All-star line up for Queenstown Auto Extravaganza

As the cream of New Zealand’s most sought-after cars begin making their way to the 2011 Queenstown Auto Extravaganza (Friday 25 – Sunday 27 February), organisers have announced the ‘stars’ in its hotly anticipated line up.

A mind-blowing collection of 400 racing, street, classic, supercars and ‘cars of style’ will be driven or specially transported into the region for the three-day biennial event, which aims to raise funds for the Prostate Cancer Foundation. Among thousands of auto-enthusiasts expected to take part is racing pro Jonny Reid.

Queenstown Auto Extravaganza Chairman Miles Wilson said excitement was building as more stunning cars arrived daily and supporters and sponsors rallied around in preparation for the weekend.

“Cars have been coming in thick and fast and each seems to come with an incredible story*,” he said. “The indoor Vincent Holdings ‘Salon of Style’ (Saturday 26) and NZ Motor Racing exhibition alone lists an 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB, 2009 James Bond Aston Martin DBS Volante, 1957 Mercedes 300SL, 2007 8c Competizione Alfa Romeo Super Car and a brand new 2011 Mercedes Benz SLS Gull wing.

“Famous historical race cars include the McLaren Elva M1B, PDL Mustang 1 and a 2003 Dodge Charger Kasey Kahne Nascar among some 30 motorsport cars for its event.

“The Rilean ‘What’s in you Garage?’ public car show (Saturday 26) has drawn in beauties from around the country such as a 1973 Jaguar E-Type, 1923 Ford T-Bucket and a 1960 Corvette fuel-injected Convertible.

“The range of models is just fascinating, covering a broad spectrum of cars across the motoring era. There are some real specialty pieces in the line-up, from hand-crafted hot rods to totally un-roadworthy ‘supercars.”

Former New Zealand Grand Prix winner and Formula Ford Champion Jonny Reid will attend the event as a guest speaker and ambassador for the Prostate Cancer Foundation. He will drive a Porsche GT3 race car in timed sprints against the clock for Sunday’s (27 February) QT Rides’ Eighth Mile Sprint, taking place in Dalefield. Racing against him will be the 2007 8c Competizione Alfa Romeo Super Car, a Race stock 2010 Ford Focus RS 500, 2005 Ford GT Super Car and the McLaren Elva M1B among dozens of others.

“There’s probably no greater ride of your life than burning through the picturesque Queenstown Lakes against the clock,” said Mr Wilson. “The Eight Mile delivers just that, marking a fantastic finale to the weekend and promising spectators a ‘front row’ assault on all the senses as cars launch off the line with screeching tyres and roaring engines.

Queenstown Auto Extravaganza activities start on Friday 25 February with a 200-strong Evening Car Cruise to a mystery photographic location. On Saturday 26 the Rilean “What’s in your Garage?” outdoor public car show takes place alongside Queenstown’s first indoor Vincent Holdings ‘Salon of Style’ NZ Motor racing exhibition at the Queenstown Events Centre. On Saturday night the Solid Gold FM Blues Party Night is followed on Sunday 27 with the QT Rides ‘Eighth Mile’ Car Sprint, racing some of the biggest and fastest cars from the show.

Those wanting to participate in the QT Rides Eighth Mile car sprint will need to register their car before the event and require a race approved helmet and road registered and warranted car for the timed sprint. Arrival time is 7.30am at the Speargrass Flat Rd / Littles Rd intersection for registration. Cost to take part is $50.

Those wanting to register a car in the Rilean “What’s in your Garage?” outdoor public car show can apply online at www.queenstowncarshow.co.nz. All cars and categories are welcome, as well as motorbikes. Cost to display a vehicle is free.

To buy tickets for any of the Queenstown Auto Extravaganza events or a Gold Pass to the whole event please visit www.queenstowncarshow.co.nz/tickets/.

*Notes to the editor:

• The PDL Mustang 1 featured at the Vincent Holdings Salon of Style event is New Zealand’s most famous racing Mustang. Brought to New Zealand in 1970, the car was campaigned in several colours by Paul Fahey, Graham Baker, and most successfully by Leo Leonard.
• A 2003 Dodge Charger Kasey Kahne Nascar that raced in the Daytona 500.
• The Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione to feature in the Vincent Holdings Salon of Style is believed to be the only road legal car of its kind in Australasia.
• The owner of the Mclaren Elva M1B, to be featured in the Vincent Holdings Salon of Style, has been fully restored after a previous owner found it in pieces and for sale in the USA in 1987. He says he still doesn’t know the car’s top speed as the car has no speedometer, but believes he hasn’t reached it.
• The Aston Martin DBS Volante, a Bond favourite, is owned by Queenstown-based businessman Michael Hill.
• The Ferrari 275 GTB is considered by many to be in the top three Ferraris of all time. This particular model was first delivered in Italy and spent time in the USA and Switzerland before arriving in NZ in 2004.

Information on the 1/8th mile sprint:

• Car Entries: $50 - Contact Andrew Campbell (carcollector@slingshot.co.nz or 0294 352 050). Pre-registering is essential.
• The 1/8th Mile Sprint will feature some of the biggest and fastest cars from the show. The professionally run event will consist of timed racing along a spectator-lined Wakatipu rural sealed road.
• Stadium seating will be available on a ‘first come first served’ basis.
• Important information:
• All cars must have current rego and WOF, be operated on DOT approved street tyres, minimum of 2 throttle return springs and 600mm radiator overflow catch can.
• All open cars must have a minimum of 3 point roll cage and the driver is required to wear a SFI approved neck brace and helmet. All cars running faster than 8.5 seconds will need to comply with more stringent safety specifications. Drivers must have crash helmet and clean overalls with solid footwear.