New Zealand Festival of Motor Racing - Dig out your pin stripes and minis

The first ever New Zealand Festival of Motor Racing could turn out to be one of the biggest collections of people in period dress since the 1960s themselves if organisers plans work out!

Tailored suits and mini-skirts could be the order of the day as ticket holders for the events - which take place on January 22nd-24th at Hampton Downs and January 29th-31st at Pukekohe - are being encouraged to dress in 1960s costume to add to the effect of the 'period' event. This year's debut event will - appropriately - celebrate the life and achievements of Bruce McLaren and Festival of Motor Racing organisers are hoping to make it an annual fixture.

"It's hard to believe that it's 40 years since the Swinging Sixties came to an end and we're all that much older - but the legacy and spirit remains, as do the memories of the motor sport events and people who fashioned the essence of this unique era," explained Festival of Motor Racing organiser Jim Barclay.

"We hope that everyone that is planning to attend will get into the spirit of the event and dress as best as they can in appropriate clothes that would represent the sixties when Bruce was in his prime and his machinery was setting new standards in international motor sport."

"In an amazing period for society as well as for motor racing people in television, film, rock music, pop music, fashion, design, and models, hair dressers, make-up artists, writers, decorators and copy writers became the new socially elite. The young, ambitious and revolutionary were the new heroes and heroines - and racing drivers were a major part of that group."

With ten different race classes running at the New Zealand Festival, and with some great cars running in each of those classes, it is difficult to pick which class will appeal most – but there is certainly something for everyone in the huge field of entries. The event has captured the imagination of historic racing drivers and enthusiasts all over the world, with many cars being shipped from places like the UK and USA to take part in the historic event. Cars totalling an estimated value of NZ$50 million look certain to attend and most have impressive and significant 'history'.

One of the classes running on Sunday January 24th at Hampton Downs will carry the title of Tasman Grand Prix – and the entry list of cars in this class is simply outstanding. There will be no fewer than six McLaren cars, including two F1 cars and the owners of three other historic McLaren racers are working overtime to make sure they are also on the starting grid. A large percentage of the cars have not been seen on any New Zealand track previously, and a few are making reappearance after many years elsewhere.