Bay of Plenty:

June 20-22: Bay Rodders’ Winter Blast 2014

Hot rod enthusiasts from around the central North Island will descend on Tauranga this weekend for Bay Rodders’ annual ‘Winter Blast’ weekend, featuring a mystery run and dinner on Saturday and a display and swap meet on Sunday at the Spring St carpark building from 9am-2pm.

The display will cover muscle cars, hot rods and race cars to street cars and motorcycles.

Entry $5 per adult, $12 per family. For details, call Dean Andersen 0274 992 947 or visit www.bayrodders.co.nz

June 28: Battle of the Clubs:

Taupo Motorcycle Club

Top motocross riders from around the country will descend on Taupo to represent their club – including two teams from Tauranga Motorcycle Club – in the annual ‘Battle of the Club’s contest for club bragging rights. Details: www.taupomcc.co.nz
June 29: Tarmac Bent Sprint: Rotorua Car Club

Drivers can put their skills to the test on the 3.6km bent sprint course at Apirana Rd, Horohoro.

Entry is open on the day, with documentation from 8.30-9.30am.

For details call Lorraine Williams on 021 251 3454 or email rotoruacarclub@gmail.com
July 6: Autocross and Motorkhana: Baypark

The perfect opportunity to test your driving skills is being held at ASB Baypark’s pits on July 6, with Motorsport Bay of Plenty’s Motorkhana and Autocross series. The day-long event offers newcomers to motorsport a chance to try the events out with the use of Ford Laser supplied by Te Puke Partsworld ($10 fee). For details call Linda Loughlin 07 578 0479 or visit www.mbop.org.nz

Beyond the Bay:

June 28: Rallying action: Wairarapa

The challenging gravel roads around Wairarapa will host the 40th annual Rally Wairarapa with drivers in the New Zealand Rally Championship – including Tauranga’s Phil Campbell and Dave Holder – contesting the fourth round of the series. It will also host the second round of the Rally Extreme Series, where Tauranga’s Wayne Pittams will be wanting to make up for a poor start.

June 28: Winter Drag Wars: Meremere Dragway

If you can’t wait until Labour Weekend for the return of the sights and sounds of dragsters and burning rubber, then Meremere’s Winter Drag Wars could be just what you need. This fun event is open to street legal cars (WOF and vehicle registration needed) and motorbikes. For details, visit: www.framautolitedragway.co.nz