infonews.co.nz
INDEX
MOTORING

Queenstown Auto Extravaganza returns to the Wakatipu

Friday 3 December 2010, 9:20AM

By Southern Public Relations

805 views

The Queenstown Auto Extravaganza Organising Committee (from L-R) Miles Wilson, Michael Sly, Kevin van de Water, Jeff Williams and Deborah Coburn
The Queenstown Auto Extravaganza Organising Committee (from L-R) Miles Wilson, Michael Sly, Kevin van de Water, Jeff Williams and Deborah Coburn Credit: Southern Public Relations

QUEENSTOWN

Queenstown Auto Extravaganza rolls into the Wakatipu from February 25 – 27, 2011 showcasing New Zealand’s finest collection of classic, motorsports and performance cars to help raise money for the Prostate Cancer Foundation.  

Car enthusiasts from everywhere are invited to revel among a fleet of 350 masterpieces including the cream of competition cars representing New Zealand’s motor-racing history and a wide range of collector’s cars from across the country.  

The biennial Extravaganza, which launched in 2009 and successfully raised $30,000 for funding prostate cancer research, will be again hosted at the Queenstown Event Centre.

Activities on the three-day programme include a 200-strong Evening Car Cruise, Queenstown’s first invite only ‘Salon of Style’, an indoor motor racing car exhibition and outdoor public car show, Blues Party Night and an ‘Eighth Mile’ car sprint.

Cars confirmed for the event include the very latest and Australasia’s only Morgan Aero Supersports car, while some of the golden oldies include the very rare Tatra 603 and Stutz BB Blackhawk 1928.

Queenstown Auto Extravaganza is organized and run by a volunteer committee consisting of Queenstown car enthusiasts Miles Wilson, Deborah Coburn, Michael Sly, Kevin van de Water, Jeff Williams, Lewis Gdanitz, Stuart Maclean, Sharon Burns and Karelan Doran. 

Chairman Miles Wilson said the event brings “exceptional examples of machinery to an unrivalled scenic destination” for a significant charity fundraising and awareness event.

“There is no other event like the Queenstown Auto Extravaganza in New Zealand, he said. It is an action-packed weekend designed specially to raise money for the Prostate Cancer Foundation and is an absolute must-see and do event for all car clubs, car lovers and show car owners.  This event is host to an outstanding collection of classic, competition and elite cars all in one place.

“Many of the latest performance cars will be on display for the first time and are so special that they simply cannot be road-driven. Notwithstanding that there will be a wealth of opportunities for enthusiasts to experience the best in classic and performance motor cars.

“We also offer a warm welcome to all those cars that people would like to add to the public display.  We have room for around 300 cars and look forward to people contributing to the cars on show.”

The three-day Extravaganza begins on Friday February 25 with an Evening Car Cruise travelling in convoy through the Wakatipu to a spectacular mystery destination.

On Saturday February 26, Queenstown’s first ‘Salon of Style,’ takes place indoors at Queenstown Events Centre, exhibiting cars of style that span the era of motoring, alongside a NZ motor racing exhibition. Outside hundreds more beautiful cars from all ages and styles will encircle the Queenstown Events Centre cricket grounds for the ‘What’s in your garage?’ car show where public can display their favourite wheels.

Australian band Mike Frost and the Icemen perform a Blues Party Night at Queenstown Memorial Hall on Saturday evening.

Finally, for the weekend’s grand finale on Sunday February 27 the biggest and fastest cars from the weekend will start their engines on the spectator-lined Domain Road in Dalefield for the Eighth Mile Sprint (resource consent pending).

There will be trade displays and plenty of social opportunities at the Expo, all to help raise awareness and money for the Prostate Cancer Foundation.

“This is an opportunity for car enthusiasts from all over New Zealand to roll out their cherished cars for a summer weekend of fun and activities,” said Mr Wilson.  

Registration is now open.  To register for ‘What’s in your garage?’ at Queenstown Events Centre please visit www.queenstowncarshow.co.nz/register/.  All cars and categories are welcome.  Registration deadline for those interested is 31 January 2011.

Ticket sales will go online on Friday 10 December. To buy tickets for each of the Queenstown Auto Extravaganza events or to buy a Gold Pass to the whole event please visit www.queenstowncarshow.co.nz/tickets/