CRC Speedshow merges with Big Boys Toys

New Zealand’s largest automotive event, the CRC Speedshow, will no longer be a standalone celebration for car enthusiasts and is set to become the motorsport arm of the Big Boys Toys expo.

The two events have been a big deal for marques in New Zealand as a chance to show off their vehicle line-ups, take the wraps off new models and show off future technology.

The CRC Speedshow is usually held in July but will now form part of the annual Big Boys Toys in November after both Auckland-based expos were bought by motorsport enthusiast Shaun Varney. 

He says the amalgamation is strategic as well as practical, with many exhibitors and attendees forgoing one show for the other in recent years due to their similar offerings.

Varney, who has competed in motorsport for more than a decade, including the NZV8s and a number of GT championships, claims the new format will mean the 45,000 attendees across the two shows will get more for their dollar. 

“Big Boys Toys will now effectively be two shows for the price of one,” he says. “By bringing Speedshow into the format we’ll be able to offer punters, sponsors and exhibitors much better value for money. 

“In all likeliness we would have had to cancel or postpone a standalone Speedshow in July as a result of Covid-19, so we’re confident the new combined mid-November expo will provide the public an opportunity to enjoy an epic event after the various cancellations over winter.”

Varney, pictured below, has plans to make Big Boys Toys more diverse and inclusive and will reveal more details about the format and exhibitors over the coming months.

“Big Boys Toys and CRC Speedshow have amazed crowds of Kiwis for a combined 34-years but in a new social climate the time is right to shake things up with a bigger, better and more elevated offering,” he explains. “We’re looking to invest in fresh features to deliver a premium event that appeals to everyone, not just the blokes, and is fun for the whole family.” 

Big Boys Toys, which attracts more than 30,000 people, was previously owned by SMC Events and began in 1997 with the goal of providing close interaction between Kiwi males and their favourite brands.

The CRC Speedshow was created by Auckland race driver Keith Sharp and first ran in 2007. Prior to Varney’s acquisition it was owned by businessman Bruce Anderson.

The new look Big Boys Toys is due to be held at the ASB Showgrounds, Greenlane, Auckland, from November 13-15. Tickets go on sale from June 1. 

For more details, visit bigboystoys.co.nz.