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Leadfoot returns in 2015

29 October, 2014

Leadfoot Festival is one of the country’s most anticipated motorsport events, and it only happens every second year. Hosted at Rod Millen’s iconic ranch in Hahei, the event is like no other. Rod’s driveway was designed with one purpose in mind only — driving as fast as is humanly possible.

It is this driveway that plays the part of racetrack for the event, winding its way through a section of the 60.7-hectare estate. If you’re not in the driver’s seat, it doesn’t particularly matter where you choose to view the racing from, as every spot has its own unique view.

As far as the driving talent is concerned, Rod personally selects each driver for the three-day competition, ensuring only the best get to compete and entertain. Leadfoot 2015 will see the launch of new areas and exciting activities. The newly built open-air amphitheatre will host a live concert on both Friday and Saturday nights.

Leadfoot Festival is a one-of-a-kind experience for all, featuring unparalleled access to the competitors, pits, and race cars. This is one event that we at NZPC look forward to every year, and with some of the most exciting cars and racing action on display, you don’t want to miss out.

Where else in New Zealand can you see this much motorsport history and prestige in one place, over one weekend? Tickets are now on sale, and you can find more info on leadfootfestival.com.

Lunch with… Jim Palmer

16 April, 2025

In the 1960s, Hamilton’s Jim Palmer won the prestigious ‘Gold Star’ four times and was the first resident New Zealander home in the New Zealand Grand Prix on five consecutive occasions. He shared the podium with Stirling Moss, Jack Brabham, Bruce McLaren, Graham Hill, Jim Clark, Denny Hulme, Jackie Stewart, and Chris Amon. The extent of his domination of the open-wheeler scene in New Zealand will probably never be matched or exceeded. Yet he’s always been modest about his achievements.

NZ Classic Car magazine, May/June 2025 issue 399, on sale now

13 April, 2025

Who would have thought it would become such a worldwide motorsport star when Ford introduced the humble Escort in 1967?
Its popularity, particularly in Mark 1 form, is now of iconic status. Our cover story for this issue is on a 1968 Ford Escort Mark 1, Alan Mann Racing Tribute. We talked with the owner of this very special Escort, finished in tribute also to the owner’s father.
“Most children love speed, and motorsport typically comes courtesy of a parent, and Elliott is no different. His engineer father, Mark, had a love for motorcycles and going fast; however, when children came along, he swapped two wheels for four, in the form of two Ford Escorts.
Little did Mark know it at the time, but the humble Escort was about to weave its way into the family fabric once and for all.
After emigrating from London to New Zealand, Elliott recalled one evening when he was 14 being invited to tag along by his father, helping a friend convert an Escort road car into a racing car. This was the pivotal moment when Elliott remembers the motorsport bug taking over. He knew he had to have his own one.”