Burt Munro Challenge event manager Claire Blau said there was an increase of about 10% in entries for events across the weekend this year.
The event drew more than 20,000 spectators in 2015 and similar numbers were expected ''although that may now be tempered by the earthquake''.
Some people had pulled out of the competition because they were stuck where they were, she said.
Others had simply modified their journey down the West Coast instead of the east.
New Zealand Beach Racing Championships event organiser Stephen Winteringham said the crowds of people kept alive what the organisers were trying to do with the ''iconic'' Burt Munro race.
The best feeling came when he had the chance to glance at the crowd on the beach and see those who had come out ''against the elements''.
''They are just as much a part of it as the riders, on the day.''
About 135 people were registered for Friday night's beach race, which will be preceded for the first time this year by children taking a spin along the beach on low-powered peewee motorcycles.
''They'll do a few short laps so they get the feel of what it is like to race out on the beach,'' Mr Winteringham said.
Motorcyclists heading south this week were yesterday advised by the NZ Transport Agency to take care on the roads as the summer road repair and resealing season was under way.
''We want everyone to get to this event safe and well and return home the same way,'' journey manager Lee Wright said.
Motorcyclists were advised to bear in mind the transport agency's summer repair and resealing season was under way so they may need to watch for loose chip and reduce speed accordingly.
There are eight different motorcycle events comprising the Burt Munro Challenge held over the weekend.
There was a super cross, rally, speedway spectacular and other street races.
British television personality Guy Martin, who has competed in 12 Isle of Man races, is also taking part in the four-day event.
He will race in the New Zealand Hill Climb Championship in Bluff today.
The Southland Motorcycle Club created the event in 2006 to honour Mr Munro and it is now one of New Zealand's major motorsport events.
The MetService forecasts the weather in Invercargill tomorrow will be overcast and windy with a high of 22degC.
