Manfeild hot rod show benefits Canteen

CIRCUIT cruising is a can-do component of an annual cool car culture captivator at Manfeild that will this year benefit Canteen.

Organisers of Saturday’s (August 4) swap meet and hot rod display and track ride experience operated by the Palmerston North Hot Rod Club are delighted this year’s event will benefit the local branch of an organisation providing life-saving support for young New Zealanders impacted by cancer.

Hundreds of vehicles drawn from throughout the country are set to be shown off at the Feilding venue for an event that, in addition to being the country’s oldest continual swap meet, is also a superb car show that, with the midday circuit cruise, also provides attendees with a bums-on-seats experience of classic and modified horsepower for the price of a gold coin donation.

All funds raised from the easy-going lap of Circuit Chris Amon goes back into local Canteen activity supporting young people aged 13-24 as they come to grips with the emotional and practical toll of cancer.

Karen Woodfield, a Canteen youth support co-ordinator in Palmerston North, says her organisation is delighted to be a recipient of the show’s fund-raising ambition.

“We’re a not-for-profit so we don’t get Government funding. To have a group come along to share their passion and link it to a charity supporting youth is just awesome.

“Kids love cars but it’s more than this … we offer life-changing support and these guys are investing in that. We think that’s huge.”

Adds Tim Clarges, a member of the show organising committee: “Canteen does a fantastic job raising awareness and we are delighted to be able to do something to help the younger age group.

“We are trying to get young people involved in our sport and chucking them into the passenger seat and taking them for ride around Manfeild certainly seems to put a smile on their faces.

“Manfeild is a great location for our show and the ability to use the track for an opportunity to show off the cars while still being safe and enjoyable for everyone is brilliant.”

Manfeild chief executive Julie Keane says the hot rod show is a much-treasured annual showcase.

The level of general public interest in the heavy metal is always huge; it has gone from being a hobbyist occasion to a day that is a big draw to people who might not be deep into the hot-rodding world but just love cars.

Manfeild has been acknowledged as being a fantastic display space; cars not only take up some of the stadium but also display on the adjacent outdoor equestrian warm-up areas.

The track cruise occurs through association with the Manawatu Car Club, which stages its third round of the Feilding Auto Electrical Winter Series racing competition at the track on Sunday.

There is pedestrian access only via the venue’s main, South St entrance. Those driving in need to use the Kawakawa Rd gate entry point.

As always, some patience might be required. While there will always be a core of keen swappers at the gate for opening time those who want to come for the atmosphere and to see the cars might like to time their arrival to avoid the peak traffic flow, Mrs Keane suggests.

There's a $10 adult entry fee (kids under 15 are free admission); cash only as there is no Eftpos at the show. Pets are not allowed.

Caption: Canteen youth support co-ordinator Karen Woodfield admires a 1951 Plymouth Business Coupe with its owner, Palmerston North Hot Rod Club member and swap meet organising committee member Tim Clarges.

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