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.

Travelling companion

It’s easy to see why the Morris Minor Traveller was one of the best-loved variants of the Morris Minor. Introduced in 1953, it was equipped with the same independent torsion bar front suspension, drum brakes, and rack and pinion steering as its saloon sibling but, with their foldable rear seat increasing versatility, many Travellers were used as trade vehicles, says Derek Goddard. Derek and Gail Goddard, the owners of this superbly restored example, have run Morris Minors since before they were married in 1974.
“Our honeymoon vehicle was a blue Morris Minor van — it was a rust bucket,” says Derek.

Super Leicht Gullwing

It’s fair to say that nothing much in the classic Mercedes world gets past Mercedes-Benz Club stalwart Garry Boyce so it wasn’t surprising to learn that around 15 years ago he had sniffed out an extremely rare 300SL lightweight Gullwing as well as a 1958 300SL Roadster hiding away in the Waikato. The cars were not for sale but Garry eventually managed to persuade the owner to allow him and his restoration team to take a look at the Roadster. They discovered a very distressed but largely unmolested car. The car was so original that the body had never been off the chassis, meaning most of the parts and fittings were still present and correct, as they had been fitted by the factory.