All genres of cars, from a classic 1957 Chevrolet to the Holden VF Commodore and everything in between, gathered as part of this year’s Peter Brock Memorial Holden Cruise.
The convoy took part in an hour-long cruise from Dunedin to Evansdale, each driver donating $10. The total proceeds would go to K9 Medical Detection New Zealand.
Australian motor racing driver Peter Brock was killed during a race in Perth on September 8, 2006, and yesterday’s event was scheduled to commemorate the anniversary of his death.
Holden Enthusiasts Club of Otago president Dave Bouman said Brock’s death had come as a "big shock" for the Holden community.
"There was just shock throughout the motoring scene.
Brock was a "monumental person" who was never supposed to die, and yesterday’s event was a chance to celebrate his life and service to motorsport.
"Whatever he had, he would make it go as fast as he could — as fast as humanly possible — and do it with such grace and ease."
Mr Bouman recounted a scene where Brock was travelling as fast as his car could physically go, talking away over the intercom with his arm out the window.
"We’re talking 200kmh-plus, and he’s just so relaxed.
"He was such an epic performer . . . his following was just humongous in Australia, and he had quite a following here."
There had been "quite a fizz" about this year’s cruise and the weather had blessed drivers with a day for "a decent cruise in the sun", Mr Bouman said.
Holden Enthusiasts Club of Otago treasurer Steve Toomey brought his "fully restored"1978 Holden GTS Monaro to the event.
He bought it already restored about five years ago, which had "thousands and thousands and thousands of dollars" spent on it.
Brock was a "legend" and "The King of the Mountain" (Mount Panorama) and he was pleased to see so many people — and vehicles — out supporting a good cause.
