The 2015 CRC Speedshow looks set to continue the event’s reputation of one-upping itself on an annual basis. Staged over the weekend of July 18–19, the show will see almost every faction and thread of motoring culture come together, all in the one location — Auckland’s ASB Showgrounds. If you’re still to be convinced, here are 10 reasons to flag all of your other unimportant weekend plans and go.
10. Project Giddy-Up
Throughout 2015, the lads and ladettes at Speedshow have been giving this Mustang a comprehensive makeover. The car started life as a typical rough-around-the-edges 2007 Ford Mustang GT — its black racing stripes writing cheques that its performance couldn’t cash. But now it has been transformed into the ‘ultimate street Mustang’, and it will be revealed for the first time to the public at the show. Check out the teaser snaps they’ve posted online below, to get a taste of what the beast has become.
“Best laid plans” is possibly the best way to describe our Project Giddy-Up Mustang the week leading up to CRC…
Posted by Projectgiddyup on Monday, 13 July 2015
9. Giveaways
If the Global Financial Crisis taught us anything at all, it’s to savour free stuff when it’s thrown at you. But Speedshow isn’t limited to the goodie bag at the front gate — once you get inside be prepared to be bombarded with sales people trying to make you sign endless lists of dotted lines. But don’t panic, they’re only trying to give you the best opportunity to win freebies — I swear. There are hot laps, sponsor products, and countless other giveaways on tap all weekend.
8. The Classic Cover Insurance Classic Show
If last year was anything to go by, the Classic Cover Insurance Classic Show will be exceptional. It’s the variety and the presentation that we love most as major cars from almost every major marque are represented. It’s also usually nice and quiet, which can be a golden commodity to some at big events like these.
7. Information
Yeah, I know, the notion of ‘learning’ is a very difficult sell — particularly in an age where most people try to use their weekends specifically as an excuse to unplug their brain from their body. But those who employ such tactics at Speedshow will miss out, as everywhere you look, there is valuable advice and information. Be it from stallholders, experts in attendence, or the very helpful seminars that are scheduled throughout the weekend that will be covering various topics including airbrushing and motorsport.
6. The girls!
No, no, no, I’m not talking about the ones in lycra trying to sell you stuff (though they’re a deserving honorary mention). I’m talking about the ones who comprise the Women in Motorsport celebration. Women occupy a high percentage of the force behind New Zealand motorsport, whether it’s competitors like D1NZ’s Jodie Verhulst, world-class mechanics like Frances Buckley, or organizers like Deborah Day from The Motorsport Club. It’s great to see some of the unsung names from the sport taking centre stage, doing what they can to lead and inspire the next generation. And that’s before we even get to the American cameo …
5. Jessi Combs
She’s a land-speed record holder, having travelled the surface of this earth at 708kph (440.709mph). She’s one of the world’s leading fabricators, her work witnessed by millions thanks to her appearances on television shows such as Mythbusters. She races, snagging a podium at the Baja 1000 in 2010, among other racing achievements. In the realm of motoring, there’s nothing she can’t do. NZV8 magazine featured the American super star earlier this month in Issue No. 123, which is on sale right now in book stores, as well as online at giveamag.co.nz.
4. The Teng Tools Grand National Rod & Custom Show
New Zealand’s rod and custom scene is one of the best in the world, and that’s no more apparent than when you slowly amble through the massive hall dedicated to the Teng Tools Grand National Rod & Custom Show. It’s always great to be a fly on the wall in the rod and custom area, to see and hear all the jaws drop as people make their entrance. There are some incredible pieces of kit here, many that have graced the pages of NZV8 magazine. Among those to field pristine machinery this year is Matamata Panelworks. While it’s still covered up in an inconvenient red frock, we’ve seen it, and we can tell you that it’s every bit as good as their show-stopping Ford Mustang from last year’s show …
3. Hayden Paddon will be there
Photo: Vettas Media
You would be hard pressed to find hotter property in New Zealand motorsport right now than Hayden Paddon. After a number of breakout performances in this year’s World Rally Championship (WRC), including a second-place finish at Rally Italy, Paddon sits eighth in the overall standings. Several signing sessions are scattered throughout the show, so there will be ample opportunity for you to grab an autograph, and maybe a quick chat about what lies ahead for the flying Kiwi.
2. There’s something for everyone
Some may dismiss this as a simple token reference that everyone makes every time an event as big as Speedshow rolls around. But it’s true; there is genuinely something for everyone. Enjoy live action? Great, the arena has live entertainment both days. Prefer supercars and sports cars? Wonderful, Continental Cars, Giltrap Group, and Lotus Auckland should have you covered. Don’t like cars at all? Awesome, there’s a Danish ice cream stand near the front door with your name on it.
1. The Right Karts Celebrity Karting Challenge
Now, we’re not talking about the brand of ‘celebrity’ that populates the violently awful reality TV shows we ignore seemingly every weeknight. Nope, we’re talking about actual celebrities, in the form of race drivers. Last year’s karting challenge ended with what was genuinely one of the most dramatic races ever witnessed — V8 Supercar driver Fabian Coulthard held off and beaten by one of the most unlikely names imaginable, former D1NZ champion ‘Fanga Dan’ Woolhouse. Fanga has returned to try and defend his crown, but he will have a fight on his hands with V8 Supercar drivers David Reynolds, Dale Wood, and Andre Heimgartner; former Bathurst 1000 champion Greg Murphy; and the WRC’s Hayden Paddon among the star-studded list aiming to take him down. It’s great fun, and a fantastic introduction to what makes circuit racing such a thrill.
The reasons don’t end at 10, of course. There are many other compelling events, displays, halls, and cars that are worth the price of admission. We trust that we’ll see you there!
