RIDING ON AIR

2019 SOUTH ISLAND MINITRUCKIN MINITRUCK AND AIRBAG SHOW

There is no denying that the import scene is huge in Christchurch. The city has two diverse groups: the boy racers, who prefer to spend their weekends at the end of a cul-de-sac in a deserted industrial estate causing havoc, and then there are those that spend a lot of time and money on their whips and take pride in them — the true enthusiasts. It was a group of seven mates from the latter group, who are all about promoting the minitruck scene in the south, who got together to form South Island Minitruckin, a group to be based on organizing family-friendly events. The group is big on showing the sport in a good light, which led to it holding its first get-together on 16 February: the Minitruck and Airbag Show. Held at The Groynes, on the outskirts of Christchurch, it really was an unknown venture and was held to gauge the interest of other

like-minded enthusiasts — the team was not disappointed with the turnout. With 57 vehicles filling the grounds, there was quite a mixture, from Toyotas and Mazdas to a couple of American pickups and rat rods. As each vehicle entered the grounds, it passed under a limbo bar, which was dropped to measure the truck to find the lowest ride.

The chilled-out vibes meant that you just found a spot to park up and enjoy the day. Mother Nature was supposed to turn on the rain, which was badly needed in Canterbury, but this didn’t eventuate. Under overcast skies, people simply mingled, checking out the utes and catching up with mates. To prove just how popular the scene is in the south, the event attracted trucks from as far away as Nelson and Invercargill, as well as Timaru.

A colouring-in competition was held for the kids for which they could win a prize. Judging also took place throughout the day to pick the winners for the 10 awards up for grabs — kindly sponsored by Airride NZ. A free barbecue was also put on by the team, which was a great touch. Around 1pm, prize-giving took place, with trophies being handed out along with some added prizes.

For a first-time event, the team did a great job and had an awesome turnout. After the success of the show, plans are to find a bigger venue, as the team intends to make this an annual event, as well as host a few truck runs throughout the year. You can check out the happenings on its Facebook page, South Island Minitruckin.

One of the big winners on the day was Lewis Inwood’s XLX twin- cab Ford Courier. From the plate — ‘ ROTA8U’ — it’s not hard to guess what powers this ride: a very wild– sounding 13B rotary. Lewis took out best fabrication, and everyone’s favourite, People’s Choice

Bagged, with a monster notch and custom bridge complete with four- link, Chris Dignan’s ’ 86 Hilux, powered by a 1UZ- FE, features suicide doors; four- wheel- drive guards and tray; a Surf bumper, aftermarket tail- lights; and shaved tray rails, door handles, and fuel filler

A late arrival was this ’ 82 Datsun Roadster ute. Once seen every day on our roads, they have become quite a rare sight. It’s now a rolling business card for the owner’s hydro- dipping business, with his handiwork seen throughout the engine bay and on the 13- inch mods

As each vehicle entered the grounds, a limbo pole greeted it to find the lowest ride

Will Dickinson’s 1UZ- FE ’ 93 Hilux has been body- dropped and runs a CAD- designed chassis, four- link, drop spindles, accuair, and 20- inch Rotiforms. The body is heavily modified with shaved everything!