered out of his
Go-Kart and keeled over. Murphy reportedly walked away with a couple of broken
ribs compliments of the bumpy surface on the outdoor arena.
I pay full compliments to Ross and Brenda Prevette who brought the Speedshow into 2013. The predecessor owner had the intention of cramming every exhibitor and his dog into the venue. The feasible direction intended by new management payed off. My advice: don't miss next year's show scheduled for 19 and 20 July.
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| Beacham Stand |
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| Aston Martin DB5 @ 100 Years of Aston Martin |
