Car rally cruising into Franklin
Mike Loosemore is passionate about vintage Austin cars, and loves to showcase the Franklin area.
So he put his hand up to combine the two when it came to organising the Vintage Austin Register’s national rally, which will see around 40 pre-war Austins from across the country, venturing around Franklin roads.
Loosemore said it would be the first time visiting the area for most of the members.
‘‘It was me that said we should hit Franklin, and that’s what we’ve done. I love the area - I’ve lived here since 1979. It’s a great place to be. There are lots of roads that aren’t motorways and that aren’t busy, which are absolutely ideal for these cars.
‘‘I think everyone will enjoy it, it’s more of what these cars were designed to do.’’
The three-day event begins on Friday at the Ramarama Country Inn. On Saturday the tour will kick off, with the cars making a pit stop at Pokeno School, before travelling south to Tauranganui Marae. On Sunday the rally will head to Auckland Gliding Club, where they will check out the Tiger Moth planes, then cruise to Ardmore Airport before heading to the Steam and Vintage Country Festival at Glenbrook for visitors to check out the Austins.
Loosemore, who has eight Austins himself, said he was looking forward to reuniting with old friends, showing off the Franklin area, and seeing the cars.
‘‘The big highlight will be the visit to the marae, which is something I don’t think has ever been done (by the group). A lot of people are looking forward to that.
‘‘I’ll also be looking forward to seeing the cars that I haven’t seen before, and then the people, catching up with the people.’’
It will be an extra special event for Loosemore, since his grandson Kaelan Paranihi will be riding shotgun.
‘‘He likes going in the car, par- ticularly in the Austin 7s. He’s also developed an interest in being involved with the people. He’s the youngest in the club.’’
The Steam and Vintage Country Festival will be held this weekend at Glenbrook and will feature a line-up of vintage machines and family entertainment.