Car show attracts 83 entries in ‘awesome day’

Tony Latta, of Oamaru, shows off his 1974 HQ Holden ute at the North Otago A&P Car Show yesterday...
Tony Latta, of Oamaru, shows off his 1974 HQ Holden ute at the North Otago A&P Car Show yesterday. The drag racing car is powered by a 555cubicinch (9-litre) 1600hp engine. PHOTO: JULES CHIN
A sparkling sea of gleaming cars were on display at the North Otago A&P Car Show yesterday.

The sun shone for the event at the North Otago A&P Showgrounds, which attracted 83 entries in vintage, hot rod, classic, motorbike and other vehicle categories.

Show president Andy Kingan said organisers were "very happy" with the day.

"It’s been an awesome day. We had a very good turnout through the gates."

Although car entry numbers were down from last year, about 500 people attended.

Co-organiser Mark Lawrence said for the first time this year a racing truck and a drag racing car had been entered.

Tony Latta, of Oamaru, who entered his 1974 HQ Holden Ute drag racing car, said the camaraderie among the racing community and car enthusiasts was "pretty bloody awesome".

"It attracts people from all walks of life and we all have one thing in common — the love of cars."

His car was in the racing class Supercharged Outlaws.

He had participated in the Wild Bunch for the past five years.

The Wild Bunch is a drag racing event in New Zealand that takes place at the NAPA Auto Parts Dragway in Meremere in the North Island.

The supercharged and injected car ran on methanol and could reach speeds of 273kmh.

Mr Kingan said proceeds from the show would go towards a defibrillator for the showgrounds and to Riding for the Disabled.