Despite the terrible weather in Auckland this morning, the CRC Speedshow had a stellar first day at the ASB Showgrounds in Greenlane.
The Right Karts Celebrity Kart Challenge happened early in the afternoon with Michael Pickens placing first after beating Simon Evans, the fastest woman on four wheels Jessi Combs, World Rally Championship driver Hayden Paddon, along with other racing stars including Ben Hunt, Emma Gilmour, Andrew Stroud and David Reynolds.
Following on from celebrity challenge race, V8 Supercar drivers Reynolds, Heimgartner, Dale Wood, Evans, along with Paddon and Pickens faced off against Cormac Pepper, a 7-year-old racing fanatic and Make a Wish Foundation’s special guest. Pepper looked delighted to have won the race against his idols.
Earlier in the day several racing celebrities contributed to the carnage that was the remote control car race which kept the crowd in fits of laughter, keeping the remote-control-marshals busy rescuing stranded vehicles.
Combs was the calm amongst the storm, sitting on the ledge of the stage, soaking up all of the fun activities the CRC Speedshow had in store for her, including the Women in Motorsport display powered by Century Batteries.
“My first day at the CRC Speedshow has been absolutely fantastic! They weren’t kidding when they told me New Zealander’s are passionate gear heads,” says Combs.
“The quality of cars here in New Zealand is very similar to what we have in the United States. I’m really impressed and can’t wait for tomorrow.”
This display saw the congregation of New Zealand’s finest women in motorsport. From rally drivers, to motorcross champions and everything in between, the public were able to meet and talk with these superstar women, all while admiring the vehicles they drive competitively.
Admiration was widespread with the unveiling of the LaFerrarri to the awaiting public this morning, a limited edition hybrid sportscar.
CRC Speedshow managing director Ross Prevette says, “Despite bad weather affecting the first set of outdoor activities, the rest day ran perfectly after the weather settled and we’ve had a lot of visitors through who are saying they all really enjoy the show. We’re looking forward to another successful day tomorrow.”
The show continues from 9am until 5pm tomorrow with tickets available at the gate.
More information about the 2015 CRC Speedshow can be found on the website; www.speedshow.co.nz
