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Celebrating all things Italian, the second edition of the George Begg Festival will return to Southland, promising to be a retro racing event like "the good old days".
Festival events manager Mira Tull said the event, running from tomorrow to Sunday, was not to be missed.
Not only would there be a star-studded lineup on the Teretonga Park track, there would also be an atmosphere of the 1960s and 1970s, she said.
"The first thing for us, of course, are the races, the cars and the drivers — but we also want to create a carnival-like atmosphere similar to the Goodwood Revival in the United Kingdom.
"We are hoping people can dress up and come together for a really, really enjoyable weekend."
The event was a tribute to Drummond race car builder George Begg, who built 18 cars, which took on some of the biggest names in motorsport.
It was also a celebration of classic cars and this year it would have an Italian focus.
"The New Zealand Ferrari Owners’ Club is bringing down some of its vehicles and the Alfa Romeo Owners Club is also bringing down around 25 vehicles.
"There will also be Fiat, Maseratis — and we will take some of the Italian bikes from the Classic Motorcycle Mecca for a demonstration. So plenty to see."
The event had a record number of entries — about 160 — and some star drivers, Ms Tull said.
They included four-time Bathurst 1000 champion Greg Murphy, two-time World Touring Car champion Paul Radisich, McLaren Racing’s first female driver Emma Gilmour, five-time New Zealand Trans-Am champion Kayne Scott, New Zealand’s most successful rally driver Hayden Paddon and five-time Bathurst 1000 champion Steven Richards, along with Jonny Reid, Brendon Leitch, Charlie O’Brien, Andrew Waite and Brett Riley.
"Where else would you see some of the biggest names in motorsport behind the wheel for two days of jam-packed action both on and off the track?"
Other highlights would include the Trends on the Track competition, which encourages people to dress up in retro gear, live music and the Show and Shine, where people could enter their classic, vintage or just "cool cars" in categories such as best Italian, best American, best British, best display vehicle and people’s choice.
"I think there’s 40 entries in the Show and Shine — and that’s awesome for the first time we are holding that," Ms Tull said.
She believed the Drummond Dash would be another event not to be missed.
"It is new this year and promises some great entertainment, with star drivers co-driving for fellow competitors. Bragging rights are on the line. "It’ll be really entertaining with mates against mates." More than 1500 people were expected over the three-day event and tickets were still available, she said.
"It’s racing like the good old days. So it’s really motorsport at its best — it’s a good time, good vibes, people having fun, sharing a laugh and stories.
"But obviously, some very, very good racing too."
