It is often forgotten the contribution New Zealand has made to World motor sport but this is being rectified at the Vector Arena in Auckland on November 25 when it holds “The Legends of Speed” exhibition that is presented by the Giltrap Group.
The guest of honour at this event will be New Zealander Scott Dixon who has not only won the Indianapolis 500 but has won the Indycar Championship four times.
Perhaps New Zealand’s best known driver and later, constructor, was Bruce McLaren but it was fellow-countryman Denny Hulme who was to become New Zealand’s first Formula 1 Champion back in 1959. Then there was Chris Amon, Howden Ganley and Mike Thackwell who all raced in Formula 1.
However, as we have seen, there is now a new breed of New Zealand stars in various forms of motor sport and amongst those of them attending the Gala are World Rally Championship competitors, and winners of the Argentine Rally, Hayden Paddon and John Kennard, Le Mans winner this year in a Porsche, Eric Bamber and World Endurance Champion and Porsche factory team member Brendon Hartley.
This is a black-tie event sponsored by the Giltrap Group where proceeds will be used to fund the New Zealand Motorsports Academy and support the move to get the World Rally Championship back on to the New Zealand calendar.
Also at the Gala will be a display of supercars and racing cars from various New Zealand collections.
So, if you are European, and planning to be in Auckland in a months time mark it down in your diary or read more about it on the website: www.legendsofspeed.co.nz.