GOONIES PARADISE
WHAT GOES ON TOUR, STAYS ON TOUR — ESPECIALLY IF THAT TOUR’S TO RANGIORA’S MUSCLE CAR MADNESS
Once again, the popular Canterbury event Muscle Car Madness (MCM) has proven to be a great success, attracting record numbers this year. Due to its popularity, the gates remained closed until 6pm on Wednesday, when they were thrown open to allow all campers the same chance of scoring a great spot for the weekend. Even before the clock had reached 10am, cars and caravans were lining Ashley Street outside the Rangiora Showgrounds, hoping to secure the best spots once the gates were flung open. Come 6pm, what could best be described as a scene out of Wacky Races ensued as people abandoned their cars in favour of running in to fence off their chosen area. Considering the chaos, everyone played nice and room was found for all. Unfortunately for some, a fastmoving southerly came through just as they were setting their tents up, causing a few problems and damaging some tents, but most survived and the front passed quickly enough. Thursday is usually fairly quiet and laid-back, with people taking time to set up and bring in supplies — and by supplies, we mean beer and plenty of it. It’s also a good time to catch up with those you may not have seen since last year’s event. Stall
holders are in full swing getting organized, and the place is a hive of activity with everyone getting ready for a big few days. Friday was darned warm (a sign of things to come over the course of the weekend — by Sunday, the mercury was reaching over 30°C). A large contingent of vehicles gathered at the back gate for the cruise out to Ashley Gorge. With it being only 35km to the destination, many took the opportunity to join the cruise through some beautiful countryside. Once parked up, entrants received their lunch from one of the organizers and others wandered around the cars for a closer look. People then made their way back to town at their own pace. The evening was chilled, with some cruising the grounds while others downed a few golden ales. Saturday is the big day at MCM, and no one could be disappointed by the turnout. The oval where the main car display takes place was full very early, and, by 11am, there was no room left, so cars were directed elsewhere to park. With so much going on, it can be hard to figure out where to start, especially if you have never been to the event before. Live music played all day, and some people chose to pull up a hay bale and just enjoy the sounds. Others preferred to wander the aisles of cars before the heat of the day got too much. There was plenty for the kids to do, and a huge array of stalls at which to spend your money. Those who enjoy the sights and smells of burnouts would have got a thrill when these got under way at midday; there was a very strong field — largely due to the number of North Island cars that were visiting, having attended the
New Zealand Burnout Championships (NZBC) SmokeFest the previous weekend at Ruapuna Speedway. The burnouts also attracted some of the best that the South Island has to offer. Unfortunately, the wind decided to desert us, making it challenging at times to see anything but smoke. Not keen on getting covered in smoke? No problem. There is always plenty to see and do for all members of the family at MCM. This year the retro ladies put on a great show once again, and Pegasus Bay Drag Racing Club had a fantastic display of all things fast, with many North Island drag cars showing up as well — the guys were here to compete in round two of the IHRA National Series and the new Outlaw 71 series. Sunday’s forecast was for hot weather again, and it wasn’t wrong. The programme was similar to that of the previous day, with a huge car display and the finals of the burnouts. This event really is petrolhead heaven, and is a must-do for anyone with an interest in anything automotive. With next year being the event’s 30th anniversary, things are well under way to secure some great entertainment from the US and Australia as well as several cars from the US. Bookings for camping are open now, so you’d better be quick, as availability will not last long. Regardless of whether you chose to camp for the weekend, do not miss this one, as it will be epic.
RANGIORA RIDES
As busy as MCM is with the car show, burnouts, the retro girl comp, and the market stalls, an area that is very popular and not usually seen by the public, except from afar, is the camping and cruising area. This large area fills up very quickly midweek, and has been getting more popular by the year. A huge part of the appeal is the cruising; this goes on during the day but it’s at night that this pastime really comes alive. In addition to the usual run-of-the-mill street machines and muscle cars doing the circuit of the showgrounds, another type of vehicle has become the norm, with wild creations showing up, year after year, to amuse the camping crowds. From rust buckets to rat rods, motorized chilly bins to petrol-powered picnic tables, it’s all there. This year saw an entry all the way from Auckland. Nicknamed ‘The Tranny’, it is owned in partnership by Ken and Cam and based on an HZ Holden body that was well past its best-before date. Ken and Cam, along with a few mates, mated the shell to a Land Rover Discovery chassis complete with 3.5-litre V8 and manual box. It was seen prowling the grounds on a regular basis this year, looking for eager campers keen for a ride. Another very cool creation was from the stable of Ben Johnson and Rainy Stevens, who are regulars at MCM. Their past rides have included the fruit truck, the taxi, and last year’s awesome ride, the Munster coach, complete with costumes. It was hard to know exactly how they would top that, but they did — with a ‘Goonbusters’ wagon based on the movie Ghostbusters. The wagon was a 1957 Plymouth Suburban, painted white, with custom logos on the doors. Again, the gang went to great lengths to wear the appropriate costumes, which were a real winner. Being one of the only experiences of its type in the country, this is one part of MCM that you really do need to see to believe.