First motorsport expo to thrill devotees of speed

5:00AM Saturday September 22, 2007
By Eric Thompson

This Laredo Jeep will be on display at the US Procurements stand.

With New Zealand's rich history in all forms of motorsport, and the current crop of rising stars stamping their mark on tracks all around the world, you would have thought there would be an annual exhibition for the sport and associated businesses. But no.

This weekend that will change when the first New Zealand Speed-sport show opens at the TelstraClear Pacific events centre in south Auckland. After a year in the planning, event organiser Keith Sharp's vision is about to become reality.

"I've been involved in motorsport for years and years and have always been passionate about it," said Sharp. "I've always thought it's been a crying shame that we've never had our own motorsport expo in this country.

"If you love motor racing, whether it's drifting, rallying, off-roading or circuit racing in a thundering V8 or single seater, then the expo will have something for you. There are some great cars on show, popular race-drivers and a whole range of racing and performance parts and equipment to buy," says Sharp, who ran his own Ford Racing Experience business providing hot laps among other things.

Over 100 exhibitors will be at the show. Many of New Zealand's best-known race teams such as A1GP TeamNZL, David Taylor's Motorsport Services Porsche GT3/BMW Mini Team, GT Racing with NZV8 driver Dean Perkins, plus former V8 champion Andy Booth and his Tasman Motorsport Holden, Team Kiwi Racing and drift championship organisers D1NZ will be there.

Subaru rally driver Emma Gilmour, Mini Challenge front-runner Richard Moore will be there. One of the youngest rally drivers in New Zealand, 15-year-old Sloan Cox, will have his Mitsubishi EVO 8 on display.

Those with a passion for classic or historic racing cars will enjoy seeking out the McLaren M22 at the McLaren Trust's site. One of the key people in the new Hampton Downs racing circuit, Tony Roberts, has bought the 1972 M22 F5000 race car from an American collector with the intention of racing it in New Zealand.

At the other end of the scale, a 1000-horsepower street-legal Holden ute will feature in a special street machine exhibit. Owner Ross Misson takes the ute to shows all over New Zealand and Australia. The intercooled V8 produces just over 1000hp at the flywheel and delivers more than 890hp at the rear wheels.

"It's a one-of-a-kind proven show winner with over 40 trophies to prove it," says Misson.

Another interesting car is an ex-Ian Algie 5.0-litre Alfetta that hasn't been seen in public for 20 years, and a Brabham BT29, regarded as one of the best examples of its kind in the world.

"It's going to be a real thrill walking into the centre and seeing all these fantastic cars," said Sharp.

"My goal is to showcase all forms of motorsport in New Zealand and [looking at the response] ... I've booked the ASB Showgrounds for ... next year."

The expo is aimed at the public, some of whom may never have been to Pukekohe, or Manfeild, or Taupo.

First ever speedshow delights racing fans

There was something of interest for all motor sport fans at the inaugural Speedshow held at Telstra Clear Event Centre on the weekend of September 22/23.
Organised by Keith Sharp, the aim of the Speedshow was to create a showcase of the many classes of Motorsport enjoyed by New Zealanders, including circuit, rally, open wheeler, saloon, dragster, and more. It also allowed automotive parts, service and accessory suppliers to display their latest and greatest products.
Other specialist attractions included motor sport simulators, where wannabe racers of all ages could hone their skills, and the Team Kiwi Racing V8 Super car team were also in attendance with their Ford Falcon shadow car, which looks like the real thing.
Young Auckland driver Shane Van Gisbergen who has a contract with Ford V8 super car team Stone Brothers Racing, will cut his teeth in the TKR Falcon this season and was on hand at the Telstra Clear Event Centre signing autographs for the faithful blue oval fans.
The forthcoming New Zealand Motorsport summer series was represented by the Porsche GT3 Cup car displayed by International Motorsport and the GT Radials NZV8 Falcon, as well as the Tasman Motorsport Commodore V8 and the Motorsport Services Team with their shiny black Porsche GT3 and MINI Challenge cars.
Grass roots motor sport was represented by the Strong Brothers Honda Civic which was prepared and built by MIT race engineering students. NZV8 racer Paul Manuell had his specially built Holden Commodore Targa car on display, and there were plenty of other large and shiny V8 engines for people to admire.
There were also plenty of Classic cars to be admired, as well as plenty of lowered Japanese four-cylinder turbocharged and rotary road rockets. Special mention must be made of the stunning looking orange Hulme Supercar which was quietly tucked into a corner, as was a Lamborghini Gallardo and a Ferrari, in red of course! 
Some of the paintjobs had to be seen to be believed which shows that the Kiwi love affair with car modifications is far from over.
If it was particularly large, loud, and shiny, it was on display and that wasn’t just the cars themselves. There were automotive parts and accessories suppliers displaying their wares in abundance. From exhaust systems to rebuilt carburettors, as well as car seat covers, car care products, racing helmets and clothing, paint protection film, in-car electronics, and oil and lubrication products. www.speedshow.co.nz.