Star drifters light up at CRC Speedshow

Tuesday 7 June 2011

Left: Auckland’s Curt Whittaker in action

CRC Speedshow fans can enjoy an exciting new dimension at the upcoming 2011 event when some of New Zealand’s best drifters get behind the wheel to show off their talents in Speedshow’s live action arena.

Several champions from the D1NZ New Zealand national drifting championship and up-and-coming drift stars are set put the pedal to the metal when they light up the Ezybuy Car Auctions live action arena as part of the massive motorsport and auto extravaganza that is CRC Speedshow.

Keith Sharp, the show’s promoter, says: “This year’s CRC Speedshow runs at the ASB Showgrounds over the weekend of 23 and 24 July and the addition of the D1NZ stars and their high octane demonstration runs help take our live action to a new level.”

Sharp says the schedule for the Ezybuy Car Auctions live action arena includes the four-wheel-drive obstacle course demonstrations and the high speed Mini club motokhana timed runs alternating with the D1NZ drift stars.

“The four-wheel-drive obstacle course set up by the Counties Manukau 4Wheelers was hugely popular last year and, for a small fee, fans could ride along as the trucks tackled a tricky series of obstacles. The Minis are always fantastic to see in action and there’s no doubt the D1NZ drivers are going to be absolutely spectacular.”

Brendon White, D1NZ director, says he’s had a huge amount of interest from the drivers he’s talked to about putting on the special show at CRC Speedshow.

“We’ve been at Speedshow since its first year at the ASB Showgrounds and it really is a show with something for every age and type of car and bike fan.

“It’s exciting to bring our sport to the event this year and highlight the very real talents our drivers have. So far we have confirmed former D1NZ champions Carl Ruiterman, from Pukekohe, and Adam Richards, from New Plymouth, top ranked competitors Curt Whittaker (Auckland), Steven Sole (Waitara) and Jason Sellers (Waiuku) as well as two up-and-coming stars Auckland’s Gary Tenana and Hastings’ Mac Kwok. We’re hoping that Red Bull star Mad Mike Whiddett can also participate in the demos – he’s just confirming whether his famous Mazda RX8 will be back from the US in time. They are all drivers with long lists of credentials and will highlight a variety of cars powered by V8s, V6s and Japanese engines.”

White is also running the inaugural D1NZ motorsport development seminar at CRC Speedshow.

“The idea is to help our competitors expand their knowledge on a range of professional aspects of motorsport with this one-day seminar which runs on the Saturday of Speedshow,” says White.

“First up will be one of New Zealand’s most successful drifters – our very own Mad Mike Whiddett. We’re also delighted to have two of New Zealand’s most professional and highly-regarded drivers speak to our group. From the circuit racing side, we have three-time NZV8 champion John McIntyre, from Nelson, and on the rallying side, we have Dunedin’s Emma Gilmour.”

White continues: “Jayne McEwan, marketing manager of Castrol NZ, provides a sponsor’s perspective and Dave Hedge, owner and producer of Volt TV which produces television packages for the NZV8s, the New Zealand Rally Championship, D1NZ and The Dirt from Western Springs Speedway, discusses what makes good television. We’re also delighted to welcome the New Zealand Herald’s motorsport correspondent Eric Thompson to provide some feedback on what the media are looking for from competitors.”

White also has a sports nutritionist and team managers scheduled to speak to attendees. He can be reached via email, moc.zn1dnull@nodnerb, for further information about the one day seminar.

Sharp concludes: “The 2011 CRC Speedshow also features a Lotus Renault GP F1 car, Kiwi V8 racing star Shane Van Gisbergen and one of his SP Tools Falcon V8 Supercars, as well as our traditionally fantastic line-up of new, cool and classic cars and motorcycles, exciting competitions, and Speedshow-only specials There is truly something for every kind of car or bike fan when the doors to CRC Speedshow open at 9am on Saturday 23 July.”

Tickets to CRC Speedshow are available at the gate with an adult day pass priced at $18.50, children aged 10 to 15 years $10 each, and children under 10 years of age free. A family pass offers great value at $48 for two adults and up to three children.