Dozens of race drivers from across the South Island set to delight motoring enthusiasts at January’s Highlands Festival of Speed.
An incredible variety of classic race cars from across Central Otago, Southland, Otago, Canterbury and as far afield as Nelson are competing in Highlands’ annual celebration of New Zealand motorsport.
Car aficionados of all descriptions have classics by the dozen to savour, including a Fiat Arbath, a Lotus Elan, several Mini Coopers, Jaguars and Ford Escorts – and that’s just in the classic saloon car races.
“The vintage class has some incredible cars from the 1950s including the famed Lycoming Special, a Mistral, an Ace and a Chevrolet sprint car,” says Highlands’ general manager Mike Sentch.
“Among the big field of modern classics entered, fans can enjoy spirited racing from Datsuns and Nissans across the years, Commodores and Rovers, Capris and Mazdas and the odd Porsche for good measure.
“It’s an honour and a pleasure to see the cars’ owners racing their precious and often very valuable classic and vintage cars with passion and commitment. They represent everything we love about classic racing.”
The popular ENZED Central Muscle Cars travel south for what is now an annual fixture at Highlands, with a field of at least 30 expected to compete over the two-day event. The muscle cars are supported by the evergreen Pre 65 category as well as Highlands’ own modern and nostalgic classics, and historic saloons and single-seater classes.
This year’s Highlands Festival of Speed features fantastic kids’ activities, great food and refreshment stalls and free grid and pitlane walks. Highlands also lays on free buses to and from Cromwell as well as the Highlands bus which takes spectators around the circuit to the different viewing areas and the popular Jurassic safari park and adventure playground. The Festival of Speed vehicle show stars treasured cars, motorcycles, boats and caravans from across the eras.
“The Highlands Festival of Speed is old school racing at its best, all set at New Zealand’s finest motorsport facility – Highlands Motorsport Park!” Sentch says. “Get your tickets now to enjoy a great day out with family and friends.”
Tickets for the Highlands Festival of Speed are now on sale from TicketDirect.co.nz or from the Highlands’ museum office. Pre-event ticket prices are $45 per adult for Saturday or Sunday, or $70 for a weekend pass. Children under 16 years of age are free accompanied by a paying adult.
