AUTOFEST
CAR INVASION AT MYSTERY CREEK
t says something about an event that it keeps growing, and, with more than 500 competitors taking part in 2017, the automotive community is definitely embracing AutoFest. The brainchild of long-time enthusiasts — yes, that’s a polite way of saying they’re old! — Alan and Pare Togia of Downtime Entertainment, Autofest set out to give the Waikato its own event with a relaxed family-driven atmosphere.
One common observation of events so far this year is that the car-club scene appears to be growing in strength; with 26 clubs registering for this event, it is clear to us here at NZPerformanceCar that people are firmly embracing the concept of working together, supporting each other through builds and a shared passion for cars, and then taking advantage of any day when a club can come together and be surrounded by like-minded peers. NZ Fijian Cars travelled in force and grabbed some more trophies from the Motul Indoor Zone, including Best Club, narrowly beating Tauranga Evolution, which brought in a nice mix of the diamond flavour, and Oldskool Rydz, with nearly 30 low-riders.
Outside in the BurgerFuel arena, it was the first major event for local crews Low Down Car Club, Waikato Modified Car Club, and Girls in Motorsport, while RNR Performance, Disruptive Car Club, Kustom Performance, and South Bound Car Club all travelled out of Auckland for the first time to join regulars Untamed Motorsport, Holden 8 Bangerz, CJC, Project, and Chosen Few, in what can only be described as a festive atmosphere.
Taking a look around at the individual premium entries inside, it was clear that pure show cars have become something of a rarity, with most packing major useable power that sees either the drag strip or racetrack. One notable exception to this was the low ’n’ slow cruising style of Dan Jones and his immaculate gold ’63 Bel Air, which was judged overall winner of the show. In second place was Jase Brown’s Frankenstein drift monster, which looks