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.

The originals – the Ledgerwood Collection

Thanks to Central Otago’s dry climate, it’s no surprise to find that Wanaka couple Jim and Daphne Ledgerwood are steadily developing an incredible collection of amazing coupes. ‘The Originals’ they have are as per factory new condition, and their aim is to keep them for everyone to see how it was done back in the day—pure nostalgia.
An occasional email from Jim usually reveals another gleaming addition. The collectors also have an impressive display of American pickups. It’s our gain and US enthusiasts’ loss, as car agent’s adverts proclaim, “Sorry you missed out. Gone to New Zealand!” Some of Jim and Daphne’s cars are almost part of the family, hence their nicknames.

To finish first, first, you must build a winner

Can-Am royalty
Only three M20s were built, including the car that was destroyed at Road Atlanta. This car was later rebuilt. All three cars were sold at the end of the 1972 season. One of the cars would score another Can-Am victory in 1974, driven by a privateer, but the M20’s day was done. Can-Am racing faded away at the end of that season and was replaced by Formula 5000.
These days the cars are valued in the millions. It was unlikely that I would ever have seen one in the flesh if it hadn’t been that one day my editor asked me if I would mind popping over to Taranaki and having a look at a pretty McLaren M20 that somebody had built in their shed.
That is how I came to be standing by the car owned and built by truck driver Leon Macdonald.