Going Full Throttle for boy racers

A free event running this Labour Weekend is aiming to turn boy racers into the next Scott Dixon.

Full Throttle, an event started by Manukau City Council last year, has millions of dollars worth of cars on show and in action over the three days of Labour Weekend.

All types of classic, performance, show, old school, hot rod and drift cars will be at TelstraClear Pacific events centre over three days. There will be drifting demonstrations, soundoffs and motokhana where drivers put their skills to the test on grass and tarmac. Entertainment on one of the days will be provided by the Southside gig, part of the Manukau Festival of Arts (MFA) – starring Smashproof and Nesian Mystik.

Manukau City Council Transport Portfolio Leader David Collings says this year’s Full Throttle will have a strong focus on road safety.

“We’re trying to show that it is possible to have fun in cars in a controlled environment. People will be able to see some great action, with drivers putting their skills to the test in drifting demonstrations and motorkhanas.

“We’re behind car enthusiasts and their passion but to those illegally racing on our roads, we want them to know that kind of driving is not on”, says Mr Collings.

Manukau City Council Thriving Economy Portfolio Leader Arthur Anae says there will be a huge range of vehicles to check out at Full Throttle.

“Full Throttle will appeal to everyone in the family, not just keen motor fanatics. There’ll be live music and other performances to keep everyone entertained.

“Almost 10,000 people came to last year’s Full Throttle. This time it’s staged at the Telstra Clear Pacific events centre, giving us lots more room both indoors and outside for showing off cars, driving displays and entertainment.

“This is the opportunity for people all around the Auckland region to check out tens of millions worth of vehicles for free or very cheaply. We’ll be encouraging people to watch someone else do the driving and have a holiday at home this Labour Weekend”, says Cr Anae.

4 & Rotary will be hosting one of the Full Throttle days as a preview for their upcoming nationals. The Targa Rally is again starting in Manukau and giving people the chance to experience their cars, worth between $100,000 and $1 million each up close.

Saturday 24 October - 4 & Rotary Supershow
Celebrating the diversity of interest in contemporary performance cars. Motokhana, drifting demonstrations and sound offs. Show and shine of performance, show, drag, old school and drift cars with trophies and prizes up for grabs. Southside gig, featuring graf art, Smashproof, Nesian Mystik and other entertainment.

Sunday 25 October - Dunlop Targa Rally preview
Featuring the Targa Rally – known as the ‘ultimate road race'. See $25 million plus of Targa cars in action and up close before the rally start on Labour Day. Action-packed motorkana – where drivers put their skills to the test, and show and shine of some fantastic looking cars. Entertainment for the entire family.

Monday 26 October - Yester-Year Classic & Vintage
Featuring the start of the Targa Rally, which is celebrating its 15th anniversary. The day for vintage and classic vehicle enthusiasts to see a range of machines on show. Featuring hot rod’s, muscle cars, restored and collectors vehicles including military vehicles. Plus entertainment.

Find out more at www.manukau.govt.nz/fullthrottle.