MotorSport NZ celebration

MotorSport New Zealand is celebrating its 70 year anniversary this October.    While an event is planned to mark the 75 year anniversary, president of MotorSport NZ, Wayne Christie says that the 70 year mark is still very significant. "For many of us, what started out as a fun way to enjoy some high speed thrills in our car in a safe and responsible way, has evolved into an activity that has given a shared enjoyment in a job well done, friendships for life and, in many cases, a sense of commitment to leaving the sport in good shape for future generations to ensure they can also participate in competitive motor sports the length and breadth of New Zealand," he says.  The association was founded on October 18, 1947 at a meeting in Wellington and was originally known as The Association of New Zealand Car Clubs. Initially there were seven regional car clubs represented. Since then, the society has changed its name and has a membership of 100 car clubs. It also focusses on all aspects of competitive circuit racing and rallying and national and club levels.  "Consider the thousands upon thousands of hours devoted by competitors, crews, event organisers, marshals, officials, photographers and reporters – the great majority of them volunteers – across those 70 years to allow participation in and enjoyment of motorsport as a leisure and sporting activity," says Christie.