Ever dreamed of taking your work rig to the race track? Now you can!
Big rigs will take to the track at Manfield Park on September 2 as part of a Father’s Day extravaganza that will provide some much needed diesel fumes to Motorsport Manawatu’s winter motor racing series finale – a big event in its own right that promises to be a great family day out.
A truck show ‘n’ shine and transport industry expo has been added to the weekend’s racing, already billed as the largest club racing series in the southern hemisphere, with up to 110 cars competing. While truckies will be providing charity rides in place of hot laps, owner-drivers and company vehicles alike are being welcomed.
The concept for adding trucks and transport into the racing mix came from Richie Arber, manager of TR Group’s Palmerston North operation.
“I was having a chat to Julian Hardy, general manager of Motorsport Manawatu,” says Arber. “I was enquiring about arranging a corporate day at a race meeting as a thank you to TR’s clients and suppliers.
“From there the idea just snowballed, getting wound up like hot diesel stretching its legs. As a result Manfeild Stadium will host a major industry expo, featuring new trucks, new trailers, and basically everything you can imagine that has a tie-in with the transport industry.”
“There will also be a display of Harley Davidson bikes because “a lot of guys who drive trucks also ride Harleys, or want to,” says Arber.
“Entries are still rolling in and while the final count-up won’t be possible until the day itself, we anticipate seeing up to 100 trucks, rigid trucks and tractor units, representing almost all the major brands.
“Most of these trucks are out on the road earning a living, so it’s a great opportunity to get to see them up close. Of course, they’ll all be venturing out onto the track, so it’s a chance to get to sit in them and take a ride.”
They’ll be kept to a modest speed limit but just the opportunity to be out there was enough for them. I had heaps of guys saying they weren’t sure if they could be there until I told them about that part – then they said ‘count me in!'”
Money will be raised through gold coin donations for the rides, which is going back to Motorsport Manawatu to purchase new safety equipment for their volunteer track marshals.
Manfeild Park chief executive Heather Verry has welcomed the expo, saying it adds an exciting and novel adjunct to a popular motorsport meeting.
“This is yet another facility user who has immediately seen the potential offered by our stadium as the perfect venue for a vehicle and trade show.
“That we can can quite comfortably accommodate a truck show in conjunction with a race meeting provides just another great example of what a fantastically-sized and versatile venue it is,” says Verry.
Entry to the race meeting and show and shine and expo is $10, although those under 17 get in free. The admission price includes a programme and a free hotdog or punnet of chips.
