Race stars and new cars among Speedshow attraction

The Expo Group

Media statement

20 July 2010

Race stars and new cars among this weekend’s Speedshow attractions

Race champions, numerous new-to-New Zealand cars and motorbikes, and many other automotive delights feature at this weekend’s automotive and motorsport expo, Speedshow.

The fourth annual Speedshow opens at 9am on Saturday 24 July at Auckland’s ASB Showgrounds with top racing drivers and riders from speedway, New Zealand V8s and motocross – as well as other categories – appearing at the popular show.

Several brand-new cars and motorcycles are being unveiled or on show for Kiwi fans for the first time at this year’s Speedshow.

“Peugeot’s stunning new RCZ coupe is being revealed by Auckland Mayor, the Hon. John Banks on Saturday morning,” says Speedshow organiser Keith Sharp.

“Then the Mayor helps two-time New Zealand V8 champion John McIntyre unveil his new-look V8 Ford racing car, before Gareth and Jo Morgan launch their book about their latest motorcycling adventure called ‘Up The Andes’,” says Sharp.

“We’re delighted to be able to feature some very special cars like the super luxurious, super powerful Bentley Mulsanne grand tourer. Powered by a remarkable 6.75-litre V8 – which produces 505 bhp and 1020 Nm of torque – this amazing vehicle was recently shown to Bentley customers at Independent Prestige and has stayed here especially for Speedshow before returning to Europe.”

Also of note are new models from Victory – the Cross Country and the Cross Roads. Both touring motorcycles are powered by a 1731 cc, fuel-injected 92 hp V-twin engine, with the Cross Roads boasting slightly more load capacity than the already-capable Cross Country. Victory Motorcycles put on a fantastic looking display at Speedshow ’09 and this year will be highlighting their new Auckland dealership, Team Motor Group in Newmarket.

Taking a different motorcycling direction is Kawasaki’s latest 250cc four-stroke race bike, the KX250F.

“The 2011 model arrives in New Zealand in early September and motocross fans will be keen to see the latest version of the highly successful, distinctively green KX250F which has won world and national championships including this year’s NZ Supercross title,” says Kawasaki New Zealand’s Wayne List. “The introduction of the new 2011 model brings new technology and the promise of even more victories. We’ll also be showing Kawasaki ’s new Z1000 and the legendary Ninja range as well as other road and off-road models.”

Bike fans can also meet New Zealand enduro motocross star Chris Birch on the Leatt neck braces stand. The highly-regarded, Red Bull-backed five-time New Zealand enduro champion returned from Costa Rica where he’s been tutoring riders in the challenging enduro motocross discipline just a few days before Speedshow. This year, Birch won the Red Bull Romaniacs – the world’s toughest extreme enduro run in Romania’s Carpathian Mountains – for the first time in his career, enhancing his international profile even further.

Leatt – one of Birch’s sponsors – produces neck braces for competitors racing motorbikes, ATVs, PWCs, BMX, karts, rally and off-road cars and trucks, circuit race cars, dragsters and powerboats.

“Leatt is just one of many motorsport equipment specialists at Speedshow this year,” adds Sharp. “If you’re looking for specialist equipment, check out the exhibitor listing on www.speedshow.co.nz to see who’s at the show – don’t forget most exhibitors offer fantastic Speedshow-only deals, so you’ve got to be at the show to get those excellent offers.”

Other new car marques exhibiting at Speedshow in 2010 include Ford, Mazda, Kia, Suzuki, Nissan, HSV, Chrysler and Jeep, while the motorcycle marques represented include Ducati, Aprilia, BMW, Royal Enfield, Suzuki and Triumph which shows a limited edition bike, the 2010 Daytona 675SE.

For drifting fans, D1NZ’s Brendon White has lined up the country’s top six competitors to be at Speedshow: Gaz Whiter, Jason Sellers, Mad Mike Whiddett, Daynom Templeman, Fanga Dan and Andrew Redward.
 
“Templeman, Sellers and Redward all have new cars to show off, while Whitten’s link-up with TengTools will see a lucky Speedshow visitor win one of two fantastic prizes,” says Sharp. “TengTools has prize draws for a radio-controlled replica of Mad Mike’s Mad Bul Racing RX7, worth over a $1,000, and a 715-piece TengTools Mega Master Tool Kit worth $4999.

“TengTools is just one of many exhibitors offering Speedshow visitors the chance to win some fantastic prizes – these prize draws add to an already fantastic show which includes indoor and outdoor activities, the Ezybuy lounge and Ezybuy live action arena, alongside literally millions of dollars worth of classic, new and high performance cars and bikes. The 2010 edition of Speedshow is going to be awesome, so be there!”

Speedshow is open from 9am to 6pm on Saturday 24 July and 9am to 5pm on Sunday 25 July. Tickets are available at the gate. See www.speedshow.co.nz for full details in the visitor section.

ENDS/

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